Coast Transit Authority marks end of a 50-year hailing tradition
For nearly half a century, riders along the Mississippi Gulf Coast have flagged down Coast Transit Authority (CTA) buses from street corners, sidewalks and neighborhood intersections. The practice, known as hailing, became a hallmark of CTA’s service model, dating back to 1975. On Oct. 31, 2025, that era came to a close.
CTA’s nine-member board of commissioners, working alongside CTA Executive Director Ninette Barrios, voted unanimously to retire the hailing system, citing safety, accessibility and modernization as the driving forces behind the decision. With this move, CTA joins the vast majority of urban transit systems nationwide that rely on designated bus stops rather than roadside signals to drivers.
The end of an era
Hailing was once a practical solution for a young system covering long stretches of coast with limited infrastructure. Riders could simply step to the curb, wave down a bus and climb aboard. While convenient, the practice presented significant risks. Operators often had to pull across traffic lanes without warning, while passengers, including seniors and those with mobility challenges, attempted to board in unsafe conditions.
“After 50 years, it’s time to move forward,” Barrios said. “We owe it to our riders and operators to make safety and accessibility our top priorities. Eliminating hailing is a step toward aligning CTA with federal guidelines and ensuring the system works for everyone.”
Building a more accessible network
As part of this transition, CTA has launched a comprehensive study to evaluate and update its bus stop locations. The study will ensure that future stops are ADA-compliant, accessible to all passengers and strategically placed to serve riders efficiently.
While CTA has long worked to improve accessibility, the new study provides an opportunity to modernize stop infrastructure with amenities such as landing pads, shelters, benches and clear signage.
“Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about dignity and independence,” Barrios emphasized. “By designing bus stops that everyone can use, we’re strengthening our role as a community connector.”
Communicating the change
Ending a 50-year tradition is no small feat, and CTA recognized the importance of clear, widespread communication. The agency implemented a comprehensive outreach strategy to ensure riders, operators and community members were well-informed before the Oct. 31 deadline.
The communication process included several key elements:
- Marketing campaign: A coordinated marketing effort introduced the message “Safe Stops, Better Rides.” Advertisements appeared on buses, at shelters and in local print and digital outlets. Social media played a central role, with countdown posts, educational videos and rider testimonials highlighting the benefits of the change.
- Media partnerships: Press conferences and interviews with CTA leadership provided updates, dispelled myths and reassured riders of improved service quality. Radio ads targeted commuters and frequent riders, particularly in communities most affected by the change.
- Rider alerts: Onboard announcements ran daily in English and Spanish. Printed flyers and digital notices were distributed system-wide and QR codes linking to updated bus stop maps were posted on buses, shelters and CTA’s website.
- Operator engagement: Operators were trained to guide riders through the transition. CTA launched a “Catchy Logo Contest” for operators, which invited them to design a visual identity for the campaign. The winning design was featured on T-shirts, bus wraps and the CTA website, reinforcing the message system-wide.
- Community outreach: CTA staff attended city council meetings, neighborhood association gatherings and senior center events to answer questions and distribute materials.
Operator and rider voices
As the October deadline approached, CTA amplified the voices of those most affected. Operators, many of whom have decades of experience navigating the challenges of hailing, have welcomed the change.
“Pulling across multiple lanes when someone waves at the last minute—it’s nerve-wracking,” said one veteran driver. “This change makes my job safer and our passengers’ rides smoother.”
Riders, too, have noticed the benefits. While some long-time passengers may miss the convenience of waving down a bus, many appreciate the clarity of designated stops.
“It’s easier to plan my trip when I know exactly where the bus will stop,” said a Gulfport commuter. “And I like that the stops will be more accessible.”
Looking ahead
CTA says that ending hailing was more than just a policy change—it represented a milestone in the agency’s evolution. As the Gulf Coast continues to grow and modernize, public transportation must adapt to meet new expectations.
The transition to a bus stop-only system underscores CTA’s commitment to safety, accessibility and modernization. It reflects a broader national trend toward structured, ADA-compliant transit infrastructure and positions CTA as a forward-looking agency ready to serve the next generation of riders.
“Public transit is about trust,” Barrios concluded. “Our riders trust us to get them where they need to go safely and reliably. By ending hailing and investing in accessible stops, we’re honoring that trust and preparing for the next 50 years of service.”
About the Author
Ninette Barrios
CEO, Coast Transit Authority
Ninette Barrios recently joined Coast Transit Authority as CEO with over 15 years of experience in both the public and private transit sectors. Her background includes leadership roles at Transdev Services, Amazon Logistics and Jefferson Parish Government, where she led transformative projects in operations, service delivery and infrastructure development.
A U.S. Army veteran, Barrios brings a mission-driven, people-first approach to her work and is deeply passionate about public transit and the communities it serves. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Serbian, and is known for building strong, collaborative teams focused on innovation and accountability.