Amtrak Gulf Coast: Latest News
(newest information at the top)
SRC and Amtrak Reiterate Their Commitment to a June Launch
March 7, 2025
The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) held its quarterly meeting today. Among other business, the group discussed the status of the highly anticipated return of passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast.
SRC chair Knox Ross summed up the sentiment of the group when he said, “We don’t just want to keep having meetings; we want to run some trains.” The exact date has not been set, but June 2025 is still the target for the start of rail service. He noted that anticipation is building at the state government level. He explained, “Before, legislators asked, “Why?” Now they excitedly ask, “When?”
Ross also stated that excitement is building in the community. Chandeleur Island Brewing is establishing a brewpub in the Pascagoula station and will also be working with Amtrak in Gulfport to develop special programs for rail travelers.
The new service has attracted the attention of other rail commissions around the country. SRC commissioner John M. Spain of Louisiana noted, “Our commission’s success is something that other regions hope to emulate. I think there’s a lot of momentum around that idea now.”
SRC Chairman Knox Ross
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Rachel DiResto, communications consultant for the SRC, reported that anticipation is running high, not only regionally but nationally and internationally. She shared media coverage about the program from several publications, including National Geographic Traveler (UK). In addition, she noted that the Amtrak marketing team is currently contacting local tourism agencies to collect information and images that reflect each stop’s local flavor, to be used in Amtrak marketing efforts. Knox Ross added that commissioners Brian Fulton and Kay Kell are working to establish relationships with local businesses along the route to develop promotional programs, like Chandeleur and our coastal casinos.
Arun Rao, director of network development for Amtrak, reported that construction is well underway for the Mobile train station. Excavation has begun, and utility work has progressed. Ben Dodson, project manager for Amtrak, said the next steps are the preparation of safety documentation for the FRA, the signing of a funding agreement, the completion of the Mobile station, and safety certification and testing. He also noted that service details will be finalized later this spring.
Marc Magliari, senior public relations manager for Amtrak, reported that public safety messages will resume as the start date draws closer. There was an effort to inform the public about rail safety in early 2023, and that will re-start. In addition, Amtrak will partner with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to provide safety information for students in the school’s commercial truck driving program. Because the new passenger trains travel faster than freight trains, this information is critical.
The next meeting of the SRC is tentatively scheduled for June 6, but date may be adjusted to coincide with the first day of rail service. Anyone interested in attending future meetings can get meeting updates by signing up for the SRC newsletter.
Final Pieces Falling into Place for Passenger Train Service
February 6, 2025
We know our readers are anxious for updates on the state of passenger rail service to New Orleans and Mobile. The most recent information, provided by Knox Ross of the Southern Rail Commission, is that there is only a slight delay in the anticipated launch date.
Previous timelines predicted a spring 2025 launch; that has been updated to June 2025. Mobile is fully committed to moving forward with the passenger rail - “They’ve signed all the agreements. There’s nothing left to do,” according to Ross.
The only thing on Mobile’s to-do list is building a train platform. Key players discussed installing a temporary platform to mitigate any delays. However, with various ongoing construction projects, everyone agreed the safest option would be to wait and build a permanent platform.
Even though the re-establishment and implementation of the passenger rail has taken nearly 20 years to come to fruition, the public remains invested in a positive outcome. Ross commented that residents of New Orleans are eager to plan day trips to the Mississippi Gulf Coast via train.
The anticipated routes and stops have been established for a while, with trains running between New Orleans and Mobile daily. Stops will include Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula. The restoration of the passenger rail service is expected to have a significant positive impact on the region. Ross pointed out that the infrastructure improvements not only benefit passenger service but make freight traffic more efficient as well, thereby supporting the expansion of container traffic at the port. He described the project as “absolutely a win-win for everybody.”
Additional updates will be released at the next Southern Rail Commission meeting, which is scheduled for March 7 in Bay St. Louis. Ross reports updates could include the announcement of the train’s name, ticket prices, and possibly the date of the inaugural trip.
Check back at www.shooflymagazine.com for regular Amtrak updates.
