What: The New Links regional transit network redesign process will kick into high gear next week with a second phase of community meetings to show residents proposed concepts for an updated bus and streetcar network.
When: Tuesday February 11th, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: New Orleans Public Library, 219 Loyola Avenue
Why: New Links is a planning project to re-imagine how public transit connects Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes. The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) is working with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Jefferson Transit (JET) and Mayor’s Office of Transportation to develop recommendations for redesigning the region’s transit network to create more reliable, equitable, and connected bus and streetcar service.
“We are excited to continue the hard work of this partnership between the City of New Orleans’ key transportation leaders and those in our neighboring parishes, to show real transit network concepts based on extensive public engagement, surveying, and data collection and give residents another chance to engage in moving the work forward,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Together we are working to reimagine regional transit, which fits in our vision to create accessible, equitable, and connected transportation options for all of our residents.”
The New Links team will kick off Phase II of the project on February 11th at the New Orleans Main Library. Special remarks will be given by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, and RTA CEO Alex Wiggins.
“The New Orleans RTA is committed to working with our partners to build a transportation system that is reliable, regional and equitable because we understand that a transit system without regional connections is not viable.” said Regional Transit Authority CEO Alex Z. Wiggins. “The New Links study is critical as we build a transportation system to meet rider needs of today but also prepares for the anticipated transit needs 10, 20 and even 30 years down the road.”
At Tuesday’s meeting, the project team will share three different concepts of what an updated regional transit network could look like, and then gather feedback. The concepts will give a sense of how changes to the current system might affect access to jobs, access to frequent transit lines, and schedule efficiency. Residents get to weigh in on what they like and don’t like. The current version of the concepts was based on the feedback from the first phase, along with data compiled by the RPC, RTA and JeT.
“Jefferson Parish and President Cynthia Lee Sheng are committed to working with Orleans and St. Bernard Parishes to develop a true Regional Transit System for the greater community, which will benefit all our Riders,” said Jefferson Transit Director Ninette Barrios. “We are excited about joining forces and recognize we are stronger together.”
Tuesday’s meeting will serve as the launch of Phase II of the project, which will include seven weeks of intensive public outreach to bring service concepts to the public and gather feedback on community priorities in all three parishes.
“Our goal is public transportation that is not only better, but the best way to get to work, school, doctor appointments, wherever people need to be,” says RPC Deputy Director Jason Sappington. “This isn’t possible without your voice, so we encourage everyone who wants a say in how public transit serves our region to participate in this important phase of the New Links project.”
The New Links project will conclude in mid-2020 with a workable plan for a better, more regionally connected transportation system.
Below are the dates for meetings and pop-up events that are currently scheduled for the month of February. Additional events in February and March will be announced at newlinksnola.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
New Orleans Downtown Library (219 Loyola Ave. New Orleans, LA 70112)
Wednesday, Feb. 12
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
Jefferson Transit Headquarters at Wilty Terminal (21 Westbank Expwy.; Westbank Expressway at Milton Street; Gretna, LA 70053)
Thursday, Feb. 13
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.
East New Orleans Public Library (5641 Read Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70127)
There will also be a series of tabling and pop-up events to talk with RTA and JET riders on-site:
Wednesday, Feb. 12
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
New Links Tabling at Wilty Terminal (Westbank Expressway at Milton)
Thursday, Feb. 13
7 a.m.-9 a.m.
New Links Tabling at Duncan Plaza
Wednesday, Feb. 19
3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
New Links Tabling at Cemeteries Transit Center (Canal and City Park)
Thursday, Feb. 20
7 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
New Links Tabling at Duncan Plaza
Thursday, Feb. 27
7 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
New Links Tabling at Duncan Plaza