New Orleans Public Busses

Need to get around the city, but your car is in the shop? It's too far to walk, but you can't afford a taxi. Take the bus (or streetcar).

Years ago, in the late 1940's, maybe one family out of three had an automobile. If they did have a car, there was but one in the family, not one per person, like today. People used the bus to go everywhere. Bus service was provided by New Orleans Public Service, Inc., who also supplied natural gas and electricity.

Today, these utilities have been separated, and the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides New Orleans public transportation. The RTA has a Web site that gives instant access to information about bus routes and schedules, the St. Charles and Riverfront streetcars, Park-n-Ride, and Paratransit Service. Additional information includes office and administration contacts and telephone numbers for the RTA.

The RTA Web site also provides information about the Canal Streetcar Project, which will return streetcars to Canal Street after an absence of more than three decades. These streetcars will join those presently operating along St. Charles Avenue, and the Mississippi Riverfront in the French Quarter. If only they would return the Desire St. Route.

Unfortunately, transportation between Jefferson Parish and New Orleans involves two separate transportation agencies, Jefferson Parish transportation is provided by Jefferson Transit (JET). The area served by Jefferson Transit is shown on their route map. There are connections to key transportation routes of the RTA (New Orleans).

Jefferson Transit's Web site also has a page listing fares, and information for those who wish to take their bicycles along for the ride. Like the RTA (New Orleans counterpart), there is information about Paratransit services, and frequently needed telephone numbers.

Lagniappe

Lonely Planet New Orleans (Travel Survival Kit)
Tom Downs, John T. Edge