The Loyola-Riverfront Streetcar Line is a historic streetcar line in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Utilizing trackage from the Rampart–Loyola Streetcar Line, Canal Streetcar Line, and Riverfront Streetcar Line, it runs for a total length of 2.4 miles (3.9 km). The line is officially designated Route 49 and is denoted with a light blue color on most RTA publications.[1]
History
The line was created in 2021 when NORTA, as a result of the Hardrock Hotel Collapse, combined the Loyola-UPT portion of the Rampart-St. Claude Streetcar Line and part of the Riverfront Streetcar Line to create the UPT-Riverfront Line. It inherited the former route number of the Rampart-St. Claude Streetcar Line. Following the reopening of the Rampart Streetcar Line, it was renamed Loyola-Riverfront Streetcar Line—numbered 49—while the Rampart-St. Claude Streetcar Line was renamed to the Rampart-Loyola Streetcar Line—renumbered 46.[2]
On December 16, 2024, the line was shut down due to needed maintenance work on one of the substations. This work was needed after the suspects stole copper wiring from the substation. NORTA says the line is expected to resume service starting 6 January 2025.[3][4]
Route description
The Loyola-Riverfront Streetcar Line begins at the French Market Stop near the intersection of Peters Street and Esplanade Avenue with access to the French Market and New Orleans Mint in the French Quarter. This portion of the line operates on a separated right of way as it utilizes the Riverfront Streetcar Line. It then turns right onto Canal Street, running in the neutral ground (the median strip). The route continues on Canal Street until it turns left onto Loyola Avenue, running on the inside traffic lanes, where it continues until terminating at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.[5]
Serves Hyatt Regency New Orleans Hotel Stop located near Girod Street in the Bloch Cancer Survivors Plaza Linked by walkway leading from South Rampart and Lafayette Streets
