Fla.'s Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) board of directors approved a contract with Pond/Michael Baker to perform design services for the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center (JRTC).

The JRTC will be a multimodal hub, located in Downtown Jacksonville that will integrate key local, regional and intercity service in one location. The key benefits include improved connectivity between modes, such as local bus; First Coast Flyer Bus Rapid Transit; Skyway; Greyhound and potential future commuter rail service.

“Many of the world’s great cities have bustling transit stations through which trains, buses, taxis, pedestrians and bicycles all come together in an urban center,” said JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. “We are excited to see the economic development that will result from having a robust transportation center in the heart of Lavilla.”

A design competition was held between the top three architects. To share the conceptual designs and obtain public input, a showcase was held with more than 50 stakeholders in attendance.

“The JRTC will help to make Jacksonville more livable, economically competitive, and environmentally sustainable and friendly,” said JTA Chairman Scott L. McCaleb. “It has the potential to be an iconic gateway facility and bring renewed energy and revitalization to downtown.”

Construction will begin in January 2017 on the Greyhound bus facility. The entire project is expected to be completed by September 2019.