Block party celebrates 100th anniversary of historic streetcar
 Thanks to all the residents and community leaders who came out for our block party to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the historic Perley A. Thomas streetcar at the Carrollton Barn! Guests enjoyed art, music, snowballs, face painting and guided tours of the barn and workshop.
We were also excited to honor our streetcar employees, many of whom have worked in their roles for several decades. RTA is focused on its workforce development – not only investing in our current staff, but also recruiting and training the next generation of highly skilled craftspeople, so that we can continue to preserve and maintain this important part of New Orleans’ history.
Check out photos and videos on our social media pages at @neworleansrta and visit norta.com to find out about employment opportunities with RTA.
In case you missed it, everyone was so excited about our new t-shirts … do you desire one, too? Don’t worry, our online store will be launching soon, and these t-shirts along with other items will be a featured. Sign up here to be notified of our pre-sale.
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Congratulations to Sarah McLaughlin Porteous & Ryan Moser
 Sarah McLaughlin Porteous joins RTA as our new Chief of External Affairs, leading the agency’s communications, marketing, community outreach and customer service teams. Ryan Moser was recently promoted to Chief Asset Manager, overseeing rail maintenance, bus maintenance, paratransit maintenance, fleet advancement and technology, as well as facilities.
$100K grant awarded for improved, resilient bus shelters
RTA and the Committee for a Better New Orleans (CBNO) secured a $100,000 grant as part of the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s (GNOF) Next 100 Years Challenge. This grant will facilitate a community-led design process for climate adaptive bus shelters that will create a safer and more comfortable experience for riders waiting for buses. Thanks to GNOF for this opportunity and congratulations to CBNO for leading this effort.
CEO Hankins presents at state transit conference
 RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins gave a presentation during the 30th Annual Louisiana Public Transit Conference, covering the RTA’s short-term and long-term capital projects, along with strategies for transit agencies across the state of Louisiana to work collaboratively to secure additional funding for public transportation.
RTA waives transit fares on election days
 On election primary day, Oct. 14, RTA waived all transit fares on buses, streetcars and ferries. The RTA will again waive fares on the next election day, Saturday, Nov. 18. Plan ahead for the election at www.geauxvote.com.
In 2020, the RTA Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution supported by the New Orleans City Council to enhance the agency’s mission to continue building a transit network that provides equitable services for all residents. The RTA fare waiver on identified election days is essential in removing a critical barrier to residents exercising their right to vote.
Lona Hankins “Behind the Wheel”
 CEO Lona Edwards Hankins provided her vision for the agency in a wide-ranging discussion on the first edition of Intelligent Transport's new podcast, “The People Behind the Wheel.” RTA has a compelling story to tell about our successes and challenges as we work to provide a world-class rider experience, develop our workforce, and continue to serve as an economic engine in the region.
Make your voice heard!
 Our friends at Clover New Orleans are on a mission to improve job opportunities in New Orleans. Be part of the change! Share your thoughts in their quick survey. Every voice counts. Scan the QR code or follow the link to participate.
Congratulations to RTA safety training graduates
 Thirteen staff members from across several departments successfully completed a week-long Transportation Safety Institute (TSI) class on Transit Bus System Safety. The class is theTransportation Safety & Security Program (TSSP) Certificate in bus safety.
RTA Office of DBE/SBE continues info workshop series
 Our office of Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprises continued its ongoing workshop series on Oct. 24. The latest edition focused on responding to bids and requests for proposals and providing guidance for businesses looking to navigate the procurement process.
More DBE/SBE workshops are on the way. Click below to get on our email list and make sure to select the “Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Updates” topic on the second screen.
RTA honors its Employees of the Month (September)
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Michael Peabody, insert left – Operations (Bus Operator)
Christopher Richardson, above left – Maintenance (Rail Technician)
Floyd Hurts, above right – Administrative Employee of the Quarter (Service Manager)
Learn more about our employees by following us on social media at @neworleansrta.
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Upcoming Meetings
November 8: Riders Advisory Committee Meeting (Rescheduled)
November 9: Operations & Administration Committee Meeting
November 9: Finance Committee Meeting
November 14: Board of Commissioners Meeting
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