New Orleans — Possible Fare Increase

October 2013

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority [RTA], which is expanding its streetcar system, may consider an increase in its rail and bus fares, the Times-Picayune reports. The RTA's management firm, Veolia Transportation Services, predicts a near $10 million deficit by 2015. To control this deficit and pay for new streetcar and bus routes, fare increases may be necessary. The $1.25 per ride price of streetcar and bus fares hasn't been raised for 13 years, and is far lower than fares in many other cities.

Before Katrina the RTA carried 34 million riders per year. Ridership collapsed after Katrina, but has edged up to an estimated 18 million for 2013.