City of New Orleans Announces Launch of Opportunity Pass Program Offering Free Transit for Youth Ages 16-24

September 6, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces Launch of Opportunity Pass Program Offering Free Transit for Youth Ages 16-24

NEW ORLEANS - Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Asya Howlette, Director of the Mayor's Office of Youth and Families, Lona Edwards Hankins, CEO of the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Emily Painton, Executive Director and City Librarian of the New Orleans Public Library, Fred Neal Jr., Board of Commissioners for RTA, Courtney Jackson, Executive Director of RIDE New Orleans, Morgan Shannon, Executive Director of the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board, and Bela, RIDE New Orleans Youth Ambassador, to announce the launch of the Opportunity Pass Program.

This initiative, a collaboration among several City leaders and organizations, provides Orleans Parish youth aged 16-24 with one year of free access to all RTA buses, streetcars, and ferries. Launched on Tuesday, Sept. 3, as part of the Cantrell Administration's "Meeting People Where They Are" initiative, the Opportunity Pass Program ensures young people in Orleans Parish can navigate the city without financial barriers, improving access to education, employment, healthcare, and other essential resources.

"This is letting our young people understand firsthand that we are listening to them and activating these resources is a real example of that," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "We want to ensure that our young people, our families, our parents, all those who support the youth in our city know to take advantage of this program. We are meeting our young people where they are, by doing that we are improving the overall life of our youth and our city."

"This took a lot of time, a lot of organization, a lot of attention, and listening to the young people," said Asya Howlette, Director, Mayor's Office of Youth and Families. "We made sure we were thinking what are the root causes and its always going to go back to housing transportation and work."

"The Opportunity Pass is the result of months of hard work, collaboration, and cooperation with several different agencies and City leaders," said Lona Edwards Hankins, Chief Executive Officer, New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. "We are proud and excited to serve as a partner on this project. This pilot is rooted in RTA's commitment to equity, while providing a world-class rider experience. These riders represent our next generation, and so often are our most vulnerable. We must embrace every opportunity to help get them to their jobs, their schools, and their communities."

"Our goal is to provide quality, equitable, and reliable transportation for our community," said Fred Neal, Jr., Commissioner of RTA. "We believe that pilots like this are essential to achieving our goal. We are excited about RTA transit in the upcoming months. We look forward to this successful pilot and future funding and continue to provide wonderful transit service for the City of New Orleans."

Youth interested in the program can register at any New Orleans Public Library branch. The program is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and partnering organizations such as RIDE New Orleans, the RTA, the New Orleans Public Library, and the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board are fully committed to ensuring eligible participants have the support they need to obtain their pass and ride with confidence.

"While people had access to transit one of the biggest barriers they faced was they couldn't afford it," said Courtney Jackson, Executive Director, RIDE New Orleans. "While it is a small amount for some it was huge barrier for most. With all of our partners, we were able to create an opportunity pass something that is going to change lives of young people who need to get to their jobs or school and have joy in their life"

Key Details About the Opportunity Pass Program:

• Program Launch Date: Tuesday, Sept. 3
• Eligibility: Orleans Parish youth ages 16-24
• How to Register: Sign up in person at any New Orleans Public Library location
• Transit Access: The pass provides unlimited rides on RTA buses, streetcars, and ferries for one year
• First-Come, First-Serve: Availability is limited, and youth must sign up in person (parents or guardians cannot register on behalf of the youth)

"It has been such a privilege to play a part in this program and to be able to benefit from it," said Bela, Youth Ambassador, RIDE New Orleans. "I am grateful that I now have peace of mind that I can get anywhere I need to go regardless of whether or not I have the funds."

For more information email: [email protected]

During the one-year pilot program, participating youth will be invited to join focus groups to provide feedback on the Opportunity Pass. These insights will help improve the program and build a case for sustainable funding to support its continuation. RIDE New Orleans and RTA will also collect ridership data to advocate for making free transit a permanent resource for Orleans Parish youth.

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