New Orleans reopens streetcar line after 40 years

For the first time in 40 years, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) will resume revenue service of the Canal Streetcar line on Sunday, April 18, providing service for residents and visitors along the city’s historic business district. The new streetcar line, which travels a 5.5-mile route from the French Market to its final stop at the New Orleans Museum of Art, includes a fleet of 24 brand new red streetcars. The cars, built by NORTA blacksmiths, carpenters, electricians and mechanics, closely resemble the Perley Thomas models used on the city’s first streetcar lines. A ride on the air-conditioned streetcars costs $1.25 each way.