METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

Wiggins to End Tenure at New Orleans RTA

Alex Wiggins joined the RTA in July 2019 as the first publicly appointed CEO since the agency was formed in 1979.

Credit:

RTA

1 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

"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

Austin Light Rail rendering from UT perspective
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 30, 2026

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 →
Technology•October 30, 2026

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 →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
Justin Augustine III, CEO for New Orleans RTA
Management•by Alex Roman•October 29, 2026

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 →
A ballot drop-off box marked “Vote” stands in the foreground at a transit station, with public transit buses visible in the background.
Management•by Elora Haynes•October 28, 2026

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 →
A Caltrain electric railcar on the tracks
Rail•by Alex Roman•October 27, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
METRO Magazine graphic featuring a Chicago Transit Authority bus at a transit station with the headline “Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs.”
Management•by Elora Haynes•October 27, 2026

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 →
An A line MTA subway car near the soon to be replaced signaling system.
Rail•by Staff and News Reports•October 23, 2026

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 →
Turning Transportation Challenges into Opportunities
Management•by Alex Roman•October 22, 2026

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 →
Ad Loading...
Groundbreaking ceremony for LA Metro's Vermont Transit Corridor BRT
Bus•by Staff and News Reports•October 22, 2026

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 →