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For the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, 2021 was a year of growth and accomplishment.

Take a look back on some the progress we have made this year in creating a world-class transit system in New Orleans.

New buses entered into revenue service

Forty-three newly designed 35-foot New Flyer buses — the new purple and grey buses which don the phrase “laissez les bons temps rouler”— entered service in 2021.

RTA makes fare reductions permanent

The new fare structure aims to simply the fare offerings, incentivize pass sales for riders who use multiple transit modes for their daily commutes, and offer financial relief to RTA passengers as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

RTA kicked off Bus Rapid Transit study

The RTA kicked off a 10-month long feasibility study for a proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor. The project will help the RTA to improve transit equity by significantly reducing commute times within the region.

RTA awarded $18.5M in funding for new transit hubs and modern fare technology

The agency intends to utilize the funding to deliver a suite of public transit improvements including the design and construction of two new neighborhood transit hubs and a fare technology system that will integrate mobile, tap card, credit card, and modern payment technologies. 

RTA partnered to hire graduates from Louisiana State Penitentiary’s Automotive Technology Program

The partnership with JOB1 Career Solutions created On the Job Training (OTJT) training for non-violent offenders who successfully complete the requirements of the Louisiana State Penitentiary’s Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Program upon release.

RTA awarded $5.15M grant to electrify bus fleet and signs climate change pledge

RTA joined more than 70 transit agencies across the country in signing a pledge to develop a climate action, electrification or sustainability plan that details greenhouse gas reduction strategies. These strategies include converting fleets to electric buses and making facilities more energy efficient.

The agency will utilize $5.15 in federal funding to install battery charging infrastructure in its facilities and to purchase diagnostic and maintenance equipment to fully integrate no-emissions vehicles in the RTA fleet. The grant will also fund at least three new electric buses.

RTA entered bus celebrating New Orleans Freedom Riders into service

The bus features artwork, “Tribute to the Freedom Riders,” which depicts New Orleans Civil Rights icons and Freedom Riders, Doratha “Dodie” Smith-Simmons, and Jerome “Big Duck” Smith.

RTA leads Louisiana with vaccine mandate for employees

The RTA announced a mandatory vaccination requirement for the agency's over 800 employees. All employees, including those currently fully vaccinated were required to provide valid proof of vaccination.

Streetcar service restored to Union Passenger Terminal

The routes were previously cut back due to the Hard Rock Hotel collapse in October 2019.

RTA hosted Transit Icons Virtual Forum in celebration of Women’s History Month

The forum featured Lona Hankins, Deputy CEO of Planning and Infrastructure at the RTA, Carolyn Flowers, Managing Principal and Partner at InfraStrategies, and Grace Crunican, Consultant, Crunican LLC., and Retired General Manager, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). 

RTA hosted transit equity forum with Biden Administration officials

The RTA hosted a virtual transit equity forum featuring Alex Z. Wiggins, CEO, RTA; Christopher Coes, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. Department of Transportation; and Nuria Fernandez, Acting Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration. 

RTA hosted COVID-19 vaccination forum with public health experts

The forum discussed the COVID-19 vaccines and the importance of vaccination for staff. Medical Correspondent, Dr. Corey Hebert, answered a myriad of questions regarding vaccinations, COVID-19 safety measures, and additional ways to keep safe.