Amtrak Launches Mardi Gras Service to Connect Gulf Coast Communities

Amtrak is set to introduce a new intercity train service called the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, which will commence this summer. The service will operate twice daily between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, with additional stops in four Mississippi cities: Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. This announcement brings to fruition nearly two decades of efforts spearheaded by the Southern Rail Commission to establish reliable rail connectivity in the region. Knox Ross, the Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, expressed enthusiasm for the launch, highlighting that the project has its roots tracing back to post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. 'We've been working on this, basically since Katrina, almost 20 years,' he stated, offering a perspective on the long-term planning involved. The Mardi Gras Service is aptly named to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Gulf Coast, which is characterized by its vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations. Travelers aboard this service can expect a scenic, comfortable experience with scheduled morning and evening departures. Moreover, the new service promises to enhance tourism, regional connectivity, and economic development as it links key destinations. Ross underscored the potential for day trips, enabling passengers to explore the Mississippi Coast, New Orleans, and Mobile easily. In an effort to bolster regional travel systems, coordination is also underway with Greyhound services from Baton Rouge. State leaders from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have expressed unified support for this initiative, crediting bipartisan efforts and collaboration with the Southern Rail Commission. Following the completion of platform and station track construction in Mobile, scheduled for the end of June, crews will be trained for operational efficiency, with services expected to commence around mid-July. This service represents a significant milestone for infrastructure development in the Gulf Coast region and stands as a testament to the persistent advocacy for public transportation improvements in the area.