Coming in September: Fall 2024 Service Change
 The Fall 2024 Service change will take effect on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. By the beginning of the fall service, the RTA will have a mix of 21 new diesel and hybrid buses in service. This will allow us to retire several of our oldest buses, which are no longer reliable due to their age. We also plan to add 8 more buses in the first quarter of 2025. We’re also pleased to note that we will return to our regular service on the 66-Hayne Loop route. On Sept. 22, please check out the new timetables on norta.com or the Le Pass app, pick up a new schedule at your local library or NORDC location, or in the lobby of RTA headquarters at 2817 Canal St., or call our customer service Rideline at (504) 248-3900.
Coming soon: Opportunity Pass launch
 On Sept. 3, Orleans Parish riders ages 16 to 24 can sign up for the newly created Opportunity Pass as part of a pilot program in which RTA is partnering with RIDE New Orleans, the New Orleans Public Library and the New Orleans Children & Youth Planning Board. Interested young riders in Orleans Parish may sign up at any New Orleans Public Library location. Once signed up, riders will be able to show their pass on the Le Pass app. Supported by $2.5 million from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds approved by the New Orleans City Council in 2023, this historic pilot program aims to strengthen the foundation for increased youth public transit ridership in the future. Questions? Email opportunitypass@rideneworleans.org or call the Rideline at (504) 248-3900.
Thanks for your input on Algiers Ferry Terminal Renovation
 As summer winds down, we want to thank all our residents, community leaders, and stakeholders for their participation and feedback on the $9.7 million Algiers Ferry Terminal Renovation Project. This project will upgrade the Algiers Point ferry terminal to better serve transit riders and ferry operators, benefiting the Algiers community. A related project to replace the ferry barges will improve operational reliability, with both projects expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Thanks to your input during our community meetings in June — both in-person and virtual — we’ve gathered valuable feedback. Whether you attended or not, you can still stay informed on the project's scope and progress by clicking the link below.
New paratransit vehicles arriving soon
 RTA Chief Asset Management Officer Ryan Moser this month visited the site where our 13 new Paratransit replacement vehicles are being assembled. These vehicles will enhance reliability for our paratransit customers and are expected to be fully operational by November 2024. An additional 12 vehicles will be in service by the second quarter of 2025. This fleet upgrade reflects RTA’s commitment to improving service reliability, especially for our most vulnerable passengers.
Planning your next ride is easy with the New Orleans RTA
 Check out this video to see how the Le Pass app's intuitive trip planner can simplify your commute, city exploration, or night out! Just enter your destination, and Le Pass will handle the rest. With real-time updates and step-by-step directions, your journey will be smooth and stress-free. Download the Le Pass app today and start planning your next trip with RTA. See you onboard!
DBE/SBE workshops have returned
 Our Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) monthly workshops returned to their regular schedule – the last Tuesday of the month. The RTA hosted its most recent workshop on Aug. 27, with the theme, “Maximizing Your DBE Certification through Reciprocity and B2GNow.” Here business owners learned about traditional and alternative sources of debt and equity financing, government-backed loans, and how to prepare their firms to access the capital they need to grow. Next up: DBE/SBE Opportunity Conference for Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprises (Sept. 5), A. Philip Randolph Operations Building, 2817 Canal St.
Reminder: RTA is the best way to get to Saints games
 Even on any given Sunday, traffic around the Superdome is a headache, and ongoing construction makes it a migraine. Consider the more stress-free alternative and take an RTA bus, streetcar or ferry. Not only will your ride and walk take about the same amount of time, but it’ll cost no more than $3 and you can listen to the pre-game show, discuss the Saints’ chances on social, or just take a moment to chill. Download the Le Pass app and plan your route. Who dat?!
Paratransit Ticket Books now available
 Now there’s no need to worry about exact change when booking your next Paratransit ride. RTA’s new Paratransit Ticket Book includes 10 rides for $20 (or $2 per ride). Purchase your ticket book at norta.com to have them emailed to you, or pick them up at RTA headquarters weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Customer Service Desk at 2817 Canal St. Questions? Call the Rideline at (504) 248-3900.
Here’s what you missed at August’s RAC Meeting
 Thank you to everyone who attended or watched August's Riders Advisory Committee meeting online! We covered a range of important topics, including an update on the arrival and deployment of our new diesel and hybrid buses by CEO Lona Edwards Hankins, a sneak preview of our new signage presented by Chief Asset Manager Ryan Moser, a snapshot of our upcoming Fall Service Change from Chief Planning and Capital Projects Officer Dwight Norton, and an update on our Code of Conduct by Chief Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Officer Mike Smith, with support from our Communications and Outreach team. If you missed it, you can watch this meeting and all others on our website at norta.com or on our Facebook page (just click on the Videos option).
Mobility Hubs Project study complete
 The RTA recently completed a study on the potential mobility hubs in New Orleans, aiming to enhance rider and operator experiences with safer, more comfortable transit options. These hubs will feature improved shelters, landscaping, and pedestrian safety at key transfer points. With $11 million in federal funding secured, the RTA is now moving from planning to implementation, with detailed designs to be shaped by community input. Stay tuned!
Ride for free on Claudette Colvin Day – Sept. 5
 The RTA will waive transit fares for Claudette Colvin Day, on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Riders can ride at no charge on all RTA buses, streetcars, and ferries. This fare suspension is the result of the RTA Board of Commissioners adopting the agency Fare Policy on Sept. 27, 2022. This policy establishes transparent guidance for all fare elements and fare-related decisions at RTA. It establishes RTA’s goals, values, and commitments as they relate to fares. The Fare Policy includes language to observe both Claudette Colvin Day on her Sept. 5 birthday, and (earlier this year) Rosa Parks Day on her Feb. 4 birthday.
What’s new in our Online Store
 We’re excited to add items in the RTA Online Store. New in stock: St. Charles Streetcar All-Over Print Tote Bag, and a St. Charles Streetcar Line Mug. This is in addition to fun items thanks to our partnership with Bonfolk (streetcar towels and socks), a sturdy water bottle, the Model Streetcar Kit and Paint Kit, and more. Visit the Online Store for more.
Our July employee honorees
 Congratulations to our July Employees of the Month! Michael Hardy, Operations (Streetcar Operator), has an on-time performance of 85.7% with zero accidents. Robert Clapp, Maintenance (Rail Technician), has been employed with the RTA for 34 years – and was a member of the team that built the red streetcars! We thank our employee honorees for all they do to keep RTA rolling forward!
Upcoming Meetings
September 4: Riders Advisory Committee Meeting
September 12: Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 24: Board of Commissioners Meeting
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