About
Our History
Organized passenger transportation service in Jefferson Parish commenced in the 1930s and was privately owned and operated. Fifty years later, Jefferson Parish Government assumed ownership and established the government owned and operated transit function. In 1989, Jefferson Parish voters approved for ten years an annual 2-mil property tax to support fixed-route transit services and 1-mil property tax to support paratransit services for elderly and disabled citizens. These 10-year millage assessments were renewed at the same rate in 1999 and again in 2009.
In 1990, the Jefferson Parish Department of Transit Administration was created and took responsibility for overseeing the private management companies contracted to operate the Jefferson Parish Transit system. Until 2006, Jefferson Parish contracted fixed-route operations of Eastbank public transit and Westbank public transit under two separate management companies, with a third company managing the parishwide paratransit system. As the cost to operate the transit system rose significantly following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Jefferson Parish sought to better control costs by consolidating all transit operations under a single contract. Starting in 2006, all fixed-route operations were solely managed by Veolia Transportation, Inc., and in 2008, Veolia took on the paratransit operations as well.
Throughout the 1990s and until 2005 when Hurricane Katrina disrupted public transit service throughout the region, Jefferson Parish Transit transported an average of 4 million riders annually. Following Hurricane Katrina, transit operations were scaled back to meet budgetary constraints and a reduced demand for service. Since ridership in Jefferson Parish is tied significantly to the ridership experienced by the New Orleans transit system, Jefferson’s rebound to its pre-Katrina level remains in process.
The Future of JP Transit
New Links
New Links is a yearlong project to study and propose a network redesign of public transportation in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes. The project is a partnership between the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Regional Planning Commission (RPC), in collaboration with JP Transit and St. Bernard Urban Rapid Transit (SBURT).
To give feedback or suggestions, email info@newlinksnola.com.
JP Transit Strategic Plan: A Vision for Jefferson Parish Transit
The 2019 JP Transit Strategic Plan was designed to provide a vision for Jefferson ParishTransit over the next 20 years and a plan for how to achieve that vision.
Title VI Compliance
Jefferson Parish Transit does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, or age.
To request additional information on JP Transit’s nondiscrimination policies or to file a complaint, see information below or contact the General Manager of Jefferson Parish Transit at (504) 818-1077.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
DBEs are for-profit small business concerns where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily business operations.
When choosing vendors and suppliers to work with us, JP Transit participates in a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program to help level the playing field.
More info on DBE participation
Transit Industry Recognition
In the May/June 2007 issue of Busline Magazine, Jefferson Transit was recognized for its actions before Hurricane Katrina struck in helping to ferry people out of harm’s way, and for revitalizing the public transit system in the hurricane’s aftermath. In 2010, Jefferson Transit received recognition from the Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership for being a “clean fleet leader that has taken strides to reduce regional dependence on foreign oil by replacing the equivalent of 11,520 gallons of gas with a cleaner fuel to power their transportation fleet.” The Partnership also distinguishes Jefferson Transit for being the first mass transit fleet in the region to use biodiesel, which fuels the entire fixed-route bus fleet. Biodiesel is a domestic, renewable fuel for diesel engines derived from natural oils (like soybean oil) which can be an added to or entirely replace conventional petroleum diesel fuel.
Security
JP Transit strives to make your experience on our transit system as safe and secure as possible. In 2008 JP Transit began its quarterly Public Education Campaigns. These campaigns are trilingual (English/Spanish/Vietnamese) and focus on messages that make the public more aware of security issues, increase their emergency awareness, and teach them how to respond in the event of a problem.
Jefferson Transit releases these campaigns through:
- Website Messages
- Vehicle Posters
- Kiosk Posters
- Vehicle Voice Annunciator Messages
- Transit Security Outreach Days
- Transit Security Presentations
Look for our latest campaign while riding the bus or check it out here!
Terminal Security Features
Jefferson Transit strives to make its terminals and buses safe and secure for riders.
All buses are equipped with security cameras as well as many other features to help ensure rider security and safety. For more information on vehicle security features click here.
At the terminals JP Transit:
- Has installed security cameras throughout the terminal.
- Has added street lighting in areas around the terminal building, kiosk area, bus bays, passenger waiting areas, and public parking areas.
- Locks the gated kiosk and shelter area when not in use.
In addition to steps already taken, JP Transit plans to:
- Increase the number of cameras at all terminals
- Install additional lighting at the Walkertown Terminal
- Increase the security training for employees
- Continue the Transit Security Public Education Campaign
The Wilty Terminal has regularly scheduled details by the Gretna Police Department, and Jefferson Parish has secured the presence of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department for the Walkertown Terminal.
Civil Rights
Jefferson Parish Transit prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in transportation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); operates services without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act; and follows Executive Order 13166 in identifying and engaging Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations to ensure their involvement and knowledge of transportation planning and projects in and around their communities.
ADA
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, State and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation. In accordance with these requirements JP Transit will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in JP Transit’s services, programs or activities.
Title VI
JP Transit operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, and national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Limited English Proficiency
JP Transit follows Executive Order 13166 in identifying and engaging LEP populations to ensure their involvement and knowledge of transportation planning and projects in and around their communities. An LEP person is defined as one who does not speak English as his or her primary language and has a limited ability to read, write, or understand English.
JP Transit ADA Complaint Policy and Form – English
JP Transit ADA Complaint Policy and Form – Vietnamese
JP Transit ADA Complaint Policy and Form – Spanish
Title VI Compliance
Jefferson Parish Transit does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, or age.
To request additional information on JP Transit’s nondiscrimination policies or to file a complaint, see information below or contact the General Manager of Jefferson Parish Transit at (504) 818-1077.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
DBEs are for-profit small business concerns where socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51% interest and also control management and daily business operations.
When choosing vendors and suppliers to work with us, JP Transit participates in a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program to help level the playing field.
More info on DBE participation
DBE Participation Goal 2020-22
DBE Participation Goal Public Notice
