How to apply for JTA STAR Card — Seniors Ride Free in Florida

Who it's for

Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) runs the Skyway monorail, fixed-route buses, and the Connexion paratransit service across Duval County. Passengers age 65 and older ride EVERY JTA service FREE — including buses, the Skyway, and First Coast Flyer rapid bus — with a valid ID STAR Card, a Florida driver's license, or any other Florida-issued photo identification. The ID STAR Card is a durable plastic farecard with a microchip; the senior version carries the rider's photo on the back. To get one, visit the Jacksonville Regional Transportation Center at LaVilla (JRTC) Ticket Center on the ground floor of 100 LaVilla Center Drive, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 6 a.m.–6 p.m. (appointments until 7 p.m.), and Saturday 8 a.m.–1 p.m.; cards are also issued at the JTA Operations Campus (100 N. Myrtle Avenue, Building 2, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) and the Avenues Walk Park-n-Ride Center (Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–1 p.m.) The card is valid for three years and can be reloaded with passes or cash value (though seniors don't need to load any value for free rides). Riders without a STAR Card can simply show a valid FL ID at the farebox.

What you'll need

• Valid Florida driver's license, Florida state ID, or other Florida-issued photo identification
• Optional: in-person visit to the JRTC Ticket Center at 100 LaVilla Center Drive (M/W/F 6a-5p, T/Th 6a-6p, Sat 8a-1p), the JTA Operations Campus at 100 N. Myrtle Avenue Building 2 (M-F 8a-5p), or Avenues Walk Park-n-Ride (M-F 8a-1p) for a free ID STAR Card with photo

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about JTA STAR Card — Seniors Ride Free. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need valid Florida driver's license, Florida state ID, or other Florida-issued photo identification, optional: in-person visit to the JRTC Ticket Center at 100 LaVilla Center Drive (M/W/F 6a-5p, T/Th 6a-6p, Sat 8a-1p), the JTA Operations Campus at 100 N. Myrtle Avenue Building 2 (M-F 8a-5p), or Avenues Walk Park-n-Ride (M-F 8a-1p) for a free ID STAR Card with photo — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

ID STAR Card valid for three years; age-based eligibility does not expire