The Lil’ Easy On-Demand Circulator Launches in New Orleans

The Lil’ Easy, an innovative new service launched in January 2009 by Veolia Transportation and the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority, provides an exciting new solution to the problem of serving areas with lower population density or light transit ridership.

The Lil’ Easy is a special on-demand circulator that brings convenient, affordable transit to residents of the Lower 9th Ward. It is an “on-demand” service, meaning that passengers who want a ride call an hour in advance and we pick them up at a stop that is 2 to 4 blocks from their home. It operates across a network of 24 new flexible neighbourhood stops conveniently located throughout the Ward, and three main bus stops. The three main bus stops provide connections to regular fixed routes operated by NORTA, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority.

So what are the key features of The Lil’ Easy?

First, it is operated with sleek, new 14-seat minibuses (Dodge Sprinters) instead of full-sized vehicles. Our minibuses are more fuel-efficient, and have a capacity that is well matched to the demands of the route. As well, they can navigate through residential neighbourhoods smoothly and safely.

And secondly, as an on-demand service, the Lil’ Easy saves on fuel and mileage by going only where it is needed. It always serves the three main bus stops/transfer points on its route – but instead of traveling to all 24 flexible neighbourhood stops on every run, it only goes to those where passengers are waiting or want to go. For further convenience, regular commuters can arrange for a daily reservation with just one phone call. Passengers can ride for the same fare as any regular NORTA bus ($1.25), and use transfers just as before.

Frank Donze, the lead transportation reporter from the New Orleans Times-Picayune, described The Lil’ Easy in this way, “… It’s not exactly door-to-door mass transit. But, it’s pretty close.”

The Lil’ Easy replaces a fixed route service that, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, had suffered a large drop in ridership and become economically unsustainable for NORTA. However, for residents of the Lower 9th Ward, that tradeoff has been very beneficial. The Lil’ Easy will bring improved mobility to all residents, more cost effectively, and will thus help catalyze development and renewal.

Prior to launch, extensive local input was sought through community and church group meetings. Veolia Transportation’s marketing team created an uplifting visual style for the bus graphics, that reflects the cultural richness of New Orleans. They also developed an innovative promotional campaign to announce the service.

The Lil’ Easy service is unique in North America. It is proof that efficient, cost-effective transit is possible for lightly populated neighbourhoods or those that are seeking renewal and re-development through new mobility solutions.