As we begin this new year, I want to acknowledge the unprecedented start to 2025 and extend my heartfelt thoughts to everyone affected by the tragic events on Bourbon Street earlier this month. Our thoughts are with the families impacted by this heartbreaking incident. Additionally, I want to recognize the challenges brought by the January snowstorm, which tested our city in ways we don’t often experience.  

In light of these recent events, I am proud to highlight the dedication of RTA’s team members, who worked tirelessly to maintain service and ensure safety for all. Your resilience, adaptability, and commitment to New Orleans do not go unnoticed. To our riders, thank you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support as we navigated these challenges together. 

Looking ahead, we prepare to welcome an exciting chapter for New Orleans as Super Bowl LIX comes to town. RTA is ready to ensure safe and efficient transportation throughout the festivities. From shuttling football fans to assisting with game-day navigation, our team is here to make this experience seamless and enjoyable for you. 

Let’s continue to come together as a community, demonstrating the strength and spirit that make New Orleans so unique. Thank you for trusting RTA to keep you moving forward. 

On January 12th, the RTA launched its Winter 2025 Service Schedule, featuring increased weekday frequency on the following bus routes: 

• 27-Louisiana: Frequency of 53 minutes changes to frequency of 35 minutes  

• 84-Galvez: Frequency of 45 minutes changes to 30 minutes  

• 66-Hayne Loop: Frequency of 70 minutes changes to 35 minutes  

• 61-Lake Forest-Village de L'Est: Frequency of 30 minutes changes to 24 mins  

• 105-Algiers Local: Frequency of 80 minutes changes to 40 minutes  

Additionally, all routes–except the 202 Airport Express–now have a frequency of 60 minutes or less, aligning with RTA's Fixed-Route Service Standards.  

RTA kicked off the year with excitement, welcoming our new Chief Transit Officer, Brian Marshall! In this role, Marshall will oversee operations of RTA’s fixed-route bus, streetcar, marine, and paratransit services. Marshall’s transit experience includes operational leadership with the Chicago Transit Authority before leading the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) in Baton Rouge, where he not only successfully led efforts to increase taxpayer funding but also oversaw dramatic increases in on-time performance for its paratransit services. Marshall also has transit experience in Fresno, Calif.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; and most recently in South Bend, Ind. 

Again, welcome Brain!