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.”

Service Improvement Plans as Ridership Growth Builds Momentum

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.