New Orleans Mayor Calls for Reforms at Regional Transit Authority After Lawsuit

Lawsuit alleges discrimination, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions at the agency

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:00am

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A solitary bus stop bench sits empty under a warm, golden light, conveying a sense of melancholy and neglect through the cinematic, nostalgic painting style.A somber scene at a neglected RTA bus stop reflects the agency's troubled internal culture exposed by a recent lawsuit.New Orleans Today

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno has called for major reforms at the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) after a federal lawsuit was filed by a dozen current and former employees alleging rampant discrimination, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions at the agency. The lawsuit paints a 'sordid picture' of the RTA's internal workings, and the mayor's administration says the issues 'underscore exactly why meaningful reform and structural change at the RTA are not optional, they are necessary.'

Why it matters

The lawsuit against the RTA highlights longstanding concerns about the agency's management and workplace culture, which have resulted in several six-figure settlements with former employees in recent years. The mayor's push for reforms comes as she has sought to reshape the RTA's leadership, arguing that new direction is needed to improve regional connectivity and make public transit more accessible for riders.

The details

The 76-page lawsuit alleges that the RTA is a workplace where physical violence is minimized, homophobic slurs and sexual harassment are common, and employee complaints are suppressed. The lawsuit cites audio recordings in which RTA officials allegedly admit to 'suppressing salaries' and having an 'unjust' disciplinary system. The lawsuit names the RTA, 12 RTA employees, and one former employee as defendants.

  • The lawsuit was filed on April 10, 2026.
  • Moreno's new RTA board members were sworn in on April 8, 2026, two days before the lawsuit was filed.

The players

Mayor Helena Moreno

The mayor of New Orleans who has called for major reforms at the Regional Transit Authority.

Isis Casanova

The communications director for Mayor Moreno.

Ann Duplessis

The chair of the RTA board.

Lona Edwards Hankins

The CEO of the Regional Transit Authority.

Katherine Bush Felton

A former RTA chief of staff named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“Stories like this underscore exactly why meaningful reform and structural change at the RTA are not optional, they are necessary.”

— Isis Casanova, Communications Director for Mayor Moreno

“We take all matters of this sort very seriously and we will work with staff and the attorneys to determine what the realities of this suit is.”

— Ann Duplessis, RTA Board Chair

What’s next

The RTA has said it will respond to the lawsuit through the appropriate legal process and is confident the full set of facts will be reviewed in the proper context.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights longstanding concerns about the management and workplace culture at the Regional Transit Authority, which has faced multiple lawsuits and settlements with former employees in recent years. Mayor Moreno's push for reforms at the RTA underscores the need to address these issues and restore public trust in the agency.