Since 1982, Nassau County Council on Aging (NCCOA) has served as the Community Transit Coordinator (CTC) for Nassau County. This designation means that NassauTRANSIT, a division of NCCOA, has served as the public transportation provider for county residents of all ages.
Escalating operational costs and increasing fuel prices, coupled with a rapidly growing county population, has made it difficult for NassauTRANSIT to make ends meet without detracting from critical senior services core to NCCOA’s mission. As it looks over the horizon, it does not see this situation improving.
Consequently, as of Oct. 1, 2024, NCCOA will step down from its role as CTC and no longer be responsible for public transportation in Nassau County. It is projected that a new CTC will be named by Oct. 1, 2024, to provide countywide transportation.
“NassauTRANSIT has fulfilled a substantial role as the public transportation provider in Nassau County since the early 80s,” said Janice Ancrum, NCCOA president and CEO. “With higher costs across the board, we must continue to be focused on vital senior-driven needs, such as nutrition, home health and senior center-based activities.”
“Transportation is a challenging business,” Ancrum continued. “With a year’s notice, we anticipate that a public transportation solution will be delivered to county residents. Of course, we will continue to work with city, county and state transportation leadership to ensure a smooth transition to a new provider.”
Frequently asked questions and answers are included below. For the latest news and information, visit www.nassautransit.org or www.nassaucountycoa.org. If you have additional questions, contact Ancrum or transportation director Jules Cherney at 904-261-0701.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: I am a Nassau County resident and a senior. How does this affect me?
A: From now until Oct. 1, 2024, the service you receive from NassauTRANSIT should remain the same. It is planned that after this date, the new CTC will provide transportation needed by seniors aged 60 and over, such as for medical appointments, dialysis sessions, grocery shopping and trips to and from our Senior Life Centers in Fernandina Beach and Hilliard.
Q: I am a Nassau County resident, but not a senior. How does this affect me?
A: From now until Oct. 1, 2024, NassauTRANSIT service offerings should remain the same. However, after this date, the new CTC will be responsible for all scheduled and unscheduled trips throughout Nassau County.
Q: Why is transportation service changing in Nassau County?
A: Nassau County has experienced explosive growth over the years, which continues to drive the need for more infrastructure, time and resources. NCCOA is focused on seniors, and we believe the time is right to make this change. In addition, the results of the 2020 U.S. Census led the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) to reclassify the central part of Nassau County from “Rural” to “Small Urban.” The change means that rides in this part of the county will be funded through a different section of federal grants, resulting in more complex administrative operations.
Q: What is the transportation role of the city of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County?
A: Both city and county officials have been notified of our decision, and can now begin the process of selecting a new CTC, with assistance from the state transportation commission. Most public transportation systems are provided by local municipalities or independent state entities, not local nonprofit agencies. Transportation updates will be public record.
Q: What will happen to NassauTRANSIT, as of Oct. 1, 2024?
A: The new CTC, not yet named, will assume all public transportation duties. It is unclear if it will operate under the banner name NassauTRANSIT or not.
Q: What will happen to NassauTRANSIT staff?
A: NassauTRANSIT staff, employed by NCCOA, will hopefully continue in their roles through Sept. 30, 2024. This includes eight office staff and 21 bus operators. We will recommend that the new CTC consider hiring our experienced staff to provide a seamless transition.
Q: What will happen to NassauTRANSIT’s office and fleet?
A: We will continue to occupy our office on 102 N. 13th St. in Fernandina Beach and operate our fleet of 23 buses, through Sept. 30, 2024. After that date, NassauTRANSIT’s physical location will return to county ownership. Most of our fleet vehicles are owned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and will be returned to the state after our CTC role ends.
Q: How do we stay up to date on public transportation in Nassau County?
A: The best way to stay connected is through local media. You may also keep in touch via our websites: NCCOA (www.nassaucountycoa.org) and NassauTRANSIT (www.nassautransit.org). In addition, NCCOA President and CEO Ancrum can be reached at 904-261-0701.