Former JTA Board Member Demands Criminal Probe After Agency Announces 150 Layoffs
Megan Hayward, a former Jacksonville Transportation Authority board member, has called for a criminal investigation into the agency’s financial mismanagement, alleging that Mayor Donna Deegan ignored her warnings about overspending on the NAVI autonomous vehicle program. Hayward claims the project’s costs ballooned by over $20 million beyond its initial $250 million projection, leading to the current crisis. While Deegan’s office maintains that the city was unaware of the dire financial situation until the board informed them, Hayward and City Council member Rory Diamond argue that officials knew of the problems for years. The controversy follows JTA’s announcement of 150 layoffs and a $39 million budget cut, with Hayward asserting that lower-tier employees are bearing the brunt of executive failures.
Key points
- Megan Hayward was removed from the JTA board in March 2025 after raising concerns about spending and oversight.
- JTA plans to cut approximately 150 positions and reduce services to trim $39 million from its budget.
- The NAVI autonomous vehicle project, part of the U2C program, exceeded its original $250 million budget by more than $20 million.
- Hayward demands a criminal investigation by state, federal, and Department of Transportation officials.
- Mayor Deegan’s office stated it became aware of the financial crisis at the same time as the JTA board.
- City Council member Rory Diamond criticized the mayor for ignoring warnings about JTA’s problems for two years.
Background
This dispute follows the removal of Megan Hayward from the JTA board in March 2025, where she was the only member to question the agency’s financial governance. The current crisis involves the shutdown of the Skyway and NAVI projects, which were signature initiatives of former CEO Nat Ford. Previous archive items are unrelated to this local transit issue.
How outlets are covering it
Action News Jax and News4JAX both report on Hayward’s accusations but differ in emphasis. Action News Jax focuses on Hayward’s direct confrontation with the mayor’s office, quoting her use of 'B.S.' to describe the mayor’s statement. News4JAX highlights the broader political fallout, including criticism from City Council member Rory Diamond and the impact on lower-paid employees like bus drivers and mechanics. Both outlets confirm the mayor’s office claim that it was unaware of the financial direness, but Hayward and Diamond dispute this, arguing that the issues were public knowledge for years.
Why it matters
The potential criminal investigation and significant budget cuts could reshape Jacksonville’s public transit infrastructure and accountability standards. If federal funds were mismanaged, it could lead to legal consequences for agency leaders and affect future funding for urban circulator programs across the region.
What to watch
The State Attorney’s Office is being contacted to determine if a criminal investigation will be opened. The NAVI project is scheduled to be temporarily halted on January 1, 2027, and JTA will continue implementing the 150 layoffs and service reductions to meet the $39 million budget target.
- ‘She’s lying’: Former JTA board member blasts Mayor; calls for criminal investigation into agency Action News Jax
- Jacksonville Transportation Authority to suspend Skyway, NAVI, and lay off employees to cut costs firstcoastnews.com
- Former JTA board member says she warned officials about agency’s financial situation before JTA staff and budget cuts News4JAX
- JTA reducing more services, laying off employees to address further budget concerns Jacksonville Daily Record
- Facing shortfall, JTA will cuts jobs, reduce bus service and halt Skyway and NAVI JaxToday
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Action News Jax