October 6, 2025 | Posted In Bus Stop and Transit Shelters, Projects of Distinction, Solar Solutions
Jacksonville Debuts Nation’s First Autonomous Public Transit Service with Custom Shelters and Totem Signs from Tolar Manufacturing
Corona, CA — 12 new custom bus shelters and 24 custom UTC-branded totem signs have been delivered and installed in Jacksonville, Florida, through a collaboration between Balfour-Beatty US, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and Tolar Manufacturing, North America’s premier designer and fabricator of award-winning transit shelters. The new shelters and totems are part of JTA’s new program, the Ultimate Urban Circulator (U²C), to introduce autonomous vehicles (AVs) into JTA’s transportation system, called Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI). NAVI will be the first public transportation service powered by autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the United States. Tolar was contracted by Balfour-Beatty US to produce the shelters and digital totem kiosks. Balfour-Beatty US are the design-build contractor for the NAVI project, providing the technology that powers the project.
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s transformative Ultimate Urban Circulator (U²C) represents a three-phase investment in transit-oriented development that will establish mixed-use communities anchored by walking and public transit, increasing connectivity within Jacksonville’s urban core. Implementation will proceed through three carefully planned phases, with Phases 1 and 2 establishing service coverage throughout central Jacksonville, and Phase 3 extending the network into surrounding downtown communities.
Tolar’s custom NAVI shelters feature custom-patterned frosted glass wall panels featuring customized NAVI branding and ride details, and a custom red arrow-shaped roof glass. The shelters are constructed with a steel frame and feature a fully welded structure for durability and stability, and are finished in super durable polyester powder coat color Sparkle Silver and an anti-graffiti clear coat. Shelter amenities include integrated LED lighting across the roof with electrical access in the center column and an electrical cabinet integrated into the roof, and an integrated custom steel bench for rider comfort. Shelters are also equipped with the 7’ tall custom UTC totem kiosks for rider safety, information access and ease of communication.
The 24 custom UTC totem kiosks are a 7-ft standing “blade” design which feature all aluminum construction and are finished in the same Sparkle Silver super durable polyester powder coat color to match the shelters. The kiosks are equipped with full color 32″ High Bright Outdoor LCD Displays on both sides, and a flush mount intercom for rider information and accessibility needs.
“We’re proud to partner with Balfour-Beatty US and Jacksonville Transportation Authority to help usher in the future of autonomous public transit in the United States,” said Scott Williams, Business Development Manager at Tolar Manufacturing Company. “The journey begins at the stop, and these shelters are designed to make that first impression welcoming and engaging. By creating an inviting experience from the very start, we set the stage for riders to enjoy their entire journey on NAVI, making autonomous transit a trip worth looking forward to.”
