RTA of New Orleans Shifts Operations Internal for Enhanced Service Quality and Equity Emphasis
**New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Embraces Change and Equity**
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has embarked on a transformative journey, redefining its operations and commitment to equity, as it strives to rebuild trust within the community.
The RTA, which was first appointed a CEO since 2009 with the arrival of Alex Z. Wiggins in 2020, has focused its efforts on safety, customer service, on-time performance, and equity. This new leadership team is spearheading significant changes that reflect the city's rich transit history while addressing contemporary challenges.
The RTA's operations trace back to the 19th century, with the New Orleans City Railroad Company expanding the streetcar system in the 1860s. Consolidation of multiple lines occurred under New Orleans Public Service Incorporated (NOPSI) in 1922. The RTA took over ownership and operation of the streetcar system in 1979, including the historic St. Charles Streetcar Line, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973.
Historically, the RTA's streetcar service was racially segregated until 1958, a critical step towards improving equity in public transit in New Orleans. Accessibility for people with disabilities has been a challenge, particularly on the historic St. Charles Line where adjustments have been difficult due to preservation requirements. In contrast, newer lines have prioritized accessibility.
The RTA's takeover of streetcar operations in the 1980s and ongoing efforts to maintain and modernize the system, such as refurbishing historic streetcars and adding accessible vehicles, demonstrate attempts to honor tradition while responding to community needs. The historical legacy of segregation and service changes necessitated the RTA to rebuild trust through inclusive policies, improving accessibility, and maintaining reliable service.
The RTA is now fully managing its administration and operations, a significant milestone achieved in March 2021. This change has resulted in an increase in direct employees from 70 to over 800 in various roles. The RTA is also working on the New Links project, a redesign of the greater New Orleans transit system.
The New Links project planning team has gathered data from rider surveys, public forums, and a Comprehensive Operations Analysis of existing transit services. The new network plan aims to increase the number of people living within a half mile of buses with 15- or 20-minute headways, improve service for residents who live in poverty and for households without cars, and establish transfer hubs in the West Bank, East New Orleans, St. Bernard, and Jefferson Parishes.
The RTA is committed to ensuring that the city's culture endures and prosperity is shared by all. To this end, they are collaborating with New Orleans-based artist Brandan "BMike" Odums and Ashe Cultural Arts Center to create a public art bus featuring uplifting messages celebrating African American youth. The RTA has also developed a Race and Social Justice Toolkit to consider the impact of operational and policy changes on communities of colour.
The RTA's vision is to create a world-class transit system that is both equitable and reliable. As the city of New Orleans continues to evolve, so too does its transit authority, striving to meet the needs of its diverse community and preserve its unique heritage.
- The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), in its efforts to redefine its operations and commitment to equity, is exploring possibilities beyond buses, such as improving rail services or expanding their management over other transportation sectors within the industry.
- In order to fund these changes and modernize the transportation system, the RTA is seeking innovative financial solutions, recognizing that a reliable and accessible transit system is crucial for the city's economic growth and social justice.
- As part of their commitment to preserving New Orleans' rich cultural heritage, the RTA is collaborating with local artists to create unique, uplifting designs for their buses, ensuring that the city's transportation reflects its vibrant identity while promoting equity and inclusivity.
