New Links

The Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Jefferson Transit (JeT) and the City of New Orleans has completed the New Links project, an 18-month project to study regional transit and develop recommendations for a transit network redesign with the goal of improving the frequency, reliability, and connectivity of public transit in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes.

Final Recommendations

In February 2021, the New Links project team released the final recommendations for a redesigned regional transit network. Learn more about the final recommendations below.

Project Archive

The following information serves as an archive of information shared during the process.  The full details of summary contained in the final report from February 2021.

About the Process

The project will be conducted in three phases:

  • Phase 1: Data Collection and Analysis (Spring-Fall 2019): Beginning the week of March 11th, riders and the public will see surveyors on buses, streetcars, and ferries. These surveyors will gather data and demographic on transit usage by interviewing riders to understand where and how riders use public transportation. The project team will host public meetings in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes to gather feedback on rider priorities for transit improvement.
  • Phase 2: Evaluation and Development of Draft Recommendations and Scenarios (Fall 2019 - Spring 2020): The New Links team will develop service scenarios for future transit networks based on information gathered through research, surveys, and public input sessions. The project team will host public meetings to evaluate and refine these scenarios and allow for further feedback.
  • Phase 3: Final Recommendations and Design (Summer 2020 - Winter 2021); Information gathered in the previous phases will be used to develop final recommendations to be presented to the Regional Transit Authority.

Phase 1 Open House Meetings

Open House Public Meetings were hosted throughout July and August 2019 as part of Phase 1.  See the schedule below for details on those meetings held around the City and region.

  • Tuesday, February 11 at the New Orleans Downtown Library (219 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, 70112) between 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 12 at the Jefferson Transit Jefferson Transit Headquarters at Wilty Terminal (21 Westbank Expressway (Westbank Expressway at Milton St.) Gretna, 70053) between 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 13 at the East New Orleans Public Library (5641 Read Blvd., New Orleans, 70127) between 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. or 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

These meetings will include a brief presentation, the opportunity to engage with the New Links team, and provide your input.