(New Orleans, LA) —Today, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority announced a $300,000 award through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Mobility for All Pilot Program. RTA intends to use the funding for the MOVE East NOLA pilot program. MOVE (Mobility On-Demand Vehicle Express) is a proposed mobility pilot project that will provide enhanced mobility and connectivity for senior and disabled residents of New Orleans East.

The MOVE pilot targets New Orleans East residents with low incomes, seniors, and persons with disabilities to assist with making vital transportation connections to healthcare options that are often inaccessible due to distance. The proposed pilot will utilize a fleet of three (3) handicap lift equipped vehicles to transport patients to and from medical appointments. Riders can preschedule pick-ups and request “on-demand” return trips using a personal app designed specifically for this project. 

The FTA’s Mobility for All Pilot Program seeks to improve mobility options through employing innovative coordination of transportation strategies and building partnerships to enhance mobility and access to vital community services. FTA announced $3.5 million in grants for 17 projects in 16 states to improve mobility and access to public transportation for older adults, people with disabilities and individuals of low income.

RTA plans to leverage the pilot program, which is geared towards the paratransit community and riders with mobility issues, to be the precursor for accessible transit solutions for all riders in the New Orleans East area and beyond.

For the latest information on all RTA news, visit RTA’s website at www.RTAforward.org.

Please send media inquiries to Marcomm@RTAforward.org.

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