The RTA has commenced construction of the expansion of the New Orleans' historic streetcar along Loyola Avenue, connecting the Union Passenger Terminal to the Canal Street line and the Medical District.  Work on the $45 million project is fully-funded by an FTA "TIGER" grant and commenced in August 2011. The project is expected to be completed and fully operational by June 2012, in time to connect the South Market District to any point downtown via convenient public transportation.