March 17, 2020

Published on Nola.com, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority announced that it is cutting back on services starting today because of Coronavirus concerns.

Riders are asked to limit their use of public transit for “essential travel only,” such as work, healthcare, and nutrition. The goal is to “assist in the mitigation of community spread of COVID-19,” RTA said.

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All buses and streetcars will run on Saturday schedules during weekdays, the article said. The weekend schedules will be the same. See the full schedules. The Algiers Point ferry will operate all week from 6 am to 9:30 pm. The Chalmette ferry will keep its regular schedule.

Paratransit riders (those who have a temporary or permanent disability) need to make reservations and they will be prioritized. “Life-sustaining” reservations take priority, followed by nutrition, RTA said. To make a reservation to ride the RTA Paratransit Service, call the reservation line: 504.827.7433. When you call, please make sure you have:

– An RTA Paratransit Service Card.
– Street addresses of the pick-up and drop-off points.
– The times of your travel.
– Pencil and paper – The phone operator may ask you to jot down some information about your trip.

RTA also said it has added “enhanced” daily cleaning, including an additional disinfectant spray to deter the spread of coronavirus. Things that are touched frequently — railings, seating, operator area, and fareboxes — are getting additional cleaning.