The Amtrak passenger train is back on track along the Gulf Coast for the first time in 20 years. The train now connects Mobile, Alabama, with New Orleans, Louisiana, with low fares and modern amenities for local passengers and tourists. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service will begin August 18, offering twice-daily trains between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, creating new opportunities for Gulf Coast travel, tourism, and cultural connections
Photo: Amtrak

Amtrak’s Return to the Gulf Coast

There is more evidence emerging that the passenger rail service Amtrak will be coming back to Mobile, Ala., and the Gulf Coast.

The Mardi Gras Service, which operates twice a day, is a celebration of local culture as well as an answer to long-standing requests for passenger service to be reinstated. Local officials stressed that this connection would help regional economic development and enhance mobility for workers, students, and tourists.

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The original service had been suspended in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina caused heavy damage to the rail corridor. But thanks to major infrastructure support from local, state and federal partners, Amtrak was able to restore this vital route.

Low Prices and a Service You Can Trust

Beginning at $15, fares for the 145-mile trip are pocketbook-friendly. Plus, your ride comes with complementary Wi-Fi, personal power outlets, and carry-on luggage.With all these amenities, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your ride.

The city leaders of Mobile and Gulfport and New Orleans all gave high praise and thanks. “Reconnecting these communities not only supports tourism, but strengthens the collaborative dynamic between our communities, particularly in light of both Mobile and New Orleans’ historic Mardi Gras celebrations,” they said.

The United States Department of Transportation has said the hurricane in 2005 destroyed more than 100 miles of rail. In the meantime, boosters say that this re-established route is testament to a can-do spirit and a commitment to the region’s healthy transit.

Before Katrina, riders could go as far as Orlando, Fla., with the help of connections in New Orleans. The line may expand further in the future, but official plans remain unconfirmed, potentially adding more stops on the Gulf Coast if ridership increases.

Source: www.foxweather.com

When did Amtrak bring back its Gulf Coast route?

Amtrak formally announced the return of the service, along the Gulf Coast, in 2024, nearly two decades after passenger service was suspended between Alabama and Louisiana after the arrival of Hurricane Katrina.

What are the ticket prices for the Gulf Coast service?

A one-way trip between Mobile and New Orleans on the luxury buses has an adult fare of $15. Passengers also receive perks such as free Wi-Fi, a carry-on and two pets on board.

What is the significance of Amtrak’s Gulf Coast restoration?

The recovery will help link Gulf Coast cities while enhancing regional economies, increasing travel options, and offering a more environmentally friendly mode of transportation for residents and visitors.

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