Driving & Parking in the City:
It is practical to tour New Orleans without a car. If a car is necessary, remember parking regulations are strictly enforced, especially in the French Quarter. The hourly and all-day costs for parking lots and garages vary. In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is towed, the tow pound is located at 400 North Claiborne Avenue. Telephone: (504) 658-8284.
Public Transit
With routes across the city, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) offers an economical and convenient way to get around. The fare is $1.25 for all buses and streetcars. Transfers to another bus route are $.25. The fare for express routes is $1.50. 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day Jazzy Passes are available for $3, $8, and $15, respectively. Buses and street cars are ADA accessible; and with RTA’s GoMobile app, riders can use their smart phones to pay fares and purchase passes in just seconds.
RTA has joined neighboring Jefferson Transit (JET) to offer riders an all-day regional pass good for a full 24-hour period for $6, making travel across a large portion of the metro area accessible and convenient. For more information call the RTA Rideline at 504-248-3900 or visit. norta.com
Taxi Cabs:
A variety of taxicab companies operate in the city. All taxis must utilize their meters within the city. The meter drop is $3.50 and 30 cents per each one-eighth of a mile traveled. Taxis also charge $1.00 per extra passenger. The fare is $7.00 per person or the meter rate (whichever is greater) to and from certain “special events” (such as Jazz Festival). The rate to or from Louis Armstrong International Airport is $36 for up to two passengers and $15 per person for 3 or more passengers. Taxis are marked with signage that displays these and other fees and details.
All taxis must be marked with the company’s name and a “CPNC” number. Inside the taxi, passengers will also find the driver’s name and photograph. Taxi cab regulations in New Orleans also require that all taxis are equipped with GPS and a security camera. In the event of a problem, make a note of the company, the driver’s name, CPNC number, date and time. Complaints and questions should be referred to the Taxicab Bureau at City Hall 504-658-7176 or 888-908-4869.
Ride-Sharing Services
Both Uber and Lyft ride sharing services operate throughout the New Orleans area. Users must have the ride share app downloaded to their mobile devices in order to use these services. Make certain that you recognize the make and model of the car picking you up, as well as the name of the driver, his or her star rating, and the license plate of the car. Double check this information against the details provided to you via the app.
