New Orleans’ streetcars are more than just iconic reminders of the city’s historic past. They’re still a functional and beautiful transportation option for locals with big things planned in the coming year. From the North Rampart/St. Claude Avenue streetcar expansion project to the recently created Coalition for Quality Transit, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority and local riders are coming together to create seamless, quality public transit choices. Part of that new camaraderie between NORTA and riders is RIDE New Orleans, a local organization that works to improve quality of life for New Orleanians through viable transportation.
Public transportation is particularly important during the holiday season, when we can take streetcars to do a little holiday shopping or simply view the beautiful lights along St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. And with that holiday season in mind, we’re also ready to celebrate.
A streetcar decorated for the season on St. Charles Avenue. (Photo: Paul Broussard)
Find out how to party for a cause at RIDE’s Year-End Celebration, happening Thursday, Dec. 17 from 6 – 8 p.m. Plus, get more details on all the important projects RIDE participates in below.
Transparency in Transit
RIDE New Orleans is a local organization with important goals. Above all, RIDE envisions a world-class, multi-modal transportation system across the New Orleans region that is vibrant, healthy, and sustainable for visitors and locals alike. By bolstering and improving our transportation options, RIDE hopes to improve the overall quality of life in the New Orleans region. Transportation that is convenient, safe, and affordable benefits us all, whether we’re headed to a job at a hotel downtown or enjoying a leisurely ride under the oaks of Uptown.
A Reason to Party
In 2015, RIDE saw major successes in spearheading improved transportation across the city. In January, more than 100 transit riders and community leaders came to the Voices for Transportation Choices rally, eventually leading to RIDE’s establishment of the Coalition for Quality Transit. Furthermore, RIDE directly empowers riders to participate in planning and decision-making. The group successfully created the first-ever Riders’ Advisory Committee to the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA). The committee attends monthly NORTA meetings and gives insight into programs and options that would most benefit local riders. Since then, RIDE has briefed elected officials and community leaders on their efforts and even traveled to the White House to participate in a round table on transportation and economic opportunity. We know these amazing efforts will continue to improve our quality of transportation in the coming years.
Drink for a Cause at The Avenue Pub
To celebrate all of RIDE’s accomplishments in 2015, the group is holding a year-end celebration upstairs at The Avenue Pub from 6 – 8 p.m. The location couldn’t be any more fitting – after all, you’ll be sure to see those iconic green streetcars rolling along St. Charles Avenue as you watch from the second-floor balcony. Proceeds from any beverages purchased during the event benefit RIDE so we can ensure a bright 2016. Cheers!