Current Commuter Transportation Options

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

(Information courtesy of www.Metairie.com and www.SouthEastRoads.com)

Presently, the only route of transportation from the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain to the South Shore is the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the longest highway bridge over water in the entire world, spanning 24 miles from Metairie on the South Shore to St. Tammany Parish on the North Shore. Originally opened to the public in 1956 as a two-way, two-lane bridge, 1969 saw the opening of a second two-lane span. Safety was largely increased for commuters when each span became a two lane, one way route. The average height of the Causeway is 15 and 16 feet over the water, with three main ship passages where the bridge elevates to 25 feet. Larger vessels can pass through two marine spans, each with a 50 foot clearance. A drawbridge for the largest of ships exists eight miles south of the North Shore. The highest point overall is no more than 60 feet.

Today, more than 42,000 cars cross the Causeway each workday; there is a toll charge of $3.00 on the St. Tammany Parish side, rather than $1.50 each way. This was done in an effort to ease traffic congestion on the South Shore's Causeway Boulevard in Metairie. Only very few emergency crossovers are offered in the 24 mile span of the bridge, giving every flat tire or engine failure potential to become a dangerous situation. Fog, cross winds, and thunderstorms can present particular hazards for drivers who cross the spans as well. Motorists must occasionally convoy in limited groups at reduced speed when visibility is particularly poor. There is often talk of a Causeway widening, expansion or third span to improve driving conditions for motorists, but those plans are not expected to be in place before 2020. The existing two Causeway spans are expected to reach capacity by 2018.

The average North Shore commuter is driving in excess of 60 miles per workday, give or take 10 miles depending on final destination. With increasing gasoline prices looming, expensive downtown New Orleans parking, and Louisiana's four separate Cell Phone & Text Messaging driving laws, Pontchartrain Express will save motorists money, wear & tear on their vehicle, and provide a safe place to receive & send messages or calls from their cell phone. This could make the roads safer for everyone, not just our customers.

Last but not least, the Army Corps of Engineers expect to begin work on the West Return Floodwall 100 year risk reduction project in Metairie summer 2010. The risk reduction feature at the south shore of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway will consist of a concrete T-wall, an overpass bridge and detour lane bridge spans. The Corps of Engineers expect the 100 year risk reduction work to be completed in summer 2011, but do state that work in the area is expected to continue through 2012. Commuters can expect approximately two years of delays on the South Shore while construction is completed. (A full description of the West Return Floodwall 100 year risk reduction project can be found on the Army Corps of Engineers - Team New Orleans website.)

Visit Team New Orleans website

North Shore Commuter Group Transport

The group commuter transport operations on the North Shore, whether it is by bus or car, are the closest "competitors" for Pontchartrain Express. Most are structured for those commuters that work longer days with alternating four day work weeks, and pick up as early as 5:15am and drop off as late as 7:00pm. Pick up/Drop off locations and departure times are limited as well.

The Pontchartrain Express commuter will spend the bulk of their commute on the passenger ferry, which has many more comforts and luxuries than an average bus or car could ever offer. Not to mention, we offer an alternative route via water, meaning less road time, and a number of different departure times in morning and afternoon. We allow the commuter needs to guide our service, rather than the other way around.

Commuter Commentary as per Survey Results

1. "I hope your venture succeeds. We truly need something like this. Before I make a decision on it, I need to compare costs with what I am currently spending for gasoline, wear & tear, and parking."

2. "Love the idea! Used these in Greece, Lake Michigan, and in Vancouver, BC. Been saying we need one in NOLA for a long time."

3. "I think this is a great idea and I think it would be a good option for people who don’t like to drive the Causeway especially when the weather is bad."

4. "What a fantastic idea! I am retired in Covington, and have not been to N.O. in 6 years, mainly because of the Causeway. I would use your service mainly to get to the airport on occasion without having to rely on friends. However, your service just might make the occasional trip to the symphony or opera once again a possibility. Thanks and good luck."

5. "This would be a wonderful idea for younger adults who like to go into the City and party for the evening. Please consider late night for weekends!"

6. "This is great for people with Causeway phobia's and people who don't want a DWI tickets (sic) there is a lot of reasons for this to be in service now long overdue."