By Bus in New Orleans

Within New Orleans, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates a public bus and streetcar transportation system with interconnecting lines throughout the city. The buses are generally clean and on time. Bus and streetcar service runs 24 hours a day, though wait times can be as long as an hour or more in the morning's earliest hours. Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted on RTA vehicles. Those who violate this rule can find themselves paying a hefty fine in Municipal Court or, worse, pulled off the bus and arrested. Buses are wheelchair accessible; streetcars are not.

Fares & Schedules

Bus and streetcar fare is $1.25 exact change plus 25¢ for transfers. Visiting senior citizens 65 or over who have a valid Medicare ID card may ride public transit for only 40¢. Unlimited passes cost $5 for one day, $12 for three days of unlimited rides, and $55 for a month. The daily passes are available from streetcar and bus operators; three-day passes are available at many hotels; monthly passes must be purchased from official vendors, including all local Whitney Banks.

Bus & Streetcar Information

Regional Transit Authority (504/248-3900; 504/242-2600 automated information. www.norta.com).