Hurricane Preparedness

How RTA Restores Service After a Storm

Once a storm passes, RTA begins restoring transit service in phases. Here’s what to expect.

• Safety First
  We inspect routes for flooding, debris, downed power lines, and structural damage.
• Paratransit & Critical Routes
  Service starts with paratransit and bus routes near essential services like hospitals, grocery stores, and Emergency Resource Centers.
• Ferry Service
  Ferry service resumes once the Coast Guard reopens the Mississippi River, and only if there’s no significant damage to the terminal, vessels, or docking infrastructure—and enough workers are available to operate safely.
• Gradual Reopening
  Bus and streetcar lines return as streets are cleared and more operators become available.
• Free Return Rides
  After a mandatory evacuation, RTA provides free rides for evacuees from the Union Passenger Terminal (UPT) back into neighborhoods.
• Stay Updated
  Get service alerts through norta.com, the Le Pass app, and NOLA Ready texts.

Service restoration depends on storm damage, road access, and staff availability. We appreciate your patience as we restore transit safely.