New Orleans’ youth can no longer sign up for free transit passes after Aug. 14 because of high program demand, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority and its partners announced Monday.

Current participants in the Opportunity Pass program, a two-year pilot program that provides free public transportation for young people, will not be affected. The announcement comes as the program nears its end in December.

Officials said in a news release that the program has served more than 10,000 youth since it launched in 2024 and because of “overwhelming demand” they can no longer accept new enrollments.

Those already enrolled can continue to activate new daily passes through the RTA Le Pass app and visit any New Orleans Public Library location each month to receive their new monthly paper pass.

" The Opportunity Pass is more than a successful pilot — it is proof that free, youth-friendly public transportation works,” said Morgan Shannon, Executive Director of the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board.

The Children and Youth Planning Board helped launch the program in conjunction with the RTA, transportation advocacy group RIDE New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Library.

“Affordable transit was identified by young people as a priority solution in the Youth Master Plan because transportation is essential to accessing education, employment, programs, healthcare and the places where young people feel safe and connected,” Shannon added.

Launched with $2.5 million in federal pandemic relief funds, the program targets youth ages 16-24 who aren't in school or working, also called "opportunity youth." Advocates say it removes transportation barriers for young people and connects them to education, employment and other opportunities.

Supporters have said the pilot is a stepping stone to analyze the program’s need and provide data to access potential funding in the future.

“We must now prioritize using the stories, data, and lessons from this program to champion sustainable investment and ensure New Orleans' youth continue to have access to the opportunities they deserve,” said Executive Director of Ride New Orleans Courtney Jackson.

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