 RTA secured approval of its $227.4 million 2025 Operating and Capital Budget by the Board of Commissioners at its monthly meeting, the final meeting of 2024. Top 2025 initiatives include investments in the following:
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Continued enhancements such as:
- Replacement and modernization of our aging fleet
- Investments to improve service reliability
- Improved rider amenities
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Continued investments in infrastructure and capital projects including:
- Permanent Downtown Transit Center
- Algiers Ferry Terminal renovation
- Mobility hubs at key transfer points
- Engineering and design work for Bus Rapid Transit
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Advance transit system and integrate equity practices through:
- Fare technology modernization
- Universal Accessibility Study
- DBE/SBE Mentor/Protégé Program
 RTA is reaffirming its dedication to delivering exceptional paratransit services to the community. A recent internal performance audit, commissioned by the Interim Chief Transit Officer under the direction of CEO Lona Edwards Hankins, will help RTA create a clear roadmap for improvements. Learn more about how this audit will be a powerful tool moving forward.
 We are expecting the majority of the first wave of 13 Paratransit vehicles to be in service by the end of December, with 12 more due in mid-2025. Similarly, of the 26 non-revenue vehicles that we ordered, 12 are in service, seven arrived in December, and the last seven are expected to arrive soon. These are Pool and Supervisor vehicles to support our work in the field.
 We wrapped up our “Stuff Dat Holiday Bus” campaign, spreading good cheer and giving back to the community! Thanks to RTA employees, partners, and our community, we collected over 4,000 essential items—winter clothing, personal care products, art supplies, and more—for Covenant House New Orleans. Together, we’re helping bring warmth and joy to youth in need this holiday season!
RTA’s Winter 2025 Service Schedule will begin on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. Starting on that day, the following routes will operate with increased frequency during weekday bus service hours:
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27-Louisiana: Frequency of 53 minutes changes to frequency of 35 minutes
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84-Galvez: Frequency of 45 minutes changes to 30 minutes
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66-Hayne Loop: Frequency of 70 minutes changes to 35 minutes
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61-Lake Forest-Village de L'Est: Frequency of 30 minutes changes to 24 mins
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105-Algiers Local: Frequency of 80 minutes changes to 40 minutes
Additionally, all routes–except the 202 Airport Express–will have a frequency of 60 minutes or less, aligning with RTA's Fixed-Route Service Standards.
 The Thomas Jefferson vessel successfully completed its U.S. Coast Guard-mandated Quarterly Inspection on Dec. 10. The ferry began its scheduled service at 6 a.m., paused briefly for the inspection, and resumed operations immediately after receiving USCG clearance.
 Congratulations to our Employees of the Year! First up, Myron Hughes, Bus Operator (Operations). Myron and the rest of the Operations team go above and beyond to ensure that our riders experience safe, reliable and high-quality service. Next is Emile Fisher, Switch Repair Technician (Maintenance). Emile and the rest of the Maintenance team are the unsung heroes who keep our system moving, ensuring our vehicles are in top condition. And finally, there is Tyren Snyder Sr., Senior Systems Analyst (Administration). We appreciate these honorees as well as the employees of the month and quarter throughout 2024 for rising to the challenge of fulfilling our mission.
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