RATP Group subsidiary RATP Dev launched sightseeing buses in New York under the name "Open Loop New York," strengthening its presence in the U.S., while also diversifying its activities.
Two sightseeing routes are now available, one North of Manhattan, the other in the South. Featuring some 40 stops in total, the routes take in New York's iconic sites and areas, such as Times Square, Broadway and the Empire State Building.
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The two sightseeing routes are using 15 double-decker buses sporting the colors of the American flag and operate every 10 to 15 minutes.
Just like the Paris "Open Tour," which is also operated by RATP Dev, an audio guide is available in eight languages relating to the city’s history and monuments by means of a dialogue between two actors.
“Open Loop” New York is aiming for some 200,000 passengers in the first year, according to company officials.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.