NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District (PPHTD) have officially signed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) to partner on ferry services in the region. This milestone partnership represents both RTA’s & PPHTD’s commitment to regional collaboration and providing efficient public transit solutions for the community.

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Under the five-year agreement, the RTA will charter the Belle Chase II ferry from PPHTD as necessary, based on availability, and on operational needs. This will ensure continuity within the Chalmette – Lower Algiers route which serves as a vital connection for residents and businesses. 

“This partnership ensures we can maintain critical ferry services and exemplifies our dedication to fostering strategic collaborations that sustain critical services,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, CEO, RTA. “The Chalmette ferry is more than transportation—it’s a lifeline that connects communities, supports economic development, and reflects our shared commitment to public service.”

Fred Neal Jr., Chair, RTA Board of Commissioners added, “By working together with the Plaquemines Port, we ensure residents have a dependable transportation option when primary services require support.” 

Charles D. Tillotson, Executive Director, PPHTD emphasized, “This agreement highlights the value of collaboration in addressing regional transportation needs while supporting community growth and economic development.”

The agreement allows the RTA to minimize disruption to services and ensures that the ferry remains accessible and effective for the public. Both organizations have pledged to work in harmony, to enhance the quality of life for all residents in the region.

The signing ceremony was also attended by executive and board leadership from both agencies, including Gizelle Johnson-Banks, RTA Chief Financial Officer; Brian Marshall, RTA Chief Transit Officer; Kelder Summers, RTA Chief External Affairs Officer; Patrice Bell, PPHTD Chief Administrative Officer; Celeste Bergeron, PPHTD Director of Projects; Jalen Brown, PPHTD Director of Security & Vessels; and Shannon Glapion, PPHTD Chief Financial Officer.

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About New Orleans RTA 
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.

About Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District
About the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District: The Plaquemines Port, located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, is a leading maritime hub along the Gulf Coast. With its strategic location on the Mississippi River, the Port plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, supporting local industries, and connecting communities. Equipped with modern terminals and facilities, the Port handles a diverse range of cargo and implements environmentally sustainable practices. The Port owns and operates the ferry system in Plaquemines, an essential connectivity asset. Through its operations, the Port generates employment opportunities, stimulates regional economic diversification, and fuels long-term prosperity.