New Orleans to Offer Free Transit to Youth

Residents between 16 and 24 will have access to free public transit passes starting in September.

1 minute read

July 23, 2024, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Red and yellow New Orleans streetcar running down street lined with palm trees

A streetcar in New Orleans, Louisiana. | f11photo / Adobe Stock

New Orleans residents aged 16 to 24 will have access to free passes for local public transit including Regional Transit Authority (RTA) services, reports Joni Hess for the Times-Picayune.

Residents will be able to sign up at local libraries starting in September as part of the city’s effort to improve mobility for youth.  “This pilot program is funded by a $2.5 million budget allocation the City Council approved last year using American Rescue Plan Act money. RTA will receive a majority of the funding, while transit advocacy group RIDE New Orleans will get a portion for advertising and other supports.”

A report from advocacy group RIDE notes that transportation is a vital need for youth and provides valuable independence and access to jobs and social opportunities.

Cities must allocate federal pandemic relief funds by December 2024 or lose access to the funding. “By December 2026, around $110 million in in remaining ARPA funds must be spent by [New Orleans], according to federal requirements.”

Saturday, July 20, 2024 in The Times-Picayune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing