Regional Transit Study Launched in New Orleans

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority and Jefferson Transit have launched a first-ever cooperative effort to analyze the New Orleans region's transit system ahead of a potential redesign of routes, reports Jessica Williams.

"For years, public transit agencies in and around New Orleans have made piecemeal adjustments to bus routes, adding a line here or rerouting another one there, without much thought as to how well the entire system connects most riders to school or work," explains Williams.

The New Orleans Regional Planning Commission hired consultant WSP USA to conduct the regional transit study. Among the survey tools expected to inform the study, according to WEilliams, are plans to send staff onto buses, streetcars and ferries in both parishes to get public input. A draft report is expected in fall of this year.