 The search for RTA’s next Chief Executive Officer continues to move forward. Following a national search conducted by transit executive recruitment firm KL2 Connects, LLC, five semifinalists were presented to the RTA Board of Commissioners. The Board interviewed all five candidates on August 29 and publicly voted to narrow the field to three finalists.
Following the withdrawal of one finalist, the Board voted at its September 22 meeting to advance the next-ranked candidate from the original group of five, restoring the field to three finalists. The candidates will move forward to additional public engagement and in-person interviews with the Board in October.
The Board expects to select and announce RTA’s next CEO at its October meeting. Throughout the process, the Board has continued to engage with employees, riders, union leadership, Mayor Helena Moreno and the broader New Orleans community as it works to identify the agency’s next leader.
RTA’s Fall 2026 service changes went into effect on September 20, bringing updated schedules to select bus and streetcar lines. The adjustments are designed to improve service reliability and make travel more predictable for riders.
Updated schedules are now in effect for the 12 – St. Charles Streetcar, 61 – Lake Forest/Village de L’Est, 62 – Morrison/Bullard, and 62-O – Morrison Owl.
Riders are encouraged to review the new schedules before traveling and use the Le Pass app for trip planning and service information.
 MARTA, Sound Transit and DART staff at Carrollton Streetcar Barn
The 2025 Eno MAX Cohort recently visited RTA’s historic Carrollton Streetcar Barn for a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, expertise, and dedication that keep New Orleans’ streetcars moving.
Transit professionals from MARTA (Atlanta), DART (Dallas), and Sound Transit (Seattle) joined RTA staff to exchange ideas, discuss industry challenges and innovations, and learn from one another. Visitors also heard directly from members of RTA’s Rail Maintenance team about the specialized work required to maintain the city’s iconic streetcar fleet.
The visit provided an opportunity to share RTA’s work and New Orleans’ rich transit history while strengthening connections with transportation professionals from across the country.
 From left: Y’Esha Jackson-Williams, RTA Workforce Development Specialist; Aniyah Brack, RTA Intern; Dawn Domengeaux Lapeyrolerie, RTA Director of Workforce Development
This month, we’re highlighting the NORTA Toastmasters Club and the RTA employees who are using the program to strengthen their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills.
Since the employee professional-development club launched, its 25 members have delivered 35 prepared speeches, completed more than 300 meeting-role assignments, and gained hands-on experience leading meetings, evaluating speakers, practicing impromptu speaking, and providing constructive feedback. Eighteen members have also completed their first “Ice Breaker” speech, with two advancing through Level 1 of their Toastmasters Pathway.
Through continued participation and peer-to-peer learning, NORTA Toastmasters is helping employees build confidence and develop skills that support their professional growth and their work across the agency.
 Algiers Point Ferry Terminal
Work continues across several major RTA infrastructure projects aimed at improving reliability, accessibility, and the rider experience. Here’s the latest on three projects currently underway:
Algiers Ferry Terminal Renovation
The long-anticipated renovation of the Algiers Point Ferry Terminal, above, is transforming the facility into a more accessible and welcoming space for riders, ferry operations, and the surrounding community. The project follows an extensive planning and community engagement process that began in 2024 and includes improvements to the terminal building, passenger boarding areas, accessibility, and surrounding site.
Construction is now 55% complete, with building framing completed and new windows installed. Site work is approximately 35% complete and continuing. The project is still on schedule for completion in First Quarter 2027.
Harmony Circle Track Replacement
The Harmony Circle Track Replacement Project was launched to address deteriorated track conditions that had affected service along the St. Charles Streetcar Line. The work was part of RTA’s coordinated rail improvement efforts focused on strengthening the reliability of this historic transit corridor.
Track replacement work at Harmony Circle was completed in August, allowing streetcar service to resume through the area and ending the temporary bus bridge that had been running during construction.
Carrollton Double Crossover Project
Work also continues on the Carrollton Double Crossover Project at the Claiborne Avenue terminus of the St. Charles Streetcar Line. The project will relocate sections of rail and overhead electrical infrastructure to support future ADA accessibility improvements at the streetcar stop.
Construction is now 40% complete. Rail demolition, removal of the catenary line, and subsurface drainage work have been completed. The project is on schedule for completion in December 2026.
These investments are part of RTA’s continued work to modernize critical infrastructure, improve accessibility, and strengthen the reliability of transit service for our riders.
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