The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority has been awarded a $27.2 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to replace aging buses and renovate two maintenance facilities in Orleans Parish. Announced on February 25, 2026, this funding is seen as a significant boost for the RTA’s efforts to improve service reliability and reduce maintenance costs across its transit network.
Alongside the federal funding, Mayor Helena Moreno revealed four new appointments to the RTA board: Coleman Adler, Ann Duplessis, Barbara Major, and Erika Mann. This move is part of a broader governance “reset,” aimed at enhancing oversight and strategic direction at the agency.
The grant will be used specifically for purchasing new buses and undertaking critical upgrades to operations and maintenance facilities. These improvements are crucial for supporting the transit needs of the New Orleans metro area and could impact local development by improving downtown and regional access.
Since 2019, the RTA has secured about $197 million in competitive federal grants, highlighting the agency’s success in increasing its funding base. However, specific details on the implementation timeline and the exact nature of the facility upgrades remain unconfirmed at this time.
These developments coincide with a renewed focus on transit governance and regional coordination, driven by new board appointments. As these changes unfold, they are expected to influence transit-adjacent property values, local construction opportunities, and overall service planning.
While the exact timelines for the procurement and rehabilitation work are yet to be disclosed, the announcement marks a key milestone for the agency and the city. Further details are anticipated following RTA’s release of official project schedules and procurement plans.
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