NEW ORLEANS – Today, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) Board of Commissioners approved the update to the agency’s Strategic Mobility Plan (SMP) at its Board of Commissioners Meeting. This five-year plan outlines the RTA’s strategic direction, investments and capital projects — including the modernization of its transit infrastructure, and within that fare technology — and increased regional connections and improved rider amenities.

“The RTA has a lot to celebrate since bringing RTA management and operations in-house in 2019. Since this time, the agency has been awarded $155 million in competitive grants, has developed a fleet replacement strategy, and we are beginning implementation of our upgraded passenger facilities and amenities,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, CEO, RTA. “The plan approved today builds on the success of the past four years and provides a roadmap for our bright future.”

“The 2023 Strategic Mobility Plan illustrates the RTA’s commitment to building a world-class transit system that is equitable, reliable and fully accessible,” said Mark Raymond Jr., Board Chair, RTA. “This plan lays the framework for future collaboration with federal, state, local and community partners to deliver a rider-centered and modern transit system that serves as an economic engine for the region.”  

The SMP, initially unveiled in 2018, outlines the RTA's vision for the upcoming five years and its informed priorities gathered from community input, rider data, and industry best practices. Some essential elements of the 2023 Strategic Mobility Plan:

• Prioritize Bus Rapid Transit and other transit priority corridors
• Construct transit centers in Downtown, New Orleans East, and Algiers, as well as smaller hubs at major transfer points
• Complete fare modernization which implements a prepaid, contactless boarding experience to enhance service efficiency
• Expand passenger facilities and upgrade basic transit stop amenities to be safer and more comfortable
• Build the charging infrastructure and workforce to facilitate the agency’s transition to low-no emission vehicles
• Expanding regional connections and integration
• Envisioning and delivering a fully accessible transit system

The 2023 SMP Update underscores the agency's core values and goals which include delivering a world-class rider experience, improving regional connections, advancing innovation to bring the best and brightest ideas and technologies to bare, all while ensuring our transit system is equitable.

Learn more about the Strategic Mobility Plan here.

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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.