New Orleans RTA Board Sworn In for Stronger Oversight
Seven new RTA board members sworn in to oversee transit agency after resignations
New Orleans RTA Board Sworn In to Oversee Transit
New Orleans transit riders will see fresh leadership at the Regional Transit Authority as seven board members took their oaths Thursday. Mayor Helena Moreno's appointees were sworn in April 9, 2026, at a special meeting, with Ann Duplessis, a Liberty Bank vice president and former state senator, leading the board. The new members pledged to bring stronger oversight to an agency that's faced mounting controversies over the past two years.
Board Takes Over After Turbulent Period
The RTA's struggled through significant upheaval since 2024, when half the previous board resigned and Jefferson Parish withdrew from the authority. The departures followed a critical report about an employee who'd improperly authorized roughly $1 million in construction work without proper oversight. The FBI opened an investigation into the contract controversy, though officials haven't disclosed the probe's current status. Despite these challenges, the agency's secured millions in federal grants and bus ridership's rebounded to 113% of pre-pandemic levels.
CEO Evaluation and Paratransit Focus Planned
Board members said they'll conduct a comprehensive evaluation of CEO Lona Edwards Hankins, who's led the RTA since 2023. The review comes as the agency faces ongoing criticism over its paratransit service, which elderly and disabled riders as well as federal authorities have faulted for missed pickups and excessively long trips. New board member Nelita Manego-Ramey, who uses a wheelchair, identified improving paratransit as a top priority. The board includes returning members Mitch Guidry Jr. and Louis Colin, along with new appointees Erika Mann, Barbara Major, and Tyrone Casby Sr.
Implementation and Leadership Structure
The seven-member board began its work immediately following Thursday's swearing-in ceremony. Duplessis will chair the board as it tackles the agency's operational and leadership challenges. Officials said the CEO evaluation will be thorough, though they didn't provide a specific timeline for when that review will be completed or what metrics will be used to assess performance.
What Riders Can Expect
Transit users should watch for potential service improvements as the new board implements its oversight priorities, particularly for paratransit operations. The board's focus on accountability and evaluation could lead to operational changes in coming months. Riders can track real-time RTA service updates and plan trips using Moovit, which provides current information for New Orleans transit routes.
