New Orleans — Streetcar Justified

June 2014

The Times Picayune published a statement from the RTA's transportation management company, Veolia, that explained the value of the city's streetcar system to residents, not just to tourists as some have argued are the prime beneficiaries of the service. The statement from RTA Marketing is as follows:

"The streetcar lines in New Orleans fill a critical transportation service need in the community as they have for generations in the city. The only streetcar route that experiences higher visitor ridership is the Riverfront line - and that line provides transit services that fuel the tourism industry and generates dollars in the local economy by supporting the many businesses on the Riverfront and in the French Quarter. However, the Loyola Streetcar line serves as an important connection for local residents to employment opportunities.The investment in that line is credited with generating $2 billion of private investment in that corridor and jobs creation in the area.

The North Rampart line, set to break ground in 4th quarter 2014, will travel through largely residential neighborhoods. This streetcar line will connect these residents to shopping, medical, education, entertainment, and employment opportunities.  See a synopsis of an RPC survey conducted on this topic in 2011.

Canal Streetcar   90% local   10% visitor
St. Charles         74% local   26% visitor
Riverfront          17% local    83% visitor

For full results of the survey visit us online at
http://www.norta.com/RTA/media/RTA-PDF-Files/News_and_Events/Vistors-and-Locals.pdf

Stay tuned for more information regarding a $5 million investment in increased service by the RTA Board to increase transit across the community in 2014. "