RTA: The Riverfront Streetcar Line
Melbourne Car on the Riverfront LineHistory of the Riverfront LineThe Red Ladies -- Streetcars on the Riverfront LineCare and Upkeep of the StreetcarsThe Riverfront RouteHow to Ride the StreetcarHistory of the Riverfront LineThe first new streetcar line in New Orleans since 1926, the Riverfront Line began operations on August 14, 1988. The original plan was to develop the Public Belt Corridor from the French Market to the Warehouse district, over a distance of about mile and a half. A combination of federal, local, and private funding contributed to the opening of the single track line. It became obvious that the single-track line was going to be insufficient to accomodate the demand placed on the line by locals and tourists alike. Additional funding was obtained, and a the line was expanded to a two-track route and additional streetcars were placed in service on August 31, 1990.The future holds ambitious plans for the Riverfront line. The line will be expanded downriver to the Bywater neighborhood, and uptown to the Audubon Zoo.
The Red Ladies -- Streetcars on the Riverfront LineThere are two types of streetcars (in New Orleans, they're always streetcars, never "trolleys") on the New Orleans line. Those familiar with the city will recognize the three 1923-vintage Perley Thomas streetcars as the same type in use on the St. Charles line. In fact, they were part of the New Orleans transit system prior to 1964, when the last remaining streetcar line (other than the St. Charles line, which remained in operation), Canal St., discontinued operation. The surplus streetcars were sold or donated to museums around the country. When the Riverfront line was in the planning stages, an effort was made to re-acquire the Perley Thomas cars, and two were found. A third was acquired in 1989 by the RTA and added to the Riverfront fleet.The other type of car operating on the Riverfront line is the Melbourne W-2 streetcar. This model was originally operated by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The Melbourne cars were originally constructed in the mid-1920s, making them from the same period in streetcar development as their mates on the line. The Melbourne cars have wide center doors, making them easier to adapt to handicapped use than the Perley Thomas cars.
Care and Upkeep of the StreetcarsThe streetcars of the Riverfront line, as well as their green counterparts on the St. Charles line, are maintained at the RTA's Carrollton Barn facility, on Oak St. uptown. The craftsmen at the Carrollton Barn are some of the nation's foremost experts in streetcar preservation and maintenance. Because these streetcars are over 70 years old, parts have to be fabricated from scratch. Brake systems had to be re-engineered to meet stricter modern safety standards, and the cars were renovated almost completely from top to bottom before going out on the line. Like the St. Charles cars, the Red Ladies return regularly to the Barn for maintenance.Because the Melbourne cars are made of wood (as opposed to the steel of the Perley Thomas cars), they will have a much shorter operational lifetime. This concern, combined with the continuing growth of the ridership and expansion plans, has prompted the RTA to acquire new streetcars. Nine PCC-type cars were acquired from the City of Philadelphia. The cars were delivered to the Barn, where it will take approximately 18 months to renovate them for use in New Orleans. It is expected that they will become part of the Riverfront line when the renovation is completed.
The Riverfront RouteCurrently there are ten stops on the Riverfront line. The stops are numbered starting at Esplanade Ave., heading upriver.
1 -- Esplanade AvenueSee the Old US Mint, walk down and have lunch at Port of Call.
2 -- Ursulines StreetSee the Farmer's Market and Flea Market sections of the French Market, the Old Ursuline Convent, along with shops and restaurants along Decatur St.
3 -- Dumaine StreetMore French Market and Decatur Street shops to explore.
4 -- Toulouse StreetJackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, Presbytere and Pontalba Apartments, Jax Brewery, Steamboat Natchez, Riverboat Jean Lafitte, Woldenberg Park.
5 -- Bienville StreetWoldenberg Park and the Aquarium of the Americas.
6 -- Canal StreetThe Aquarium of the Americas, Canal St. Ferry (crosses the Mississippi River), Canal Place Shopping Centre, Riverwalk Marketplace, Spanish Plaza, Canal St. Bus Line (connections from there to all parts of the city), Steamboat Cotton Blossom and MV John James Audubon (Zoo Cruises), World Trade Center, Westin Hotel.
7 -- Poydras StreetHilton Riverside and Towers, Flamingo Casino, Riverwalk Marketplace, Riverboat Cajun Queen, Steamboat Creole Queen, International Cruise Terminal.
8 -- Julia StreetErnest N. Morial Conention Center, Louisiana Children's Center, Riverwalk Marketplace (food court entrance).
9 -- Calliope StreetWarehouse District, Louisiana Science Center, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
10 -- Thalia StreetUpriver turnaround and terminal.
How to Ride the StreetcarThe one-way fare for the Riverfront line is $1.25 (a quarter more than the $1.00 fare on other RTA lines). Transfers are an additional ten cents. Fares must be paid and transfers obtained when boarding. You can also use your VisiTour one-day or three-day pass to ride the Riverfront Line. Board the Perley Thomas cars and pay your fare in the front; exit in the rear. Pull the bell cord running the length of the car before your stop to signal the driver you want to get off.Regular RTA rules are in effect on the Riverfront line.
 Back to Getting Around New OrleansThis World Wide Web document is provided as a public service by Yatcom Communications, Inc. Yatcom Communications is a consulting/public relations company dedicated to using computer technology to promote the City of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Copyright © 1995, Yatcom Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Comments are welcome: e-mail to vno@yatcom.com
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