News Releases

RTA Congratulates Mayor Helena Moreno and Newly Elected City Leaders

January 12th, 2026

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority congratulates the Honorable Helena Moreno on her inauguration today as the 63rd Mayor of the City of New Orleans.

“We congratulate Mayor Moreno as she assumes office and begins her first term,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, Chief Executive Officer of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. “Transit is essential to the fabric of New Orleans—linking neighborhoods, jobs, schools, and cultural life. We look forward to constructive engagement with the new administration to advance mobility and access for residents, workers, and visitors.”

The RTA also offers congratulations to all those reelected as well as to the newly-elected officials beginning their terms, including:

Matthew Willard, Councilmember at Large
Aimee McCarron, Councilmember, District A
Jason Hughes, Councilmember, District E
Calvin Duncan, Clerk, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court (term begins May 4, 2026)
Michelle M. Woodfork, Sheriff-elect, Orleans Parish (term begins May 4, 2026)

“The start of any administration marks both reflection and momentum,” Hankins added. “The RTA remains focused on safety, reliability, and the rider experience, and we are committed to strong coordination with local leadership during this new chapter.”

The RTA extends its appreciation to the outgoing administration and departing elected officials for their service to the City and for their role in advancing several important transit modernization and capital efforts over the past four years.

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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is a 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 service.  