NEW ORLEANS — For some, taking public transportation is not an option. In fact, for many, it's their only option.
"I’ve been taking public transit pretty consistently for the past 4 or 5 years, since I started college, working, going out," Lola Reynard, a public transit rider and youth ambassador for RIDE New Orleans said.
"I use it on a daily basis now to get everywhere I need to go. To work, grocery stores, and public events it’s really a crucial element in my life. It’s my only form of transportation," Bela Harmatiuk-Trujillo, an avid bus rider and youth ambassador for RIDE New Orleans said.
While it's a great way to get around, riders say it's not always the most accessible. They say riding can get very expensive. A monthly pass is $45.
"There’d be days I wake up and have to get to work and check my bank account and realized I only have 80 cents and it’s like oh now I can’t get to work", Harmatiuk-Trujillo said. "Or I have to rummage through my change pile and see if I have any quarters and it can be pretty difficult and mentally taxing," they said.
"It’s not something you want to worry about when you have bills to pay and it’s just it’s a big stressor," Harmatiuk-Trujillo said.
But now, a new program is aimed at taking that stressor away. Ride New Orleans, RTA, the City, and more partners just launched Opportunity Pass. It's a one-year, free, RTA pass for people who live in Orleans parish and are 16-24 years old.
"Getting to where you need to go in a timely fashion and frequency is important, "Ride New Orleans Executive Director Courtney Jackson said. "But what really mattered to [the youth we spoke to] was being able to get on the bus and not have to worry about paying for it," she said.
"Being able to introduce that to people as a viable and cost-friendly option for some is really important. Then being able to remove that barrier for those who need a little help as they’re going through a key point in their life is such a huge thing to do," Jackson said.
Jackson said access to transit allows people to be more successful as they have more opportunities – hence the name.
"It’s a pillar in any community. If you have a public transit system that works its ridership you have people who are healthier and happier and access to transit provides those opportunities," Jackson said.
To sign up visit a New Orleans Public Library. After filling out a form, they'll give you an access code. Put that access code into RTA's Le Pass app and you'll be ready to ride. The program will run through August 31, 2025 for now. You can also visit https://rideneworleans.org/ for more information.
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