Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) interim chief executive Cleveland Ferguson III addressed the board Wednesday, accepting full responsibility for the agency’s $39 million budget shortfall that has developed since December 2012. Ferguson said the “buck stopped with the CEO” and that his tenure, which began on Aug. 27, 2026, would be dedicated to putting the transit system on a firmer financial footing.
Past decisions and leadership turnover
Ferguson highlighted two major contributors to the crisis. First, a rushed rollout of the autonomous‑vehicle program NAVI and an effort to extend the Downtown Skyway beyond its practical lifespan ran counter to senior executives’ recommendations. Second, the agency suffered a revolving door in its finance department – three chief financial officers in three years – which hampered consistent budgeting and reporting.
“We were entering our third CEO in as many years and as many controllers in as many years,” Ferguson said, noting that the instability made it difficult to establish a clear picture of JTA’s finances.
Operational cuts and financing measures
To address the deficit, the board voted unanimously to pause both the Skyway and NAVI services as part of an austerity plan. The agency has already cut nearly $24.9 million in contracts, reduced bus routes, and announced 200 layoffs in September. An interest‑free $30 million loan, drawn from local‑option gas‑tax revenue, will help pay down a line of credit used to cover debts.
JTA’s 2027 budget now stands at $139.3 million after these reductions. The agency also expects a shortfall in service and labor costs, as well as lower than budgeted revenue from the local‑option gas‑tax non‑transportation fund and from federal, state, and local grants.
Leadership accountability and future focus
Ferguson announced he is withdrawing from consideration for the permanent CEO role so he can concentrate on “rightsizing” the agency. He intends to remain in the interim position until a new CEO is appointed.
Board member Daniel Vallencourt recently called for the resignation of Ferguson and two senior executives who served under former CEO Nat Ford, acknowledging his own partial responsibility for oversight lapses. Ford, now CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit, has defended his record, disputing criticism over overseas travel and the use of agency reserves.
External oversight
The Jacksonville City Council Audit and Financial Oversight Select Committee has begun hearings into the deficit, and a subpoena has been issued to compel Ford’s testimony. An outside auditor will also examine JTA’s governance and financial practices.
Despite the challenges, Ferguson emphasized the agency’s core mission: safely transporting the 1.3 million riders who rely on JTA daily. He praised the staff’s dedication and pledged transparent communication with the public as the agency works toward stability.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
