Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today signed a letter of intent to the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), outlining the administration's commitment to identifying a funding source for the $3 million required to maintain current service levels in 2024.

"As a city, we recognize the pivotal role transportation plays in the lives of our residents,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “RTA is a vital part of New Orleans’ infrastructure, with tens of thousands of our residents relying on it to get around efficiently and effectively. This funding commitment to our transit agency marks a significant stride toward maintaining connectivity and overall improving quality of life for our community. My administration remains laser focused on making transportation access more equitable and ensuring it is easily and readily available for all people in all neighborhoods, regardless of mode.”

The letter of intent will enable RTA to continue operating its ferry service Sunday through Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., as well as Friday and Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“Securing this funding is not just about dollars; it's about enhancing the very fabric of connectivity within our communities,” said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins. “We are deeply grateful to State Sen. Gary Carter and the New Orleans Delegation, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter and to Mayor Cantrell for their support, which underscores an unwavering commitment to serving the needs of those who rely on us for seamless, reliable ferry service."

RTA served 395,124 passengers on the Canal Street – Algiers Point Ferry service in 2022, accounting for 1,083 average daily riders. Through Oct. 31, the RTA served 419,687 or 1,381 average daily riders.

Since the removal of the tolls on the Crescent City Connection in 2013, ferry service has been grossly underfunded. Prior to the RTA transitioning to a public agency, the ferry operated at a loss and deferred critical maintenance to operate. Since 2020, RTA was able to use COVID-19 recovery funding to bridge the gap, but those funds are no longer available after 2023.

The general purpose of financial agreements between RTA and the City are as follows:

• The City will identify a funding source for the $3 million required to maintain service levels within a reasonable time
• RTA and the City will enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) to facilitate the transfer of funds between the two public entities, as required by law
• RTA and its contracted ferry operator will plan to continue the current service levels throughout 2024
• RTA and the City will continue their coordinated efforts to identify long-term operating funding sources to maintain ferry service beyond 2024

RTA remains committed to delivering excellence in transit services and to working with local and state partners to secure long-term funding to maintain this service at current levels.

Original source can be found here.