Transportation in New Orleans has improved a ton since Hurricane Katrina but it is still a work in progress and it’s definitely nowhere near as good as others cities.
Sidewalks and Streets
Since New Orleans was essentially built on a swamp, is surrounded my marsh, and is subjected to the effects of the Mississippi river, the terrain isn’t without obstacles. And while majestic live oak trees provide welcome shade throughout the city, their roots have been busting through the pavement and concrete for decades. From a wheelchair perspective, the sidewalks can be pretty terrible but there are some areas, post hurricane Katrina, where the surface is new and smooth such as Magazine, Nashville, Jefferson, Freret, Prytania, and Carrollton Streets; a good amount of the French Quarter and much of Downtown. But honestly, just about everywhere else, I drive my chair in the street. A lot of times I don’t use the French Quarter sidewalks because even though they have cutouts, they are made of slate and are often broken, or they are too crowded. Alternatively, the new bike lanes around the city are smooth and great for wheelchairs! You can find these on Nashville, St. Charles, Carrollton, and St. Claude.
Buses
The Regional Transit Authority (RTA), operates the city public transportation. All buses are accessible with kneeling capability and a flip down ramp. There are two wheelchair spots in the front of the buses with tie-downs. This is the main way I get around when the distance is farther than I would like to drive in my chair. I use google maps to find the bus route I want, and most often take the 11, 15 or 16. While it’s easy to get on and off the buses, and most main stops are easy to find, some bus stops are not actually wheelchair compliant so they are difficult to use. The other problems I have with the RTA are that the schedules do not run frequent enough (most just once an hour), they don’t run late, and they are rarely on time, But the website will show you where your bus is. https://www.norta.com/Accessibility/Bus. I also use the new site to check for detours and closures since there are so many parades in New Orleans.
Streetcars
Everyone wants to ride the streetcars when they visit New Orleans and even people who use wheelchairs can too! But not all of them. Only the newer red streetcars are accessible which are the Canal- Cemeteries, Canal- City Park, Riverfront, and S. Rampart lines. The historic green streetcars on St. Charles are not accessible – yet. This will change in the near future though, thanks to some local disability advocacy. I will be the first to update you when this change finally happens.
Taxi
The good news is that there is one. The bad news is that there is only one wheelchair accessible taxi in the entire city of New Orleans. The driver is Mr. August and his number is (504) 319-9223. Did I mention that transportation options in New Orleans are nowhere near as good as other cities?
Airport
Getting to and from Louis Armstrong International Airport can be complicated since the buses don’t run often and there is only one accessible taxi service in the city. I also cannot recommend one way or another since I have a personal chauffeur.
https://jeffersontransit.org/route/e2-airport/
The E1 Veterans route connects the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner to the city of New Orleans. Check the website for the schedule. https://jeffersontransit.org/route/e1-veterans/
The RTA has an Airport Express but run times are limited. Check the schedule for rides to Elk Place at Canal.
https://www.norta.com/Maps-Schedules/System-Map/Line.aspx?ID=202
If you don’t mind spending a little more money, Airport Shuttle New Orleans, offers ADA compliant shuttles to and from the airport. You need to book ahead which you can do online or by phone. Rates are $44 round trip per person, or $24 One Way.
https://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com/ada
Another option is of course Super Shuttle. When you book online, be sure to check the “Wheelchair Lift/Ramp Required to Board” checkbox. Rates are about $22 one way per person.
Alert Transportation offers a chauffeured service for mobility impaired passengers for all kinds of reasons. The price is $105 for 1 wheelchair plus 3 other passengers.
https://alerttransportation.com/transportation-services/mobility-impaired-transportation/.
Last, but not least, call Mr. August (mentioned above), to schedule a taxi ride at his standard airport fee of $36.