NEW ORLEANS – On Saturday (Sept. 14), starting at 6 a.m., the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is returning the Chalmette Ferry into service after a drydock inspection mandated by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

"This routine yet important drydock inspection underscores RTA's commitment to providing safe and reliable transportation to our riders, and we're pleased to have the Chalmette ferry back in service," said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins. "This timely maintenance is a win for our regional infrastructure, insuring the ferry's continued reliability. I want to offer a big thank-you to our RTA operations team and to our contractors who worked tirelessly to make this happen."

The drydock inspection for the Chalmette Ferry vessel included upgrades to the propellers, tail shafts, pumps, piping, hydraulic, mechanical, and steering systems, ensuring they are all in optimal condition, along with sandblasting and a fresh new paint job.

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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana which is operated by an independent Board of Commissioners that serves Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes. The agency operates car and passenger ferries, fixed-route buses, paratransit, streetcar, and limited on-demand service.