 RTA's Board of Commissioners officially seated two new members at its November meeting: State Legislature appointee Louis Colin, Sr. and City Council appointee Mitchell Guidry, Jr. Mr. Colin spent 26 years of distinguished service with the New Orleans Police Department, retiring as a Police Major and the Commander of the First District. Colin, a resident of Algiers, then moved into the private sector as a McDonald’s franchisee and remains very active in the community. Mr. Guidry previously has served in transit first with the New Orleans Public Service, Inc. (NOPSI) and twice with RTA including as manager of RTA's planning and data. Also at the Board meeting, Fred Neal, Jr., was elected as Board Chair.
 Thanks to everyone who participated in our community engagement activities for the $9.7 million Algiers Ferry Terminal Renovation Project. We completed our third round of outreach with virtual and in-person meetings to review the final design. We sincerely appreciate the feedback and programming ideas for the terminal interior and entry plaza. We hope you're as excited as we are about the upcoming construction phase, which is scheduled to start in the Spring 2025.
 We’re pleased to share that safety and beautification improvements are in progress at the Interim Downtown Transfer Center in front of the Main Library. Here’s what you can expect:
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Enhancements: New paving, landscaping, and lighting will improve the area’s appearance and create a more comfortable rider experience.
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No service disruptions: Service and the current waiting area will remain unaffected during construction.
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Timeline: Renovations of the interim hub are underway, with completion expected by the end of January 2025.
Thank you for your patience!
 Our team has been out on the streets working to improve bus stop signage and completing the first phase of this massive project ahead of schedule. In this phase we installed vinyl on existing permanent signs (about 1,400). The next step will focus on missing poles. We will continue to update you as we work to complete this important project.
 RTA recently joined the Committee for a Better New Orleans, RIDE New Orleans, NOLA Grown, and Unchained Realities for “Block by Block,” a free Bus Stop Design Contest in Minecraft, at Harriet Tubman Charter School in Algiers. Together, we’re designing shelters that protect riders from extreme weather, improve safety, and provide access for all. We’re also tapping into the creativity of young riders to generate fresh ideas for a world-class transit experience. This event is part of RTA’s Better Bus Stops Project. Look for more updates on this in 2025!
 November gave us an opportunity to acknowledge Trey Krieger as part of National Apprentice Week (Nov. 17-23). Trey is a Rail Technician Machinist Apprentice working at our Carrollton Streetcar Barn. He started out as a Bus Hostler in 2020 and has steadily worked his way up, thanks in part to the mentoring of Don Peranio, a machinist who has been with RTA since 1986. Trey also receives training through our partnership with The 1881 Institute, which seeks to encourage, and nurture renewed growth in advanced manufacturing while facilitating the increased participation of underrepresented populations in “Industry 4.0” careers regardless of their social, emotional, academic, or disability status.
 REMINDER: If you or someone you know lives in Orleans Parish and is between the ages of 16 to 24, sign up now to ride free on all RTA vehicles through the Opportunity Pass program. Sign up by using the RTA Le Pass app at any New Orleans Public Library location. Free rides are offered in partnership with RIDE New Orleans, the New Orleans Public Library, and the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board and reflect RTA’s commitment to transit equity and supporting our community’s most vulnerable riders.
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