Rails to Resilience: Evaluating New Orleans and Baton Rouge Rail Terminals and Transit Links

Abstract

This study evaluates the multimodal linkages to and opportunities for proposed terminal sites for a potential future passenger rail connection between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana. The project included a comprehensive analysis of recent planning processes and documents and distribution of a statewide survey aimed at understanding ridership potential (including non-work trips) and the needs of likely users, the results of which were modeled to illuminate key considerations for service design and station area planning. This study finds a strong foundation for, and support of, the proposed rail service, but distinct deficiencies in the current multimodal transportation environment connecting to and from proposed stations. In addition, previous analyses include potentially faulty assumptions about likely rail passenger trip purposes, which have critical implications for service design. The findings of this study reflect the priorities of likely rail passengers and advance efforts to plan for successful passenger rail service operation in Southeast Louisiana.