RTA joins City partners and stakeholders to create Opportunity Pass program
 The RTA, RIDE New Orleans, the New Orleans Public Library, and the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board are collaborating closely to develop and implement the Opportunity Pass program. This pilot, which will offer free transit passes to Orleans Parish residents ages 16-24, is scheduled to open for enrollment in September. Participants can sign up at any New Orleans Public Library branch to receive free transit passes for the 12-month pilot period. This pilot will be funded with the $2.5 million allocation in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds approved by the New Orleans City Council in 2023. Photo courtesty of RIDE New Orleans.
New buses are being put to use
 Last month, we were excited to announce the arrival of several of the 21 new buses. This month, we are pleased to report that half of these new buses are already in active service. The RTA anticipates rolling out 21 new buses by September 2024 and 8 more in the first quarter of 2025. This is significant news as these buses will enhance service reliability.
Welcome aboard, Tracy L. Tyler!
 Please join us in welcoming Tracy L. Tyler to the RTA team as our new Chief Legal Officer! In her role, Tracy will guide the RTA’s legal strategy, and mitigate our risk, as we continue to push toward delivering our priorities – World-Class Ridership Experience, Innovation, Regional Connections, Equity and Workforce Development. A native New Orleanian, Tracy possesses nearly 18 years of legal expertise in the public sector. In her most recent role as Chief Deputy City Attorney at the City Attorney’s Office in New Orleans, Tracy oversaw a team of attorneys responsible for examining all contracts negotiated by the Office of the Mayor for compliance and legal validity.
STEM NOLA Fellows visit RTA headquarters
 The RTA hosted 15 STEM NOLA Fellows for an immersive two-day program to learn about the inner workings of the bus and rail systems. Students, ranging in age from 14-17, had the opportunity to meet and learn from the master craftsmen at the Carrollton Transit Station and hear from our planning and scheduling team about what it takes to ensure our residents are transported safely to and from school, work, appointments, and recreation. Additionally, the Fellows had the chance to explore the new hybrid buses set to hit the road this fall.
66-Hayne Loop adjusts bus route
 Significant repairs are being conducted on the Seabrook Bridge to ensure its structural integrity and safety for all users. As a result, the 66-Hayne Loop, which normally uses this bridge, has been temporarily rerouted. Starting on July 14th, the RTA adjusted its schedule for the 66-Hayne Loop bus route to account for the detour's increased distance and travel time due to the bridge closure. For the updated schedule, please see the link to the new 66-Hayne Loop bus route map below.
New in Online Store: Bonfolk beach towels
 The RTA is thrilled to showcase our official collaboration with Bonfolk to celebrate our historic St. Charles streetcar line! The line, which opened in 1835, is the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar line and features the century-old Perley A. Thomas streetcar. To honor this historic line, we are introducing two exclusive products: a luxurious oversized beach towel (pictured) and a stylish pair of socks (featured in last month’s Rider’s Digest). These are just a few of the many new items available in our Online Store, including a 32-oz. Water Bottle, a Streetcar Model Kit, and more!
Our July employee honorees
 Congratulations to our July Employees of the Month! Carl Foucha, Operations (Bus Operator), has been employed with RTA for five years and has an on-time performance of 95.7% with zero accidents. Isaac Brooks, Maintenance (Mechanic), has been employed with the RTA for three years, and his work performance consistently exceeds expectations. Also, congratulations to Rebecca Soloman (Transit Operations Supervisor), RTA’s Administrative Employee of the Quarter. Rebecca has been employed with RTA for five years and is always willing to help others with a positive attitude.
RTA remembers Bill Rouselle and Earline Roth
 We were saddened to hear news of the passing of two pivotal community figures who dedicated some of their work to promote the RTA. New Orleans icon Rouselle understood the importance of connecting governmental leaders to the people they serve. We will remember him for his community outreach and public engagement efforts. Earline Roth represented Orleans Parish on the RTA Board of Commissioners from 1995 to 2019, and she also briefly served on the RTA Special Transit Advisory Board. She was a fierce advocate for many of our most vulnerable residents, including our seniors, people with disabilities, our children, and those most impacted by climate change.
Upcoming Meetings
August 7: Riders Advisory Committee Meeting
August 8: Operations & Administration Committee Meeting
August 8: Finance Committee Meeting
August 27: Board of Commissioners Meeting
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