Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS, L.A. –On June 23, 2023, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will award New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) $24,826,905 for the final design and construction of the Downtown Transit Center and connecting transit corridor. This funding was made possible through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congressman Carter supported.

The new bus terminal will provide riders safer connections between transit modes, improved rider conveniences like shelter from extreme weather, restroom facilities and more. The Downtown Transit Center will also serve as the key downtown hub of the proposed Bus Rapid Transit project which will significantly shorten transit times for East New Orleans and West Bank riders. The site of the new transit center is in the same location as the former Southern Railway Terminal.

“I firmly believe that investing in our city’s infrastructure is important to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Louisianans,” said Rep. Carter. “Our transportation network serves as the lifeblood of our communities, connecting people to jobs, businesses to customers, and families to essential services. This funding for the Regional Transit Authority will ensure smoother commutes, reduce congestion, and promote sustainable transportation options for a prosperous future."

“Federal partnerships are vital to the RTA’s commitment to creating world-class ridership that will connect our passengers from throughout Greater New Orleans,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, RTA CEO. “This grant is a crucial step toward the creation of our Downtown Transit Center, which will serve as the heart of our service. I want to thank the Biden Administration and Congressman Troy Carter for their leadership and for recognizing the value of transit – not just as a service to riders but also as a driver economic development to move our region forward.”

Original source can be found here.