Light Rail Transit Association   URBAN TRANSIT NEWS 2004

New Orleans - Canal Street Line to open: The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) will resume revenue service of the Canal Streetcar line on Sunday, April 18. This marks a return to service after a break of 40 years. The 5.5 mile route uses the existing Riverfront Streetcar Line from Esplanade Avenue to Canal Street and along Canal Street from the River to a terminal at City Park Avenue/Cemeteries. A spur line along North Carrollton Avenue connects Canal Street to City Park at Beauregard Circle.

The new line is operated by a fleet of 24 brand new red streetcars, which were built in house by the Regional Transit Authority. The cars closely resemble the Perley Thomas models used on the city’s first streetcar lines and the current St. Charles Avenue line and are fitted with air conditioning and are fully accessible.

Further information can be found at RTA site and also at CanalStreetCar.com

17 April 2004