NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced today that extended late-night hours on the Algiers–Canal Street ferry—operated under the Summer Ferry Pilot Program—will conclude Saturday, September 27 as scheduled. Ferry service returns to the standard operational schedule beginning Sunday, September 28. 

The pilot program tested demand and operating performance with a core goal of achieving cost-neutrality (revenues covering added costs). Preliminary results as measured by ridership and revenues indicate the pilot fell well short of performance objectives.  Because the Algiers ferry does not have a dedicated revenue source, any ongoing enhancements must be financially self-sustaining. 

A Historic Connector, A Modern Challenge 

Ferry service between Algiers Point and Canal Street dates back to 1827, making it one of New Orleans’ oldest and most enduring transit links. For decades, the ferries were operated and funded by the Mississippi River Bridge Authority toll revenues from the Crescent City Connection. When bridge tolls were not renewed by voters in 2013, the dedicated funding disappeared, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LDOTD) was authorized to operate the ferries. In 2014, the RTA and its prior operator Transdev entered into an agreement with LDOTD tooperate the Algiers and Chalmette ferries.

The funding for Chalmette is capped in legislation and there is no sustainable revenue stream that funds the operations of the Algiers ferry, thus leaving a deficit in Ferry operations. Since becoming a public agency in 2020, the RTA continues to make capital investments and improve the operations and reliability of this vital connection.

CEO Statement 

“Community interest in late-night ferry service is clear, and we are working to be as responsive as possible to the community’s interest level,” said RTA Chief Executive Officer Lona Edwards Hankins. “But, because the Algiers ferry does not have a sustainable funding source, we need to ensure that any permanent enhancements are fiscally sound. As such, we are continuing the data review which will help determine the appropriate next steps.”

What we learned 

• Extended hours help hospitality, healthcare, and service workers get home safely. 

• The ferry supports the local economy, tourism, and neighborhood vitality. 
• Families and residents value the ferry as a safe, affordable, cultural connector.

What happens next 

• RTA will continue reviewing pilot data and considering ways to strengthen the dataset, including either extending the collection period or running a targeted second pilot on high-impact days to capture both slow and peak seasons.
• RTA is evaluating lower-cost alternatives to late-night access, such as weekends only or select high-traffic days.
• RTA will continue extended hours during major events while long-term options are assessed.
• A public summary of pilot findings will be released after analysis is complete.

Why the pilot program matters 

The pilot advances transparent, data-driven decision-making as a complement to community and rider input. Obtained data can help determine how operating hours are set—by demand, cost, and reliability—and invites the public into that process. By testing, measuring, and reporting back, RTA can focus limited dollars where they deliver the greatest benefit for riders and the city. 

Rider information 

• Last day of extended hours: Saturday, Sept. 27 
• After Sept. 27: Ferry returns to the standard schedule 
• Updates: Check ferry hours in the Le Pass app, on RTA’s website, norta.com, or call Rideline at 504-248-3900. 

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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is a political subdivision 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 services, and streetcars.