Dear Rider,

As I see the garland hanging from our streetcars, it’s clear the holiday season is here. This time of year, is always a reminder of how important reliable public transit is as residents and visitors travel to work, celebrate with loved ones, and enjoy all that our city has to offer. 

Even during this busy season, the RTA continues to work hard to finish the year strong. This month, we officially broke ground on the long-awaited Algiers Ferry Terminal Renovation Project, marking a major milestone in our efforts to modernize critical transit infrastructure and improve the rider experience. This project represents years of planning, community input, and collaboration, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in a safer, more accessible, and more reliable transit system. 

We also continued important outreach on upcoming service improvements, including community meetings focused on the New Orleans East capital projects and the Algiers Service Improvement Plan Phase 3, giving riders direct opportunities to provide feedback and stay informed about how service changes may impact their trips.  

As we close out 2025, we’re proud of the progress made and grateful for the dedication of our employees who keep New Orleans moving every day, through the holidays and beyond. We’ll carry this momentum forward as a springboard into 2026, building on our successes and continuing to deliver improvements that matter to our riders and our communities. 

Thank you for riding with us and for allowing the RTA to be part of your journey. From all of us at the RTA, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a strong start to the new year.

See you on board, 

This month, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority celebrated a major milestone with the official groundbreaking for the Algiers Ferry Terminal Renovation Project, marking another significant investment in modernizing regional transit infrastructure. The ceremony kicked off the start of construction on this long-awaited project to update one of the city’s key multimodal transit gateways. 

The multimillion-dollar investment will improve accessibility, enhance rider amenities, and create a more welcoming and functional space for the Algiers community. Improvements include a redesigned accessible boarding ramp, upgraded pedestrian access, interior renovations, new office space, and enhanced shelters, lighting, and landscaping. The project also includes stormwater enhancements and redesigned circulation to better support walking, biking, and transit access. 

You told us you wanted clearer and more consistent communication when service disruptions, detours, or major events might affect your trips. In response, the RTA created a new Impact Action Matrix, a cross-departmental tool that guides how and when service changes are communicated. 

The Matrix helps RTA deliver prompt, accurate updates using the right channels, including service alerts on norta.com, the Le Pass app, social media channels like X, Instagram, and Facebook, stop signage, and other rider-facing tools, based on the level and duration of impact. 

Developed by a cross-functional team that includes Operations, Communications, Planning, Customer Service, IT, and others, the Impact Action Matrix reflects direct rider feedback and our commitment to improving how we keep riders informed and moving. 

At the final Board of Commissioners meeting of 2025, the RTA Board approved the agency’s 2026 Operating and Capital Budget. The adopted budget supports current service levels, advances key infrastructure investments, and positions the agency for long-term financial stability. 

The approved budget supports continued reliable transit service for riders across the region while moving forward with major federally funded capital projects. These investments include ongoing work on the Algiers Ferry Terminal Renovation Project, Bus Rapid Transit design, streetcar modernization, accessibility improvements, fleet maintenance, and the development of new mobility hubs. 

This fiscally responsible budget reflects careful planning and a continued commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and accessible transit for the community. With the 2026 budget in place, the RTA is well-positioned to build on this momentum and continue strengthening public transportation throughout New Orleans in the year ahead. 

RTA’s Winter 2026 Service Schedule will begin on Sunday, January 19, 2026. As part of this seasonal update, the RTA will introduce minor route and schedule adjustments on select lines to improve reliability and make travel more predictable for riders across the system. 

Route adjustments will take place on the 31 Leonidas/Gentilly and 32 Leonidas/Treme lines, along with schedule adjustments on the 202 Airport Express. Additionally, the 202 Airport Express will now serve stops along Poydras Street from Loyola Avenue to Convention Center Boulevard. 

Bus routes traveling on Elk Place toward Gentilly, the Ninth Ward, and Mid-City will only service designated stops, with new signage installed at each location to help guide riders. 

Riders are encouraged to review updated timetables in advance and allow extra travel time during the first week as changes take effect. New schedules will be available online, in the Le Pass app, at local libraries, and in the lobby of RTA headquarters at 2817 Canal Street. 

Congratulations to our Employees of the Year, whose dedication and service exemplify the best of the RTA. We proudly recognize Susan Lyon, Human Resources Specialist, for her outstanding contributions and continued commitment to supporting our mission. Next, we honor Anthony Maggio, Machinist, a vital member of the team who helps keep our vehicles running smoothly and in top condition. Finally, we recognize Whitney Matthews, Bus Operator, whose dedication ensures our riders receive safe, reliable, and high-quality service every day. 

We also extend our sincere appreciation to all our Employees of the Month and Employees of the Quarter throughout 2025. Your hard work, professionalism, and dedication play a critical role in serving our riders and strengthening our organization each day.