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RTA Rider's Digest | April ‘25

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority sent this bulletin at 04/30/2025 05:17 PM CDT

April 2025

Letter from the CEO of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority,

Lona Edwards Hankins

Dear RTA Riders,

I hope you’ve had the chance to catch the bus, ride the streetcar, or hop on the ferry to one of your favorite festivals this spring. From French Quarter Fest to the Crescent City Classic and Jazz Fest, New Orleans has been alive with music, movement, and community—and RTA has been right there with you.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of presenting to other CEOs at the APTA Mobility Conference in Austin, where I shared how RTA managed one of the most intense stretches any transit system could face. We went from a historic blizzard straight into a SEAR 1 Super Bowl, and then straight into Mardi Gras—all on the heels of a horrific terror attack that opened 2025. These weren’t drills. They were real-world tests of our emergency planning, operational dexterity, and our team’s commitment to keeping the city moving.

Thanks to the hard work of our operators, maintenance crews, dispatchers, and frontline teams, we delivered. And that same energy carried into festival season, where once again, RTA was part of what makes it all work.

As we look ahead, we’re preparing for summer service changes based on your feedback and travel patterns. We’re also entering hurricane season. Keep an eye out for our Emergency Preparedness Brochures, which will be available alongside our updated spring service guides. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your daily life. We’re proud to serve you—rain, shine, or second line.

Sincerely,

Transit During Festival Season!

Riders taking Canal streetcar to Jazz Fest

Festival season brought crowds, and RTA kept the city moving. From French Quarter Fest to the Crescent City Classic and Jazz Fest, our streetcars, buses, ferries, and paratransit services were full of riders heading to the fun.

A huge thank you to RTA operators, maintenance teams, dispatchers, and frontline staff who made it all possible. Your hard work kept transit running smoothly during one of the busiest times of year!

Shop RTA, Ride in Style 

Show your RTA pride! The official RTA Online Store is filled with must-have gear—from water bottles and towels to shirts, hats, mugs, and totes. Whether you ride every day or just love the streetcar charm, there’s something for everyone.

Visit shop.norta.com to grab your favorites and show your RTA pride wherever you go!

Shop Now

Title VI Public Hearing at Upcoming RAC Meeting

RTA will host a Title VI Public Hearing during the May Riders Advisory Committee (RAC) meeting to gather feedback on proposed service changes scheduled for June 1, 2025.

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: RTA Headquarters, 2817 Canal Street

Proposed changes include restoring the 49 – Riverfront Streetcar with a new route along the riverfront, overnight service reductions on Routes 91 and 103, and minor schedule and stop adjustments systemwide. Rider input is vital, join us and make your voice heard.

St. Charles Streetcar Service Update

RTA temporarily disrupted service on the St. Charles Streetcar Line due to a repaving project in partnership with the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works. This work, part of the third phase of downtown streetcar infrastructure improvements, is expected to last through the end of May.

During this time, streetcar service will be terminating at Erato Street. To maintain connectivity, RTA is operating a bus shuttle between Erato Street and Canal Street, ensuring riders can complete their trips with minimal disruption. These upgrades are aimed at improving the long-term reliability and efficiency of the historic St. Charles Streetcar Line.

For real-time updates and additional information, riders are encouraged to download the Le Pass app, visit www.norta.com, or call the Rideline at 504-248-3900.

Upcoming Meetings

May 7: Riders Advisory Committee Meeting

May 8: Operations & Administration Committee Meeting

May 8: Finance Committee Meeting

May 27: Board of Commissioners Meeting

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority

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