The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is seeking public comment on the agency’s new Service Standards Policy. The service standards will be used as a framework for fixed route bus and streetcar service moving forward helping key decision makers within the agency. RTA uses service standards to evaluate, design, and modify transit services to meet the changing needs of riders and to deliver efficient, high-quality service. The objective of the policy is to have a transparent, clear process for the agency and the community that is aligned with the region’s goals for transportation. Public comment can be submitted through here through March 9, 2021. 

The service standards establish criteria and processes the RTA will use to analyze and plan changes to the transit system. The standards will provide direction in the following areas: 

• Evaluating and reporting on the existing network, 

• Establishing service demand, 

• Evaluating system performance,  

• Planning and designing service,  

• Adding, reducing, and changing service   

Within the current network design, establishing service demand and evaluating system performance will help the agency achieve better on-time performance, assess feasibility of transit corridors throughout the city, and measure route productivity and efficiency. As the agency plans for the future of transit, the service standards will help in qualitative and quantitative data for specific routes within the transit network while adjusting service on routes based on factors such as ridership and performance.  

The standards update came from the agency’s renewed commitment to providing equitable service across the transit system. The agency’s participation in the New Links Network Redesign project which focuses on improving connectivity further provided insight into service areas and rider needs. The project lead by the Rgional Planning Commission (RPC) advocates for more seamless connections between parishes and transit systems.  

To view the entire Service Standards Policy, click here.