MENU
SEARCHRTA predicts nearly 11 million bus riders in 2025, outpacing national recovery and setting the stage for major service upgrades.
RTA will continue monitoring ridership trends and will provide updated figures once final data is reported to the National Transit Database.
Chad Populis
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) released preliminary 2025 numbers showing above-average post-pandemic recovery and growth in bus ridership.
Data shows a 15% increase in 2025 compared to 2024, and nearly 10% above the 2019 numbers of 9.95 million bus riders reported to the National Transit Database. RTA expects the finalized 2025 bus ridership to reach just under 11 million.
RTA’s bus ridership recovery is outpacing the national trend. According to the most recent American Public Transportation Association ridership report for 2024, transit systems across the U.S. averaged 86% recovery of their 2019 bus ridership, while RTA was at 95%.
Preliminary results show major growth in the last year that will exceed pre-pandemic levels and reflect continued progress in investing in quality bus service, fleet replacement, and essential transportation services across the region.
“Reaching ridership levels above where we were before the pandemic is a meaningful milestone for public transit in New Orleans,” said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins. “This growth reflects the trust and confidence our riders place in our system every day and the dedication of our employees who work tirelessly to deliver reliable service.”
Throughout 2025, RTA advanced major efforts to strengthen service reliability and rider experience, laying the groundwork for the Algiers Service Improvement Plan, which will be implemented in 2026.
In addition, the agency will advance the New Orleans East Service Improvement Plan, including extensive community engagement, public information sessions, and a formal study planned for 2026, with a predicted launch in 2027. The rise in ridership signals growing confidence in public transit as a dependable and convenient travel option.
“The investments made in redesigning the bus routes and the stabilization of the bus fleet in 2024 are major factors in delivering better service and ensuring transit continues to support opportunity, mobility, and economic vitality across our community,” Hankins said.
According to a release, RTA will continue monitoring ridership trends and will provide updated figures once final data is reported to the National Transit Database.
Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.
Read More →
The award recognizes the firm’s commitment to advancing women and developing a diverse workforce in an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Read More →
The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.
Read More →
A year in, ABQ RIDE’s Ambassador Program is proving that a friendly face and local know-how can transform the transit experience.
Read More →
New onboard displays and stop-level screens aim to make transit easier to navigate, especially during disruptions and major events.
Read More →
While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.
Read More →
Coalition leaders outline priorities for preserving bus funding, maintaining competitive grants, and ensuring flexibility for transit agencies nationwide.
Read More →
In the coming months, the parties will develop an interlocal agreement for the city’s annexation into Community Transit’s district. The proposal will be considered by the Everett City Council and the Community Transit board this fall, said officials.
Read More →
A $6.5 million investment will bring station improvements, rider-friendly features, and workforce opportunities as CTA prioritizes safer, more welcoming transit spaces.
Read More →
In this Consultant Roundtable, AECOM’s Interim Global Transit Director discusses how agencies can align teams, manage complexity, and prepare for the next generation of transit infrastructure and service delivery.
Read More →