HDR wins New Orleans streetcar extensions
The environmental assessment and preliminary engineering work, which is under way, is slated to be completed in summer 2010.
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) selected HDR to complete an environment assessment and preliminary engineering for extensions of the New Orleans streetcar network into the Central Business District and neighborhoods surrounding the French Quarter.
HDR previously did the alternatives analysis identifying streetcar investments for these areas, and the related conceptual engineering.
The environmental assessment and preliminary engineering work, which is under way, is slated to be completed in summer 2010. HDR is also helping RTA apply for federal funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's TIGER Discretionary Grant Program, New Starts/Small Starts, and the new Urban Circulator program.
RTA plans to go from concept to completion in just over three years, with a proposed opening date of 2012.
HDR's alternatives analysis and conceptual engineering work, which was completed in September, was on a similarly fast track with the typical 18-month timeframe accelerated to 12 months.
More New Mobility

ENC Unveils ZAVIR Medium-Duty Electric Shuttle at APTA EXPO
The new ZAVIR brand targets shuttle and paratransit operations with battery-electric and range-extended electric vehicle options.
Read More →
Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open
The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.
Read More →
Everett Transit, Community Transit Outline Consolidation Agreement
The proposed agreement calls for a 50% increase in bus service in Everett, a new microtransit zone, continued paratransit service, and the transfer of Everett Transit operations to Community Transit.
Read More →
What Multimodal Data Can Tell Transit Agencies About Rider Demand
See how bike-on-bus data is giving transit agencies new insight into rider demand, capacity constraints, and gaps in first- and last-mile connections.
Read More →
From Hardware to Digital Partner: Luminator Charts Its Next Chapter
CEO Magnus Friberg discusses Luminator’s shift toward becoming a digital partner, the growing importance of software and interoperability, and how AI can help agencies improve operations and passenger experience.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
CharterUP’s Armir Harris on Technology, AI, and the Future of Group Mobility
In a recent episode of METROspectives, CharterUP Founder/CEO Armir Harris discussed the company’s evolution from an online charter bus marketplace into a technology platform supporting public- and private-sector mobility and much more.
Read More →
Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation
Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Luminator Marks Milestone and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick
Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.
Read More →