NEW ORLEANS –The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) today launched a public survey as part of its Streetcar System Modernization Master Plan, a community-driven effort to preserve and strengthen one of New Orleans' most iconic transportation systems while ensuring it remains accessible, safe, and reliable for generations to come. 

Take the Survey: hdr.jotform.com/261175888717068

Why This Matters?

Accessibility is a central focus of the Streetcar System Modernization Master Plan. In the consent decree resulting from O.E. v. New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, RTA is required to develop a comprehensive plan outlining the steps necessary to achieve full wheelchair accessibility on the St. Charles Streetcar Line by November 2026. The Streetcar System Modernization Master Plan will help guide that work while identifying broader opportunities to create a more accessible and inclusive streetcar system for all riders.

The New Orleans streetcar system remains both a vital transportation service and one of the city's most recognizable cultural landmarks. As the system continues to age, RTA is evaluating opportunities to improve safety, speed, reliability, and overall system performance while preserving the character, history, and experience that make New Orleans streetcars unique.

The Streetcar System Modernization Master Plan will identify investments needed to maintain the system in a state of good repair, support compliance with the consent decree, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the streetcar network. Key areas of focus include:

• Advancing accessibility for riders of all abilities
• Enhancing safety for riders, streetcar operators, motorists, and pedestrians
• Improving reliability, convenience, and system performance
• Honoring the historic legacy and cultural significance of New Orleans streetcars
• Identifying long-term investments needed to sustain the system for future generations

The Process

The first phase of the project, an Existing Conditions Assessment, is nearing completion and documents the current condition, performance, safety, and accessibility of the streetcar system. The survey launched today, along with additional public outreach activities will help establish community priorities and inform the vision for the future of the streetcar system. 

Following the collection of public input, potential modernization scenarios will be developed and shared for additional community feedback. A preferred scenario informed by public input will be presented to the RTA Board of Commissioners for consideration in October 2026 to meet the requirements of the consent decree.

The Outcome

The Streetcar Modernization Master Plan will serve as a roadmap for future capital investments and system improvements along with two other modernization projects currently underway: the All-Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) for the St. Charles Streetcar line and the Harmony Circle Track Replacement project. Recommendations will look at a 5- to 15-year time horizon for improvements that implement a community-led vision and preferred modernization scenario.

"In the 1890’s New Orleans undertook a massive streetcar modernization effort, including electrification and redesigned streets, to keep the city moving forward. The consent decree resulting from O.E. v. RTA is an opportunity to take a thoughtful, comprehensive, and long overdue look at the future of the streetcar system," said Dwight Norton, RTA Chief Planning & Capital Projects Officer. "Our goal is to improve accessibility for all riders while honoring the character and legacy that make New Orleans streetcars an enduring symbol of our city. This planning process gives the community a seat at the table to help shape that future.

Learn more at:  www.norta.com/current-projects/streetcar-modernization-study 

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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is a political sub-division 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, and streetcar services. For updates, service alerts, and agency news, follow the RTA on social media: @neworleansrta on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook, and New Orleans Regional Transit Authority on LinkedIn.