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New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA)

2817 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
504.248.3900

More Info on New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA)

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The Regional Transit Authority gets people moving around New Orleans. Our transit services bring hard-working commuters to their jobs, students to their schools, and fun-seekers to entertainment, shopping areas, and restaurants. We provide mobility to residents of the city as well as to large numbers of tourists, taking them to and from their hotels to historical neighborhoods and countless attractions. In fact, many visitors (and locals) ride the RTA’s iconic streetcars simply for the fun of it. In this way, the RTA is a destination in itself. Our streetcars and buses are both a symbol of the city and an essential part of it.

Press Releases

The pilot evaluates the viability and impact of late-night ferry service for residents who rely on nighttime transportation.
June 11, 2025
In 2024, NORTA says it worked to establish an improved transit experience in New Orleans by modernizing its infrastructure, investing in workforce and engaging with the communities...
April 23, 2025
Through a five-year Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, the Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District will provide access to a chartered ferry as necessary and based on availability...
Jan. 22, 2025
New Orleans RTA
New Orleans RTA bus.
The budget includes funding for the agency to continue to improve its service delivery and increase ridership across all modes of transportation.
Dec. 19, 2024
The one-year zero-fares pilot program will provide Orleans Parish youth ages 16 to 24 access to free rides on New Orleans RTA buses, streetcars and ferries.
Aug. 29, 2024
The pilot, in collaboration with RIDE New Orleans, the New Orleans Public Library and the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board offers free transit passes to Orleans ...
July 22, 2024
New Orleans RTA
Justin Cayless.
The agency says Cayless is known for his effectiveness with cross-functional teams and developing solutions to meet customer needs.
April 15, 2024
The eGen Flex® electric hybrid propulsion system will allow New Orleans RTA to reduce its emissions and increase its efficiency.
March 21, 2024
The city issued a letter of intent, which will enable the transit operator to continue operating ferry service at current levels in 2024.
Dec. 15, 2023

News

The Chicago RTA’s budget includes $4.32 billion in operating expenses while New Orleans RTA’s budget includes federal funding to continue supporting major transit projects.
Dec. 22, 2025
The $11.4 million project will bring accessibility upgrades, new rider amenities and streamlined passenger flow to improve the functionality of the facility.
Dec. 11, 2025
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An RTA bus drives down the street.
The design will be completed with community input and will begin in December.
Nov. 19, 2025
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The Algiers Ferry traverses the Mississippi River.
Data from the pilot suggests the program did not meet intended performance metrics.
Sept. 30, 2025
The project seeks to update the terminal and the adjacent ferry maintenance building.
Sept. 29, 2025

Articles

Edwards Hankins joined New Orleans RTA in 2019 as chief of infrastructure and long-term planning and has served as interim CEO since December 2022.
March 6, 2023
The funding will go to 23 projects in 11 states with the money coming from three competitive grant programs.
Jan. 27, 2023
Wiggins 38-year transit career includes leadership roles in Chicago, Seattle, Southern California before he became RTA’s first publicly appointed CEO.
Dec. 8, 2022
New Orleans RTA
New Orleans Rta General
The transit authority is partnering with JOB1 Career Solutions to create a job training program for non-violent offenders who have completed a mechanic apprenticeship program....
Dec. 10, 2021
Mike Smith, Chief Safety Officer, New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
Nov. 23, 2021
New Orleans RTA CEO says the decision was made to protect the health and safety of operators, administrative employees and riders.
July 26, 2021
With an entirely new leadership team on board, New Orleans RTA took the reins of the agency in December 2020 and is focused on providing world-class service for all New Orleans...
March 23, 2021

Additional content from New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA)

The Perley A. Thomas streetcar began servicing the New Orleans RTA in the early 192os on the St. Charles Streetcar line, which is the oldest operating streetcar line in the world...
Nov. 2, 2023
Santa Clara VTA General Manager and CEO Carolyn Gonot and New Orleans RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins spoke at the Women in Transit reception at the APTA Expo 2023.
Oct. 24, 2023
The five-year plan outlines the RTA’s direction, investments and capital projects.
Sept. 27, 2023
The four-year agreement is effective through June 2027 and includes pay increases and additional paid time off.
Sept. 8, 2023
The route will now continue along West Judge Perez Drive to Paris Road and to the Nunez Community College campus.
June 6, 2023
With approval from the New Orleans City Council, New Orleans RTA will be able to apply for federal funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s CIG Program.
March 24, 2023
RTA joins transit systems worldwide that use Transit app for riders to plan, track and pay for their trips without downloading a new app while traveling.
Dec. 29, 2022
New Orleans RTA
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The program aims to increase service for riders with disabilities in New Orleans East.
Aug. 23, 2022
The new system, which replaces the manual process, highlights the agency's efforts to use innovation and technology to increase efficiency and convenience for riders and partners...
July 11, 2022
New Orleans RTA
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RTA says the new agreement includes a pay and benefits package that keeps operators among the highest paid in the southwest and southeast regions.
June 29, 2022
New Orleans RTA
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The study will determine route options connecting New Orleans East and Westbank communities to jobs and services.
April 25, 2022