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We heard some incredible updates from the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) at yesterday’s Quarterly Coalition Meeting, and we couldn’t wait to share them with you!
Here are a few impressive highlights:
- RTA serves 39,000 riders daily across Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes.
- The system includes 28 bus routes, 5 streetcar lines, 2 ferry terminals, and paratransit services.
- Canal Street is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar line—a true gem of our city.
So, what does this mean for the future of Canal Street and our mission?
RTA is embracing a bold new vision called “Reclaiming the Ride,” shifting from private vehicle use to public transit through reinvestment and capital improvements.
One of the most exciting projects on the horizon is the planned Downtown Transit Center, a major step toward a more connected and efficient city.
RTA is also incorporating Art in Transit, blending public transportation with creativity to enrich the rider experience. And perhaps most importantly, RTA sees Canal Street as the “pulse of New Orleans”—a vital connector of neighborhoods, commerce, and culture.
We’re excited about RTA’s commitment to collaboration and long-term partnerships that support a vibrant, accessible, and artful Canal Street. The future is on the move—literally!
We also heard from DA Jason Williams and his Strategic Initiatives Director Daniel Shanks, who had a fantastic message for our coalition. Jason Williams said, "What you all are doing is expanding the unprecedented collaboration to change the spaces we live in. We don’t give up our spaces. You all are on the front lines, engaging in robust crime prevention. When there are families engaging on Canal Street, toddlers looking at Scrim – all people react differently.”
Daniel Shanks told us “You all are staking a claim and saying this is our city. This is ours, and that’s transformational. That’s something the police and DA’s office can’t do. You are transforming our crown jewel.”
We are making an impact and people are noticing!
Some key messages they wanted to get across during their speech included:
- Community prosecuting – get the data and raw numbers looking at crime trends to identify where crime is happening and then works with community departments to bring resources to areas that need it most – community led program, listening to our city
- Public service requires us to talk to other servants across party lines
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