NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, RIDE New Orleans, the New Orleans Public Library, and the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board are collaborating closely to develop and implement the Opportunity Pass program. This pilot, which will offer free transit passes to Orleans Parish residents ages 16-24, is scheduled to open for enrollment in September. Participants can sign up at any New Orleans Public Library branch to receive free transit passes for the 12-month pilot period. This pilot will be funded with the $2.5 million allocation in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds approved by the New Orleans City Council in 2023.

RIDE and the RTA are currently working with and awaiting approval from the CAO's office of Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (CEAs) authorizing funds to be spent on this program. We have requested that the CAO expedite any remaining review of these agreements to ensure this important program can move forward by the target launch date in September.

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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.