Then & Now

From Crisis to Connection

The journey of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is one of transformation and tenacity, from public control to private management, and ultimately back to public, local, and accountable leadership. Through every phase, one purpose has endured: serving the people of this culturally rich city with reliable, accessible transit and sound fiscal stewardship. 

Today, the RTA stands rider-focused and future-ready, embodying the determination and effectiveness of a city committed to responsible progress. From fleet upgrades to next-gen fares to community-anchored transit hubs, this isn’t just the future of transit—it’s HOW NEW ORLEANS ROLLS.

 — Lona Edwards Hankins, CEO

Present

In 2019, the RTA Board acted on the findings of an independent management study by appointing its first public CEO and hiring 75 staff to oversee the private management contract, marking a decisive shift toward stronger accountability. In 2020, the agency completed its transition to a fully public workforce by directly hiring approximately 800 employees, ushering in a new era focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening operations. Today, RTA’s renewed commitment to the rider experience and community engagement continues to deepen its connection to the neighborhoods it serves while also supporting the city’s economic future.

A Smarter, more streamlined RTA

• Local management and decision making, accountability with checks and balances, safer operations, and service rooted in the culture of New Orleans
• 27 new local jobs created to bring back-office operations in-house, strengthening the local economy through job creation, competitive wages for New Orleanians, and contributions to the city’s tax base
• New Links Network Redesign overhauled the bus system to improve access to jobs, education, and health care while underscoring RTA’s commitment to stronger regional connectivity
• Core systems and work processes improved
• Capital plan launched, with ingenuity and fiscal responsibility, to replace aging fleets, upgrade facilities, and improve rider experience
• Modernized service with new buses, hybrid, and paratransit vehicles, two new ferries, the Canal Street Ferry Terminal, and accessibility upgrades along the St. Charles streetcar line

Under public control, the RTA is focused on delivering reliable service, safer rides, and stronger stewardship of every public dollar. Next, the agency will push further by expanding safety, sustainability, accessibility, and comfort systemwide to deliver smarter, more dependable transit for every rider.