New routes deliver on agency commitment to improving transit equity, regional connectivity, and rider convenience

New Orleans, LA - Today, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced the implementation of a new bus network redesign, including new routes and bus schedules, beginning Sunday, September 25. The agency will offer a free fare promotion from Sunday, September 25, through Wednesday, September 28, to help riders adjust to the new routes and schedule changes.

This system redesign, the first major route overhaul since interim service was introduced following Hurricane Katrina, intentionally prioritized local rider needs, regional connections, and transit equity. Mainly based on recommendations of the New Links Transit System Redesign, the new routes were informed by extensive public outreach, which placed a specific and intentional focus on obtaining input from historically underrepresented riders in public engagement processes. 

"Reliable and safe public transit that meets the needs of riders is a basic human right and is essential for the economic mobility of families," said Mark Raymond, Jr., Chairman, RTA Board of Commissioners. "I am proud of the work of the RTA, in coordination with Jefferson Parish (JP) Transit, the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission, community stakeholders, and riders to create a modern, reliable, equitable, and sustainable transit network for generations to come." 

"These improvements to the New Orleans transit network, combined with the additional bus routes, are long overdue," said Dr. Shawn Wilson, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. "Not only will they assist Louisiana's workforce with getting to their jobs on schedule, but residents will also be able to quickly take care of everyday tasks and have easier access to area hospitals and clinics. The people of Louisiana who use these services daily expressed the need for these improvements, and officials listened." 

"Implementing these new routes demonstrates how RTA is ever-evolving to meet the needs of the community," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "This is another example of how our transit authority is expanding access to jobs, schools, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and other vital resources while refining residents' travel time across our city. These new routes add another level of convenience that will ultimately improve the quality of life for our residents, which is always our priority." 

In addition to first-hand rider input gained through interviews and surveys, RTA data teams developed a Transit Propensity Index, which analyzed socio-economic data, including income, race, and automobile access, to understand our riders' transit needs better. A Race and Social Justice Toolkit was also applied to the internal redesign process to ensure policy and operational decisions appropriately balanced the agency's finite public resources and the ridership needs of our most vulnerable riders.

Based on months of analysis and rider engagement, the following enhancements are included in the RTA system redesign: 

• A new regional transit station in New Orleans East
• RTA service extension into Jefferson Parish, providing better connections to key job centers in Elmwood
• Cross-parish routes eliminate the need to travel to the Central Business District when traveling within neighborhoods
• Improved access: jobs, education, and services
• Doubled the number of households near high-frequency corridors
• Shorter trip times, even if a transfer is required
• More direct trips with closer walkability to stops and hubs
• Reduced wait times, six routes reduced from 60 minutes to 40 minutes or less 
• Extended night and weekend bus service for areas far from downtown, like New Orleans East and Algiers, to accommodate alternate work shift workers better.

"The launch of the new system redesign signifies another exciting milestone in RTA's history. When bringing transit operations in-house in 2020, the RTA made a pledge to New Orleanians to build a world-class transit system that prioritizes equity, regional connections, and the needs of local riders. Today, thanks to the support of our local and regional partners, we are one big step closer to delivering on that commitment," said Alex Z. Wiggins, RTA CEO. 

"Public transportation accessibility is of paramount importance to not only residents but also our city and region's economy, and our environment," said Eugene Green, New Orleans City Council Transportation Committee Chair. "Any measures taken to enhance public transportation resources and options available to residents have the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for all our residents - including those who do not regularly access the public modes of transit. I encourage users and residents to study and understand the coming changes." 

"The Regional Planning Commission is excited for the upcoming rollout of new bus and streetcar routes by the RTA to create better more equitable transit service for the community," says Jeff Roesel, Executive Director, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission. "These changes result from extensive analysis, planning, and community engagement, beginning with the RTA's Strategic Mobility Plan in 2018 and continuing with the New Links process to re-imagine our region's transit network. We commend the results of this regional collaboration between the RPC, RTA, JP Transit, and numerous other stakeholders. We wish to express our thanks to CEO Alex Wiggins and the RTA Board of Commissioners for their partnership, support, and leadership throughout this process." 

"Ride New Orleans (RIDE) is excited about New Links/Routes and what it will mean for transit in New Orleans," said Courtney Jackson, Executive Director, RIDE New Orleans. "With increases in frequency, coverage, and regional access that will connect our neighborhoods and get people - especially in places that have lacked transit access - where they need to go faster, there is no better time to get on transit!"