About JAX Mass Transit

Explore and learn more about JAX Mass Transit.

Scroll to:

JAX Mass Transit

Scroll to top

JAX Mass Transit, formerly known as Jackson County Mass Transit District, is a municipal corporation created by the Jackson County Board that began transporting its first riders in 2002.  Starting with just a handful of riders, the district has since grown into a sophisticated, modern public transportation system.

JAX has successfully transitioned from a limited on-demand service within Carbondale and Murphysboro in Jackson County to a comprehensive transit provider, offering fixed-routes, paratransit, and micro-transit services. This expansion now includes rural routes that connect outlying areas to the fixed-route system, significantly improving accessibility and mobility for residents across the region. The new fixed-route system ensures reliable, scheduled transportation throughout the county, while the paratransit service continues to cater to individuals with disabilities and special needs.

Our mission is simple. We strive to improve the quality of life for all Jackson County residents by providing access to reliable, affordable public transportation. In that effort, we are eager to embrace new technologies to reduce our environmental impact and enhance our services for a better quality of life. Transportation enables our community to connect, access life sustaining services, further education, and pursue career opportunities.

Whether living in the heart of Carbondale or a rural lot, our network of bus routes makes us all neighbors.

 

What Services Do We Provide at JAX?

Scroll to top

Fixed-Route System: We operate five fixed-routes that provides safe, affordable, and reliable transportation throughout the Carbondale and Murphysboro area. Riding a fixed-route is easy. There is no need to schedule a ride. Simply find the best pickup location, download the JAX App, and hit the road!

Rural Route System: JAX has a daily fixed deviated rural route with stops in Elkville, Dowell, Ava, Campbell Hill, Gorham, Grand Tower, Makanda, and Vergennes. The rural route travels to each town once a week with a deviation limit of one mile. The rural routes connect to the JAX fixed-route system, but the transfer fee is waived.

Micro-Transit: Get home safe with our evening micro-transit option for the Carbondale service area. This origin to destination bus service offers convenient scheduling through the CTS Rider Portal or by contacting a JAX Dispatching Professional.

Paratransit: If you are a senior citizen or have a disability that prevents you from accessing the fixed-route system, JAX provides complimentary paratransit services. Simply fill out an application, and our ADA specialist will assist you every step of the way.

 

What is JAX?

Scroll to top

There are a lot of misconceptions as to what public transportation really is and what JAX can provide. JAX is a public transportation service provider. In essence, we serve the public’s commuting and travel needs with transportation services open to everyone and operating on fixed schedules. We also offer a system of shared rides and mass transit services.

We are designed to move large numbers of people as efficiently as possible, reduce the need for private vehicles, lower traffic congestion, and deliver affordable alternatives for commuting and travel.

JAX provides access to shopping, entertainment, parks and recreation, dining, community events, medical appointments, education, work, and other essential services.

What JAX is Not

Scroll to top

JAX is not a private or personal transportation provider. JAX does not include personal vehicles like cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or other vehicles typically owned and used by individuals for personal travel. We have a small fleet of vans, small duty cutaway buses, medium duty cutaway buses, and heavy-duty buses.

JAX is not an on-demand ride service. Services such as taxis, ride-sharing apps (e.g., Uber, Lyft), and private shuttles are not considered public transportation, because they operate on-demand and for individual passengers rather than fixed schedules or routes.

JAX is not a luxury or exclusive service. Private charters, party buses, limousines, and specialized transport services that cater to specific groups or offer premium experiences are not part of public transportation.

Chat