The 46-Rampart-Loyola Streetcar line returns
 The 46-Rampart-Loyola Streetcar line has resumed service as part of the Summer 2024 transit schedule following a five-year delay caused by the Hard Rock Hotel collapse. Explore the streetcar line further, including a refresher on the route, stops, and more, by watching this video.
RTA hosts annual hurricane prep meeting
 During the 16th Annual Hurricane Preparedness Meeting for Seniors and People with Disabilities, RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins joined emergency management, first responders, and other public safety officials to provide an overview of the City-Assisted Evacuation Plan (CAEP). This event serves as an annual reminder of RTA’s commitment to supporting the City’s evacuation efforts during hurricanes and other major emergencies.
RTA secures $5.5M federal grant to improve St. Charles streetcar accessibility
 The RTA has been awarded a $5,492,524 federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) to enhance accessibility for passengers with disabilities on the St. Charles streetcars. This funding will enable the RTA to design and implement a program to make stops along the historic St. Charles streetcar line fully wheelchair accessible. ASAP is a competitive grant specifically for agencies with legacy fixed-guideway rail systems. The grant provides financial support for planning, designing, and/or constructing retrofits and upgrades to stations or facilities to meet or exceed the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Chalmette Ferry service suspension starts June 1
 On Saturday, June 1, the RTA will suspend operations of the Chalmette Ferry for a minimum of 90 days to facilitate the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) mandated drydock inspection. To ensure the safety of our passengers, the USCG mandates a drydock inspection on all ferry vessels operating in freshwater environments to be conducted every five years. During this drydock period, maintenance will be conducted on various components of the Chalmette Ferry vessel, including its propellers, tail shafts, pumps and piping, hydraulic, mechanical and steering systems.
New Orleans hosts conference for women in transit
 The RTA was a key participant in the WTS International Conference in New Orleans. RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins gave a welcome address celebrating RTA’s female staff through professional development opportunities, hosted WTS International Conference members on a scenic technical tour of the St. Charles Streetcar line, and then led members of the FTA staff on a tour of our historic Carrollton Streetcar Barn.
RTA supports 22nd Annual Senior Fest
 Representatives from our communications, outreach and customer service teams participated in the 22nd Annual Senior Fest, hosted by the New Orleans Council on Aging. (RTA served as a co-sponsor of the event.) This was an excellent opportunity to engage with our elders, fielding a range of questions about our services, and informing them about RTA's supporting role in the City Assisted Evacuation Plan during hurricane season.
Algiers Ferry Terminal outreach
 In June, the RTA will conduct the next round of community outreach as we’re moving into the design phase of the $9.6 million Algiers Ferry Terminal renovation project with a mix of in-person and virtual meetings to show riders and other stakeholders how we’ve incorporated initial feedback into the design.
Our May employee honorees
 Congratulations to our May Employees of the Month. Kim Jones, Operations (Bus Operator), has been employed with RTA for 30 years and has an on-time performance of 83.4% with zero accidents. She consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, always greets passengers with a smile, patience, and respect. Benoit Tolbert, Maintenance (Electrician), has been employed with RTA for one year as a traction power technician. Benoit takes the initiative to learn about traction power substations, and the OCS.
Upcoming Meetings
June 13: Operations & Administration Committee Meeting
June 13: Finance Committee Meeting
June 25: Board of Commissioners Meeting
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