Riverfront Streetcar Line
The Riverfront Streetcar Line is a distinctive transit route in New Orleans, Louisiana, managed by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). Running along the east bank of the Mississippi River, this line connects the historic French Market in the French Quarter to the area near the New Orleans Convention Center at Julia Street.
Unlike many traditional streetcar lines that share the road with automobiles, the Riverfront line operates on an exclusive right-of-way—a dedicated path separate from general traffic—adjacent to the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad. This design gives the service a functional similarity to light rail systems, providing a smoother and more efficient ride for passengers.
Key Facts
- Route Number: 49
- Line Length: 1.3 miles (2.1 km)
- Termini: French Market and John Churchill Chase
- Track Gauge: 5 ft 2 ½ in (Pennsylvania trolley gauge)
- Electrification: 600 V DC overhead line
- Rolling Stock: 2000 series streetcars
History and Evolution
Opened on August 14, 1988, the Riverfront line was the first new streetcar route added to the city in 62 years. To launch the service, the RTA utilized a mix of refurbished Perley Thomas cars and W2-class streetcars imported from Melbourne, Australia. The Melbourne cars were particularly significant as they introduced level boarding and wheelchair access, making the Riverfront line the first in New Orleans to meet modern accessibility standards.
Initially, the line operated on a single track with one passing siding using standard gauge (4 ft 8 ½ in). However, high ridership necessitated an expansion, and a second track was installed in 1990. This expansion also saw the fleet grow to six vehicles.
Regauging and Modernization
In the mid-1990s, the RTA moved to standardize its fleet and infrastructure. This resulted in the process of regauging—changing the distance between the rails—to the wider Pennsylvania trolley gauge (5 ft 2 ½ in) to match the St. Charles line. This change allowed vehicles to be transferred between lines and serviced at the Carrollton Shops via a new connecting track on Canal Street.
By December 13, 1997, the line reopened with a modernized fleet of replica streetcars. While these cars maintained the classic Perley Thomas aesthetic, they were equipped with modern components, including trucks and controls from the Czech manufacturer ČKD Tatra.
Service Disruptions and Recovery
The line has faced several significant challenges in recent years. On July 29, 2018, a section between Canal Street and John Churchill Chase closed to accommodate the redevelopment of the World Trade Center into the Four Seasons Hotel.
Further disruptions occurred on October 12, 2019, following the collapse of a Hard Rock Hotel under construction. This event forced a systemwide rerouting, leading the Riverfront line to merge with the Loyola–UPT line to form the Loyola–Riverfront Streetcar Line (Route 49), which operated through the Central Business District and Union Passenger Terminal.
Full service between the French Market and Julia Street officially resumed on June 1, 2025. At this time, the line permanently adopted the Route 49 designation, and the temporary Loyola merger was discontinued.
Operational Details
The Riverfront line is identified by the color blue in RTA publications and is maintained at the A. Philip Randolph Operations Facility.
Schedule and Frequency
As of January 2026, the line operates daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. Service frequency varies by time of day:
- Core Hours (9 a.m. – 10 p.m.): Every 20 minutes.
- Weekends (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.): Every 15 minutes.
- Off-Peak Hours: Every 30 minutes.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Owner | New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) |
| Route Number | 49 |
| Total Stations | 8 |
| Track Type | Exclusive right-of-way |
| Current Rolling Stock | 2000 series |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current route number for the Riverfront line?
The Riverfront Streetcar Line is designated as Route 49.
How does the Riverfront line differ from other New Orleans streetcars?
Unlike other lines, it operates on an exclusive right-of-way adjacent to the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, making it function more like a light rail service than a traditional street-running tram.
Why was the track gauge changed in 1997?
The line was regauged from standard gauge to Pennsylvania trolley gauge to standardize the track across the RTA system, allowing cars to be shared and serviced more easily at the Carrollton Shops.
When did full service resume after the various closures?
Full service between the French Market and Julia Street resumed on June 1, 2025.
Which cars are currently used on the Riverfront line?
The line currently utilizes 2000 series rolling stock, which are modern replicas of the historic Perley Thomas design.