by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Rome wasn’t built in a day.
The master plan of JTA Executive Director Michael Blaylock won’t be realized in a day, either, but he will have six additional years to pursue what he calls a “paradigm shift” in the way transit is done in Jacksonville.
“I’m both humbled and excited,” he said about receiving the contract extension. “It means we’ll able to finish what we started.”
Commuter rail, a Bus Rapid Transit system, a regional transit system, a replaced Mathews Bridge, street cars replacing the trolley system and even improved water travel throughout North and Central Florida are all high on Blaylock’s agenda.
“The old way of planning travel was based on population density in areas,” he said. “Now and all over it’s being changed to a market driven system. It’s all about people wanting to go and having options when they go.”
More so than just the regional landscape, Blaylock has been trying to change the culture of JTA since his arrival by getting his employees more involved and keeping tabs on customer service by means of a secret shopper program.
“From the bottom to the top,” said Blaylock, “I wanted to modify behavior and bring a better sense of execution and delivery to the people.”
Even at a young age, Blaylock stressed both qualities. The Jacksonville native has been involved with civic aspects all his life and being a leader, he said, allows him to demonstrate both qualities.
His early career is littered with community involvement and work in Northwest Jacksonville’s grocery business as well as numerous internships with the City including director of the children’s summer lunch program.
“I love this city,” he said. “I’m not the only one though ... all over town you see natives and people who actually care and are trying to make a difference. I think it’s great.”
With rising fuel prices, creating newer and more efficient ways of travel is something Blaylock is striving for and his goal is to leave a blueprint for future generations to follow when his contract runs out in 2014.
“It’ll be about how we need to build out Northeast Florida,” he said. “We have a unique opportunity here because we haven’t built out yet ... it’s important we do it right and that’s what I am going to do.”
He’s given some thought to what he wants to do post-JTA but he knows when he’s done, he’ll have accomplished much.
“When I’m done I’ll be dog tired and my hair might be snow white, but it’ll be worth it,” said Blaylock. “After this, I might do some consulting, but I really want to do more mentoring with children. I’d like to do more now if I could.”
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