title
A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) Between the City of New Orleans and the Regional Transit Authority for the Zero Transit Fare for Opportunity Youth Program
end
|
DESCRIPTION: Request to execute a CEA with the City of New Orleans and the RTA to implement a special transit program for Opportunity Youths. |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
|
ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
To authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to receive and execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) between the City of New Orleans (CNO) and the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for the purpose of operating a pilot program entitled “Zero Transit Fare for Opportunity Youth Program.”
end
ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
body
A CEA between the CNO and RTA is needed to set forth the terms of administering funds for a special transit pass program that will allow opportunity youth, young people between the ages of 16 and 24, to ride RTA transit services at no cost to themselves. In lieu of program-eligible riders paying for fares at the time of activation, the City of New Orleans will pay RTA for the cost of one-day passes activated by program participants during the pilot period.
In 2023, the New Orleans City Council allocated $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding for this pilot program. This CEA specifies the terms of when and how the CNO is to pay RTA for transit access provided.
This one-year pilot program will provide valuable data to help the City and RTA evaluate how zero fares can benefit New Orleans youth; this program supports the broader vision of the New Orleans Youth Master Plan.
end
DISCUSSION:
In partnership with RIDE, CNO, the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL), and the New Orleans Children and Youth Planning Board (CYPB), the RTA has helped design a low-barrier transit access program to encourage youth mobility through this pilot program. The funding made available by CNO through this ARPA allocation means the RTA can offer this service without forgoing any fare revenue that would otherwise be collected from program participants during this period.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The RTA is expected to receive $2,425,000 under this program. The RTA will not forgo any fare revenue during this pilot program, due to the terms of agreement with CNO.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon Board approval, the CEO will execute the CEA between CNO and RTA. During the performance of this CEA, staff will participate in on-going program activities and reporting processes with partner organizations.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. RTA Board Resolution
2. CEA
3. Project MOU
Prepared By: Jessica M. Lang
Title: Business Analyst
Reviewed By: Jack Duffy
Title: Manager of Fare Policy & Systems
Reviewed By: Gizelle Johnson-Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
8/1/2024
Lona Edwards Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer