The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (or "RTA") is a body established by the Louisiana State Legislature in 1979; since 1983 it has controlled bus and light-rail service in the City of New Orleans.
Previously, public mass transit, electric, and natural gas were all controlled by the private New Orleans Public Service Incorporated (NOPSI). The switch to a public operation was motivated by lack of profitability and the desire to be eligible for federal funding.
