 RTA Chief Executive Officer Lona Edwards Hankins recently welcomed Sophie Morgan, travel reporter for the UK’s Condé Nast Traveller and internationally recognized disability advocate, for a special visit to the historic Carrollton Streetcar Barn.
Facilitated by RTA’s partners at New Orleans & Company, the visit highlighted the deep cultural roots of New Orleans’ streetcar system and its enduring role in shaping the city’s identity. CEO Hankins shared stories of the system’s legacy while discussing how RTA is moving that legacy forward through accessibility and innovation.
Their conversation centered on RTA’s ongoing efforts to make transit more inclusive, including the Streetcar Modernization Master Plan and the All-Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) for the St. Charles Streetcar Line. These projects underscore RTA’s commitment to ensuring that every rider—resident or visitor—can experience New Orleans’ most iconic transit line safely, comfortably, and without barriers.
RTA reminds riders that the Canal Street/Algiers Point ferry operates until 10:45 PM every Friday. These traditional hours provide riders with a convenient way to travel between the Eastbank and Westbank, whether heading home, meeting friends, or enjoying an evening in the city.
For the full ferry schedule and fare information, visit NORTA.com or download the Le Pass app.
Ride in Style: Visit the RTA Online Store
 Looking for a way to show your RTA pride (or get an early jump on holiday shopping for the transit-lover in your life)? Check out the official RTA Shop, your one-stop destination for holiday gifts, apparel, accessories, and more. From streetcar logo hats and mugs to NOLA Couture–collab ties and specialty items, there’s something for everyone.
Every purchase helps support RTA’s mission and growth in New Orleans. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, for a friend, or to represent your favorite transit line, the RTA store makes it easy to carry a piece of our system with you wherever you go.
Browse current featured picks (like the Classic Streetcar Logo Trucker Hat and St. Charles Streetcar mug) and sign up for updates on new releases and sales. Oh, and remember the gift of mobility is year-round. Download our LePass App and purchase passes for your favorite traveler.
 A sincere THANK YOU to our riders and community members who took part in Phases One and Two of the Algiers Service Improvement Plan. Your feedback has helped shape a stronger and more connected transit network for Algiers.
Phase Three will focus on completing the plan with added opportunities for public input. All are invited to attend one of the upcoming community meetings to review proposed route changes and share feedback:
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Tuesday, November 18
5–7 PM
DePaul Community
Health Center – Algiers
2801 Gen. DeGaulle Dr.
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Thursday, November 20
5–7 PM
Heroes of New Orleans
3712 Anson St.
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Thursday, December 4
5–7 PM
RTA Boardroom
2817 Canal St.
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 RTA reminds riders to stay up to date on long-term and special event detours that may affect their trip. For the latest service alerts and route changes, visit norta.com/changes before you travel.
 Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 2. RTA reminds riders to set their clocks back one hour and plan their trips accordingly. Use the Le Pass app to check schedules and stay on time for your morning commute.
 Glenn Williams – Operations (Bus Operator)
We are honored to recognize Glenn as our Employee of the Month. For 13 years, he has served RTA as a Bus Operator with an impressive 86.1% performance on time. Known for his professionalism, kindness, and smile, Glen has the reputation of being able to manage challenging interactions.
Outside of work, Glen enjoys horticulture and driving. Prior to joining RTA, Glenn was a tour driver and has driven throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Mark Duckett – Maintenance (Mechanic)
Mark has been employed with the RTA for a year as a Mechanic. Mark works the overnight shift to ensure repairs are completed and ready for service. Mark is ambitious, reliable, and always puts in extra effort to get the job done. Mark enjoys working on cars and considers himself to be a “wrench turner.” Mark enjoys traveling and his favorite place to travel is Arizona. He has a son and daughter and plans to advance within and retire from RTA.
Smantha Romain – Emergency Management (Specialist) – Admin Employee of the Quarter (3rd quarter)
Samantha has been employed with the RTA for 4 years in Emergency Management. Samanatha was accepted and is currently taking part in FEMA’s National Emergency Management Academy class, which is an extremely high honor in the emergency management sector. Samantha’s efforts were instrumental in the recognition received from APTA when RTA received the Rail Emergency Management “Certificate of Merit” award. Samantha ensures that the agency follows all required FEMA training courses and enjoys working with the public and the internal customers.
Samanatha has 5 children and enjoys arts and crafts, Pilates, small road trips, and attending her favorite festival, the French Quarter Festival.
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