The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced its Board of Commissioners approved the update to the agency’s Strategic Mobility Plan (SMP) at its Board of Commissioners Meeting.

The five-year plan outlines the RTA’s strategic direction, investments, and capital projects — including the modernization of its transit infrastructure, and within that fare technology — and increased regional connections and improved rider amenities.

“The RTA has a lot to celebrate since bringing RTA management and operations in-house in 2019. Since this time, the agency has been awarded $155 million in competitive grants, has developed a fleet replacement strategy, and we are beginning implementation of our upgraded passenger facilities and amenities,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, CEO, RTA. “The plan approved today builds on the success of the past four years and provides a roadmap for our bright future.”

Elements of the SMP

The SMP, initially unveiled in 2018, outlines the RTA's vision for the upcoming five years and its informed priorities gathered from community input, rider data, and industry best practices.

Elements of the 2023 Strategic Mobility Plan:

• Prioritize Bus Rapid Transit and other transit priority corridors

• Construct transit centers in Downtown, New Orleans East, and Algiers, as well as smaller hubs at major transfer points

• Complete fare modernization which implements a prepaid, contactless boarding experience to enhance service efficiency

• Expand passenger facilities and upgrade basic transit stop amenities to be safer and more comfortable

• Build the charging infrastructure and workforce to facilitate the agency’s transition to low-no emission vehicles

• Expanding regional connections and integration

• Envisioning and delivering a fully accessible transit system