NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), in partnership with LabMar Ferry Services, LLC, is launching a summer pilot program to extend evening ferry service on the Algiers–Canal Street route, starting June 15, 2025, and running through September 27, 2025. 

The pilot evaluates the viability and community impact of late-night ferry service for hospitality workers, musicians, and other residents who rely on nighttime transportation. The service enhancement is part of RTA’s ongoing commitment to improving equitable access across its transit network.

Key Pilot Details:

• Summer Pilot Final Departures:
  • East Bank (Canal Street): 12:15 a.m.
  • West Bank (Algiers): 12:00 a.m.
  • (Previously Sunday–Thursday 8:45 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10:45 p.m.)
• Frequency: Departures every 15 minutes (:00, :15, :30, :45)
• Service Days: 7 days a week 
• Fare: $2.00 per ride

“The ferry is an integral part of our regional transit network,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, RTA CEO. “Extending its hours is an effort to support New Orleans’ nighttime workforce and meeting the real needs of our riders. This pilot allows us to test in a controlled way and respond to what the community has long asked for, later ferry service.” 

The summer period was chosen intentionally for its lower tourism volume, offering an ideal window to isolate and measure local ridership. With fewer large-scale events during this time, RTA will be able to assess operational feasibility and gather cleaner data for future planning. The pilot also provides a unique opportunity to benchmark performance against prior years without extended hours in place.

RTA and LabMar Ferry Services will monitor ridership levels, operational costs, and rider feedback throughout the duration of the pilot to determine the long-term feasibility of maintaining late-night ferry service beyond the summer.

For more information on this summer ferry pilot program visit norta.com/ferry or download the Le Pass app.  

For press inquiries/interview requests: contact Zach Stanfill at zstanfill@rtaforward.org. 

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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, streetcar, and limited on-demand service.