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New Orleans RTA Approves 2025 Budget

Top initiatives for 2025 include continued enhancements such as replacement and modernization of RTA’s aging fleet, investments to improve service reliability, and improved rider amenities.

December 18, 2024
New Orleans RTA Approves 2025 Budget

NORTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins said riders will see tangible results of these critical investments very soon.

Photo: NORTA

1 min to read


The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) secured approval of its $227.4 million 2025 Operating and Capital Budget by the board at its final meeting of 2024. 

“Our team has developed a budget that reflects our responsibility to taxpayers and invest in projects and initiatives that will benefit our riders,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, RTA CEO. “As we follow our recently updated Strategic Mobility Plan and best practices in the transit industry, we are shaping a strong future for RTA. In 2025, our riders will see tangible results of these critical investments as we continue to show that RTA is How New Orleans Rolls.” 

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2025 Budget Initiatives

Top initiatives for 2025 include continued enhancements such as replacement and modernization of RTA’s aging fleet, investments to improve service reliability, and improved rider amenities. 

Additional Investments include, continued investments in infrastructure and capital projects, such as mobility hubs at key transfer points and engineering and design work for bus rapid transit, as well as advance transit system and integrate equity practices through: 

  • Fare technology modernization

  • Universal Accessibility Study

  • DBE/SBE Mentor/Protégé Program

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