The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) Board of Commissioners is moving forward with the update to the agency’s Strategic Mobility Plan (SMP) The five-year plan outlines the RTA’s direction, investments and capital projects — including the modernization of its transit infrastructure and within that fare technology — and increased regional connections and improved rider amenities.
“The RTA has a lot to celebrate since bringing RTA management and operations in-house in 2019. Since this time, the agency has been awarded $155 million in competitive grants, has developed a fleet replacement strategy and we are beginning implementation of our upgraded passenger facilities and amenities,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, CEO, New Orleans RTA. “The plan approved today builds on the success of the past four years and provides a roadmap for our bright future.”
“The 2023 Strategic Mobility Plan illustrates the RTA’s commitment to building a world-class transit system that is equitable, reliable and fully accessible,” said Mark Raymond Jr., board chair, New Orleans RTA. “This plan lays the framework for future collaboration with federal, state, local and community partners to deliver a rider-centered and modern transit system that serves as an economic engine for the region.”
The SMP, initially unveiled in 2018, outlines the New Orleans RTA's vision for the upcoming five years and its informed priorities gathered from community input, rider data and industry best practices. Some essential elements of the 2023 Strategic Mobility Plan:
- Bus rapid transit and other transit priority corridors.
- Construct transit centers in downtown, New Orleans East and Algiers, as well as smaller hubs at major transfer points.
- Complete fare modernization, which implements a prepaid, contactless boarding experience to enhance service efficiency.
- Expand passenger facilities and upgrade basic transit stop amenities to be safer and more comfortable.
- Build the charging infrastructure and workforce to facilitate the agency’s transition to low-no emission vehicles.
- Expanding regional connections and integration.
- Envisioning and delivering a fully accessible transit system.
