Public Transit Analysis Is Underway for Orleans,
Jefferson and St. Bernard Parishes
NEW ORLEANS — The Regional Planning Commission this week signed a contract with WSP, Inc. to conduct a long-awaited study of the region’s transit systems. The Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) will analyze all of the local bus, streetcar and ferry routes, and identify ways to improve service. In addition to routes throughout New Orleans, the study will include an evaluation of inter-parish transit connectivity and will make recommendations for improving accessibility to jobs and other opportunities in neighboring Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes.
“We know that many of our residents rely on public transit to get to work, and we are laser-focused on supporting these riders,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This Comprehensive Operations Analysis will create a road map for the future of our transit system. When it comes back in a year, we expect to move forward on some much needed changes to provide improved accessibility and service to our riders throughout this City.”
“The need for a COA has been long standing to provide a more equitable transit system for our city’s residents and neighboring parishes,” said District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, who also serves as the City Council's Transportation Chair. “I applaud Mayor Cantrell's administration and the RTA board for prioritizing this so we can deliver an adequate transportation system our citizens deserve.”
“We are dedicated to providing a transit system that is optimized to best serve the citizens, and are looking forward to having this analysis help make those decisions,” said Laura Bryan, Director of the Office of Transportation.
“When the RTA completed its Strategic Mobility Plan last year, riders consistently told us about the importance of the transit system working for the entire region. This COA is an integral part of the process to achieving a truly regional system,” said Flozell Daniels, Jr., RTA Board Chairman. “Every RTA route will be evaluated to find ways to reduce travel time and improve region-wide connectivity. We look forward to receiving this valuable data.”
“The Regional Planning Commission has long recognized that good, regional, equitable public transportation is key to the prosperity and well-being our communities. This effort is an important and exciting step toward that goal, and an opportunity to see real changes in how transit service is delivered to our region,” said Jason Sappington, Deputy Director, Regional Planning Commission. “Its success, however, is dependent on the public’s input, so I encourage everyone to keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in the weeks and months ahead.”
The project is managed by Regional Planning Commission in cooperation with the RTA, the City of New Orleans and Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes. The analysis will be informed by stakeholder input, rider surveys, and public outreach. Sign up for the Office of Transportation's newsletter here to find out about how you can stay engaged and to learn of other transportation specific initiatives.
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