The year-long planning effort will evaluate service on Routes 61 Lake Forest–Village de L'Est, 62 Morrison–Bullard, 62-O Morrison Owl, 66 Hayne Loop, 67 Michoud Loop, and 68 Little Woods Loop to identify opportunities to improve reliability, connectivity, and access to jobs, education, healthcare, and other essential destinations. 

As part of the public engagement process, RTA will host a Community Kickoff Meeting on Tuesday, July 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the New Orleans East Library (5641 Read Blvd.). The meeting will provide an overview of the project, explain how community feedback will be used, and give attendees an opportunity to meet with the project team and share their ideas. We encourage everyone who lives, works, or rides transit in New Orleans East to participate and help shape the future of transit in the community. 

Fifteen high school students are spending a portion of their summer gaining hands-on experience through the YouthForce NOLA internship program, which returns for its fourth year in partnership with RTA. Over the next month, interns will work alongside agency staff while exploring careers in public transportation. 

This year's interns are supporting the Scheduling and Planning, Emergency Management & Safety, and Community Engagement/Marketing & Communications departments, with Workforce Development serving as the primary supervising team. Throughout the program, interns will receive mentorship, contribute to meaningful projects, and complete a capstone presentation highlighting their experience at RTA. 

The internship program reflects RTA's continued commitment to developing future talent by providing students with real-world experience, professional mentorship, and a firsthand look at careers in public transportation. 

New Orleans RTA was proud to be represented at the 2026 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Workforce Summit in Salt Lake City, Utah. 

During the Summit's Hot Topics session, Korrie Mapp, Director of Occupational Safety and Health Safety, and Darwin Griffin, Senior Safety Specialist, presented "AI Meets Safety in Transit Operations," highlighting how artificial intelligence can enhance transit safety, improve operational effectiveness, and support the future of public transportation. 

By participating in national industry conferences like the APTA Workforce Summit, RTA continues to share best practices, learn from transit leaders across the country, and help advance innovative solutions that strengthen safety and service for our riders. 

Thank you to the more than 1,300 riders, residents, and stakeholders who participated in RTA’s Streetcar Modernization Survey. Your feedback is helping shape the future of one of New Orleans’ most iconic transportation systems and will play a vital role in developing a long-term vision for safer, more reliable, and more accessible streetcar service. 

The Streetcar Modernization Master Plan is now moving into its next phase. Later this year, RTA will host a series of small focus groups and public meetings to gather additional community input and discuss potential recommendations for the system. 

Community engagement remains at the heart of this effort, and we look forward to continuing the conversation as we work together to modernize New Orleans' streetcar system for generations to come. 

RTA Transit Police recently visited campers at NORD’s summer program at New Hope Baptist Church to share important transit safety tips and build positive relationships with the next generation. 

Through interactive activities, students had the opportunity to meet Transit Police officers, learn about staying safe on and around public transportation, and get an up-close look at NOPD police motorcycles and RTA’s new transit squad cars. 

RTA is proud to partner with organizations like NORD and New Hope Baptist Church to promote safety, strengthen community connections, and help create a positive transit experience for riders of all ages.