Today, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority announced a $600,000 award from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to fund the research and development of transit operator physical and biological safety enhancements.

The RTA, in partnership with Jefferson Transit, will assess bus compartment protections, current training, policies and procedures, and customer service implications. Building on the Plexiglas barriers installed as a COVID-19 mitigation, the RTA will redesign permanent bus operator compartments that will provide the protections our frontline workers need and deserve.

FTA’s Bus Operator Compartment Redesign Program supports the redesign of transit bus operator compartments to improve safety for bus operators and the passengers they serve.

FTA announced 10 projects in nine states that will receive a share of approximately $9.1 million in funding through the Safety Research and Demonstration Program and Bus Operator Compartment Redesign Program. The funding will support and advance innovation and safety in the transit industry.