This historic agreement is based on an ambitious, phased plan to improve public transportation and mobility in New Orleans over the next 10 years, as a cornerstone of the city's continuing renewal following Hurricane Katrina.
Veolia Transportation, North America subsidiary of Veolia Transport, has been operating public transportation in New Orleans under a traditional management contract with the New Orleans RTA since October of 2008. This new contract substantially expands the company's scope of responsibilities and commences on September 1, 2009.
Under the new delegated management contract, Veolia Transportation will be responsible for all aspects of the performance of public transportation in New Orleans, including operations, safety, maintenance, customer care, routes and schedules, capital planning and grant administration. Veolia will be compensated at approximately $56.3 million per year by the RTA and will be responsible to pay all salaries, benefits and operating expenses. The company expects to be able to generate significant cost savings over the agency's current expense levels, while improving and enhancing service.
New Orleans RTA employees will become employees of the company. As has been true in the past, the Board of Commissioners of the New Orleans RTA will retain its policy-making authority for fares, service and operations, as well as approval of each year's annual transportation development plan, including major initiatives, capital purchases and operating budget.
Henri Proglio, CEO of Veolia Environnement:
“Veolia Transport specializes in providing safe and sustainable mobility solutions, thus improving quality of life in cities. We are delighted to contribute to New Orleans our vast experience in improving public transportation, earned in 5,000 contracts around the world.”
Cyrille du Peloux, CEO of Veolia Transport:
“I am extremely pleased to expand our partnership with New Orleans RTA and the city of New Orleans. Through this model of public-private partnership, which is new to the US, we are committed to making New Orleans a showcase for welldesigned public transit.
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