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Louisiana DOT Sets Up Regional Transit Service; Actions Help Restore Service in Flooded Areas
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Following the historic and deadly flooding across south Louisiana, the state Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) established regional transit connections for communities in greater Baton Rouge to help restore public transit and provide vital service for the area’s workers, many of whom lost vehicles.
 “DOTD is compelled to expand the scope of our public service in communities across the area by establishing this regional transit service,” said Shawn Wilson, DOTD secretary. “We are committed to helping our impacted neighbors get back to a regular routine by offering this important service to and from Baton Rouge.” |
Initially, agency officials expected that it would operate the transitional service for approximately one week, but would extend it as necessary.
The flooding, which the American Red Cross called the country’s worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, resulted in the deaths of 13 people; required the rescue of more than 20,000 other individuals; destroyed or damaged more than 60,000 homes; and closed countless roads, bridges, businesses, schools and other establishments. Officials estimate that the storm dropped more than 6.9 trillion gallons of rain on the region.
Among those affected were approximately 150 area employees of AECOM, which set up a Go Fund Me site to help its colleagues affected by the flood (click here). AECOM announced that it would match all donations (which are strictly voluntary) up to $50,000. More than $34,000 had been raised as of Aug. 23.
As Passenger Transport went to press, DOTD had inspected more than 1,200 bridges with six remaining out of service, pending emergency repairs. In addition, the agency began the process of removing debris to open roads and protect residents and workers.
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Some of the flooded areas in Baton Rouge, LA, on Aug. 15.
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard
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