Wiggins to End Tenure at New Orleans RTA
Lona Edward Hankins will serve as interim CEO until the RTA Board of Commissioners permanently fills the role.

Alex Wiggins joined the RTA in July 2019 as the first publicly appointed CEO since the agency was formed in 1979.
RTA
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) announced Alex Z. Wiggins will be stepping down as CEO, effective December 31.
Wiggins joined the RTA in July 2019 as the first publicly appointed CEO since the agency was formed in 1979.
"Thank you to the RTA Board, staff, and riders for trusting me to lead our incredible staff to help build the world-class transit system New Orleanians deserve,” said Alex Z. Wiggins, CEO. "I am proud of our team's many accomplishments, including our response to Hurricane Ida, stabilization of the passenger ferry service, breaking ground on the Canal Street Ferry Terminal, and initiating the Bus Rapid Transit Study, which will significantly enhance regional connections in the region."
Lona Edward Hankins will serve as interim CEO until the RTA Board of Commissioners permanently fills the role. Hankins has served as deputy CEO, planning & infrastructure, since December 2019. In this role, she oversaw the development and execution of capital assets and the implementation of infrastructure improvement projects.
More Management

Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO
In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.
Read More →
How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access
Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs
CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on Vermont BRT Project
The 12.4-mile corridor is projected to serve 66,200 daily riders, reduce travel times by up to 24%, and create the nation's busiest bus rapid transit corridor.
Read More →