Jacksonville, Florida, is historically known for being very car-dependent, but in 2026, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has made significant strides in "Better-Connected" service. The system's backbone consists of Fixed-Route Buses and the "First Coast Flyer" (a Bus Rapid Transit system) which offers higher frequency and dedicated lanes. For short-distance hops in the downtown area, the automated "Skyway" monorail is free, though its reach is limited. A major highlight in 2026 is the Fare Modification Pilot Program, which has dropped the base bus fare to just $1.00, making it one of the most affordable systems in the U.S. However, because Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States, "good" is relative. While the "ReadiRide" curb-to-curb service and the St. Johns River Ferry are great for specific areas, if you are traveling between distant suburbs, wait times can still be long and a car remains the more efficient choice. For tourists staying in the urban core or the Beaches area, the combination of bus, ferry, and the "Beach Buggy" app provides a decent, budget-friendly experience.