New Orleanians who need a ride to get vaccinated can now get one for free from the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) — as long as they can get to a pickup hub.
A free shuttle will be taking people from three pickup spots around the city to the mass vaccination site at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center beginning Thursday. The shuttles will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Pickup spots are at:
- Duncan Plaza, 343-349 Loyola Ave., departing every 15 minutes
- Algiers Park and Ride, 2501 Wall Blvd., departing every 45 minutes
- East New Orleans Walmart, 6000 Bullard Ave., departing every 45 minutes
If you have to take public transportation to get to a pickup point, though, it's not entirely free. RTA will charge the regular fare for those trips.
The city announced on Wednesday its partnership with LCMC Health to open a mass vaccination site in Hall J of the convention center.
LCMC started making appointments for Louisiana residents who meet the Phase 1A and Phase 1B requirements at 7 a.m. today. LCMC and the city are encouraging people to sign up at LCMChealth.org/vaccine or to call 504-290-5200. The LCMC Call center is open seven days a week.
RTA riders will be required to wear face masks and practice social distancing. For more information, visit RTAforward.org, call Rideline at 504-248-2900, or follow @NewOrleansRTA.