Scott Satchfield / Eyewitness News
NEW ORLEANS – RTA officials are set to break ground on a new streetcar route in the city Wednesday. Construction is expected to begin in the coming days for the new line, which runs along Loyola Avenue, from Canal Street to the Union Passenger Terminal.
It's the first phase of a much larger expansion project that will ultimately deliver service all the way to Press Drive in the Bywater.
It's welcome news at Italian Pie, which General Manager Yating Hsieh says often deals with location disadvantages.
"We don't have any parking spots. People come here, they have to park on the street or they basically just walk to us,” Hsieh said.
But the Loyola streetcar line will run just behind the restaurant, bringing a new transportation option for a corridor that is already seeing plenty of changes -- from major hotel renovations to new businesses coming online.
RTA officials secured $45 million in federal money to make it happen, and within a year, they hope to have the new route up and running.
Folks we talked with are all for it.
"I think a lot of people will take it for transportation to and from work,” said one person.
"People always need transportation so, that'll go in swell,” said another person.
The Loyola line is the first phase in a much larger streetcar expansion proposal.
"What we're trying to do is move people easily,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
In January, officials announced a route that will expand access to Treme, St. Roch, the Marigny and the Bywater.
While some residents of those neighborhoods offered mixed opinions about expansion at the time of the announcement, folks like Hsieh believe having more public transportation options will be a positive.
"It's cheap. It's safe. So, I think it's a great idea for the city,” Hsieh said. "I think it's gonna bring new customers and I think it's gonna bring customers who want to come in but because it's not that convenient for them. Now, they'll be able to get to us."
