The Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s website, jtafla.com, says the Downtown/Riverside trolley is fare-free through Oct. 31.
According to a JTA representative at Wednesday’s Downtown Vision Inc. quarterly operations meeting, the free rides might be offered past the end of this month.
“At this point, we don’t have an ending date,” said JTA spokesman Mike Miller.
The promotion, which began Sept. 1, includes free rides between Downtown and Riverside/Five Points, plus discounts at restaurants and retailers along the trolley route.
When riders board the trolley, they are given a sticker that entitles them to the discounts. Participating merchants display window decals at their businesses, making it easy for riders to find the deals, Miller said.
“We’ve had a very positive response from the merchants in the program,” he said.
On the Downtown side of the route, 29 restaurants and retailers at the Landing are participating, plus Burrito Gallery and the “On the Fly” food truck. In Riverside, discounts are offered at 17 locations, including The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, which offers 40 percent off regular admission.
Miller also said that ridership on the Skyway has increased by about 30 percent since that service was made fare-free in January. JTA plans to continue to offer free Skyway rides through September, he said.
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