Amtrak Expands Gulf Coast Service as Ridership Surges
09.10.2025
Amtrak continues to expand along the Gulf Coast as in its new Mardi Gras Service from New Orleans to Mobile brought in almost 19,000 passengers and reinforces local rail connectivity.
This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak Increasing Capacity and Regional Connectivity
Amtrak witnessed high demand for the Mardi Gras Service ever since it was launched in August, with well over 105 passengers on each train. Due to repeated sellouts, the corporation increased the train with an additional railcar in key segments.
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Each new car offers 60 extra seats, primarily on New Orleans Saints home days and large events such as Mississippi’s “Cruisin’ the Coast.” It enhances the Gulf Coast collection and travel choices for citizens and visitors.
Knox Ross, who heads the Southern Rail Commission, said that high ridership is an indicator of renewed public interest in local train travel. He further said that Amtrak’s victory is proof that steady investment in southern passenger trains is of high value.
Travelers may buy their tickets online on the website amtrak.com/mardigras or through the Amtrak website’s mobile app, in which schedules, fares, and offers appear constantly.
Amtrak Powers Neighborhood Tourism and Sustainability
Amtrak announced a loyalty program that awarded triple Guest Rewards for passengers who would take three trips between August 18 and November 18. The rewards are for frequent passengers as they promote recurrence in their travel on the Mardi Gras itinerary.
Local leaders commended the new service for bringing in an economic boost. David Clark of Visit Mobile said that hotel and restaurant bookings have increased. Judy Young of Coastal Mississippi mentioned that it reopens families and strengthens tourism in all coastal communities.
Amtrak puts the service in take about 400 vehicles off highways such as Interstate 10 every day, reducing emissions and congestion. Fares begin at $15 one way, but train travel is cheap and green.
The Southern Rail Commission is still pushing for wider passenger rail. Due to the early popularity of the Mardi Gras Service, Amtrak still intends to pattern subsequent Gulf Coast and Southeast expansions after it.
Source: neworleanscitybusiness.com
News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service is?
Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service is a daily train between New Orleans and Mobile with important Mississippi stops.
How do Amtrak passengers earn rewards?
Members of Amtrak Guest Rewards can participate to earn triple points for successfully completing three cruises on the Mardi Gras trip from August 18 through November 18.
How does Amtrak help Gulf Coast communities?
Amtrak promotes sustainability and tourism by cutting down on car travel, stimulating local economically advantageous activities, and providing cheap, low-emission travel in the Gulf Coast region.
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