Young New Orleanians get free RTA rides for a year

How it happened: Free fares were first pitched by Ride New Orleans back in 2022, according to Verite, after discovering that affordability was a top concern for young people who needed transportation.

• The new program is the result of a partnership between RIDE New Orleans, the RTA, the New Orleans Public Library, and the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board, a press release says.
• City Council approved using $2.5 million in federal pandemic money to fund the program, RTA says.

Between the lines: The organizations say they'll seek feedback from riders in the pilot to look for "ways to improve and strengthen the program," a release says.

• "The RTA and RIDE will report on the program's ridership details, which we hope encourages our leaders to advocate for sustainable funding to create a permanent program that will benefit Orleans Parish youth," the release says.

How it works: Beginning Tuesday, young New Orleanians can enroll in the program at any New Orleans Public Library.

• Organizations that serve youths can also do bulk enrollments by connecting with Ride New Orleans at [email protected].

Go deeper: Algiers Ferry Terminal to be renovated by end of 2025.