NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority announced it will maintain the current ferry operation hours and services in 2024.
Thursday afternoon, RTA said they received $3 million in funding from the City of New Orleans through a letter of intent.
The letter of intent will allow RTA to continue operating its ferry service Sunday-Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. as well as Friday and Saturdays from 6 a.m. until 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.
RTA has served 419, 687 riders since Oct. 31 with 1,381 daily riders.
"This funding commitment into our transit agency marks a significant stride toward maintaining connectivity and overall quality of life for our community members," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
At the beginning of 2023, RTA had a shortfall of $19.8 million for 2024. The $3 million will fill in the remaining gap for the transit's budget.
The general purpose of the financial agreements between RTA and the City are as follows:
- The City will identify a funding source for the $3,000,000 required to maintain service levels within a reasonable time.
- The 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.
- The RTA and its contracted ferry operator will plan to continue the current service levels throughout 2024.
- The RTA and the City will continue their coordinated efforts to identify long-term operating funding sources to maintain ferry service beyond 2024.
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