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Adoption of Algiers Service Improvement Plan and Acceptance of Associated Title VI Service Equity Analysis
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DESCRIPTION: Requesting approval the Algiers Service Improvement Plan (ASIP), and acceptance of the associated Title VI Service Equity Analysis. |
AGENDA NO: Click or tap here to enter text. |
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ACTION REQUEST: ☒ Approval ☐ Review Comment ☐ Information Only ☐ Other |
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Approve the implementation of the Algiers Service Improvement Plan (ASIP) as part of the Fall 2026 Service Change, effective in September of 2026, and accept the Title VI Service Equity Analysis finding of no disparate impact on minority populations and no disproportionate burden on low-income populations.
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ISSUE/BACKGROUND:
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The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) implements three systemwide service changes per year as part of its regular planning and scheduling cycle. The Planning & Scheduling Dept. recommends that the Fall 2026 Service Change include implementation of the Algiers Service Improvement Plan (ASIP), a major service planning initiative focused on improving frequency, reliability, and travel times for bus riders in Algiers. end
The ASIP was initiated following rider complaints and internal performance analysis of the four fixed routes operating in Algiers: 103 General Meyer, 105 Algiers Local, 114A Garden Oaks-Sullen, 114B Garden Oaks-Woodland.
The Recommended Network restructures these routes using the same number of buses to provide more frequent and faster service to downtown while maintaining coverage across Algiers. In the January 2026 Operations & Administration Committee, staff presented the draft Recommended Network that has since been finalized following a final round of public review, discussed further below.
The proposed changes include the following elements that meet RTA’s definition of a Major Service Change under its Title VI Environmental Justice and Social Equity Policy (2023), requiring a Title VI Service Equity Analysis:
- Changes exceeding 25% of route miles and/or revenue hours,
- The introduction of new route configurations, and
- The discontinuation of service on certain segments,
The Planning & Scheduling Department conducted a Title VI analysis in accordance with FTA Circular 4702.1B and RTA policy.
DISCUSSION:
Summary of Proposed Changes
The Algiers Service Improvement Plan (ASIP) restructures the existing four fixed bus routes in Algiers into a newly designed four-route network. For a full description of changes, please view the Title VI Report, attached to the Agenda Item. A summary is presented here:
Currently, Routes 103 General Meyer, 105 Algiers Local, 114A Garden Oaks-Sullen, and 114B Garden Oaks-Woodland all operate on 40-minute headways. The three routes that serve downtown New Orleans are routed first to Wilty Terminal in Gretna before continuing toward downtown New Orleans. This routing pattern adds travel time for riders whose primary destination is downtown.
Under the Recommended Network, the four existing routes will be restructured into four new routes. Key structural changes include:
• All bus routes traveling to downtown will operate every 30 minutes instead of every 40 minutes.
• The route serving General Meyer Avenue (Currently Route 103) will no longer serve the entire length of General Meyer on a single continuous alignment.
• The proposed Routes 114 and 115 will no longer serve Wilty Terminal in Gretna, while the proposed 103 and 105 will maintain service to Wilty.
• A new transfer location will be established at the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Holiday Drive.
• Additional direct service will be provided to Walmart on Behrman Highway.
Based on an analysis of Algiers ridership by stop, this will improve travel times to downtown for about 70% of Algiers riders.
Public Engagement
In order to maximize opportunities for public input, the ASIP project was structured as a three-phase public engagement process, lasting from July 2025 through January 2026, including:
• Phase 1: Five in-person open-house style events, tabling and handing out flyers at major hubs, and consultant-assisted on-board survey collection (327 responses received),
• Phase 2: Three workshops presenting multiple service “options” in Phase 2,
• Phase 3: A monthlong draft Recommended Network review period, Title VI public hearing, and online Webinar recorded live and posted for later viewing.
Phase 1 public comments shaped the four major service goals for the network redesign: More frequent bus service, faster trips to downtown, better service to local grocery stores and Walmart, and maintaining access to Wilty Terminal.
In Phase 2, the team presented two service “options” to the public for discussion. Concerns from riders about connections to Algiers Point prompted adjustments and introduced new ideas that ultimately led to the creation of a “Recommended Network” that was different from both of the options presented.
During Phase 3, the team presented the draft Recommended Network during a Title VI hearing (publicized in alignment with the RTA’s Title VI Public Engagement Plan, and an online Webinar. While minor concerns were raised during these sessions regarding specific neighborhoods and infrastructure conditions, overall feedback was supportive of the changes and riders were eager for the improvements in frequency and travel time.
Title VI Equity Analysis Findings
According to FTA Circular 4702.1B, “The typical measure of disparate impact involves a comparison between the proportion of persons in the protected class who are adversely affected by the service or fare change and the proportion of persons not in the protected class who are adversely affected.”
The RTA conducted a Title VI Analysis for the Algiers Service Improvement Plan changes and finds:
• No disparate impact to minority communities and
• No disproportionate burden for low-income communities.
The Title VI analysis conducted by the RTA is done by comparing the number of trips available to the population within ¼ mile of an RTA route currently and after the service change. In cases where service is being reduced, the change is deemed to be not a disparate impact if the percentage of trips reduced for low-income or minority populations is less than the percentage of low-income and minority population in the service area. However, this analysis framework is still usable for major service expansion changes.
Distribution of Impact of Algiers Service Improvement Plan Changes
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Low-Income |
Minority |
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Change Borne By |
18.2% |
46.4% |
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Service Area Average |
22.6% |
69.9% |
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Difference |
-4.5% |
-23.5% |
The RTA found that the increased trips in Algiers benefit low-income and minority populations more than other populations. Therefore, there is no finding of disparate impact or disproportionate burden for minority groups or low-income communities.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The changes were designed with the current resources in mind. No additional vehicles are required, but there is a recommendation for slightly increased service overnight, which could require eight (8) additional service hours and one additional operator.
A small capital cost is anticipated to assist with the installation or relocation of approximately ten (10) shelters in order to enhance stop amenities at locations that will likely see increased transfer activity. Two of those shelters will be moved to accommodate passengers transferring near Algiers Plaza, which will see more activity than currently. It is strongly recommended that the shelters being installed at Algiers Plaza also see associated ADA improvements and lighting.
Over the long term, the changes are expected to lead to an increase in ridership and corresponding fare revenue.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon Board approval,
1. An internal Working Group or Steering Committee will be formed to oversee the implementation
2. Stop removals, relocations, and signage updates will be coordinated with Operations, Infrastructure and the Stops Management Team, including the development of a plan budget for amenity improvements around the Algiers Plaza transfer location.
3. Final schedules and operator assignments will be prepared for the Fall 2026 Service Change.
4. Public information and marketing materials will be finalized and distributed.
5. Implementation will occur in September 2026.
6. Post-implementation performance monitoring will evaluate ridership, travel time, reliability and customer sentiment outcomes. The P&S team will produce a 1-year performance report.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Title VI Report
Prepared By: Elisabeth Stancioff , estancioff@rtaforward.org
Title: Sr. Mgr. Planning & Scheduling
Reviewed By:Dwight Norton
Title: Click or tap here to enter text.Chief Planning & Capital Projects Officer
Reviewed By: Gizelle Banks
Title: Chief Financial Officer
3/13/2026
Lona E. Hankins Date
Chief Executive Officer