Restoration and Enhancement Grant Funding Awarded
for Gulf Coast Passenger Rail
January 9, 2025
Photo by Ken Murphy
Senator Roger Wicker's (R-MS) office announced the Federal Railroad Administration awarded over $21 million in Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) Grant funding to Amtrak for the restoration of inter-city passenger rail service with two daily roundtrips along the Gulf Coast between New Orleans and Mobile.
“This is great news for Mississippi,” Senator Wicker noted in a recent news release. “Gulf Coast Rail is an investment in the future of our state. This grant will help with operational costs, ultimately reconnecting communities and ensuring that Mississippians have access to reliable transportation.”
In its own news release, the Southern Rail Commission noted that Senator Wicker has been a strong advocate for restoring passenger rail service to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, working to bring together federal, state, and local officials in support of investments along the southern rail corridor and to address regulatory concerns related to the restoration of passenger service.
In response to Senator Wicker’s announcement, Knox Ross, Chair of the Southern Rail Commission, issued the following statement:
“This substantial award represents a historic moment in our effort to restore passenger rail service to communities along the Gulf Coast. The grant allocation will supplement costs associated with the operation of two daily roundtrip services for the first three years of operation. As a result, communities spanning Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama will benefit from increased mobility and connectivity. Undoubtedly, this grant allocation is not only a win for passenger rail service, but a win for the communities, economies, and countless residents and visitors across the Gulf Coast and beyond.”
Ross also noted that the Southern Rail Commission is extremely grateful for its partners, especially Sen. Roger Wicker and his staff, who have championed the establishment of the R&E program and advocated for passenger rail development and funding. The SRC is also grateful for the efforts of Transportation for America in steering the formation of the R&E program. Knox Ross said, “This milestone would not be possible without their continued commitment to passenger rail service restoration and expansion.”
There’s Light at the End of the (Train) Tunnel!
August 6, 2024
The Mobile City Council unanimously passed intergovernmental and funding agreements on August 6, that will allow Amtrak passenger service to run from Mobile to New Orleans with two trains each way per day (see one proposed schedule below). It was the final hurdle in a years-long effort to reestablish service.
- by Ellis Anderson
- by Ellis Anderson
The Mobile City Council this morning (August 6). Council President C.J. Small, third from left and Council Vice President Gina Gregory fourth from left.
While a platform still needs to be constructed in Mobile, the other stops along the route - Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, all on the Mississippi coast – have completed the necessary improvements to accommodate passenger trains.
Amtrak officials predict the service will begin in Spring 2025, but some Gulf Coast residents expressed hopes that the trains could be rolling for the Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 9 or for Mardi Gras, March 4.
Mobile’s Mayor, Sandy Stimpson, prefaced the council meeting with remarks noting that the city had been “diligently working with our partners” to restore Amtrak service and that the amenity will make Mobile – which he said is the second-fastest growing seaport in the country – stand out, while supporting “vital and continued growth.”
Stimpson helped cobble together Alabama’s share of the funding to get the trains rolling. A $178 million federal grant to improve track infrastructure along the three-state route required matching funds from the states. Louisiana and Mississippi pitched in all the matching funds (Louisiana, approximately six million and Mississippi, $14 million), even though Alabama stands to receive $72 million of the grant.
While a platform still needs to be constructed in Mobile, the other stops along the route - Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, all on the Mississippi coast – have completed the necessary improvements to accommodate passenger trains.
Amtrak officials predict the service will begin in Spring 2025, but some Gulf Coast residents expressed hopes that the trains could be rolling for the Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 9 or for Mardi Gras, March 4.
Mobile’s Mayor, Sandy Stimpson, prefaced the council meeting with remarks noting that the city had been “diligently working with our partners” to restore Amtrak service and that the amenity will make Mobile – which he said is the second-fastest growing seaport in the country – stand out, while supporting “vital and continued growth.”
Stimpson helped cobble together Alabama’s share of the funding to get the trains rolling. A $178 million federal grant to improve track infrastructure along the three-state route required matching funds from the states. Louisiana and Mississippi pitched in all the matching funds (Louisiana, approximately six million and Mississippi, $14 million), even though Alabama stands to receive $72 million of the grant.
Amtrak locomotive 309, an ALC-42 with 4200 horsepower. Photo by Gregg Martel
But to seal the deal, each of the three states was also required to chip in $3.049 million over three years to help subsidize the passenger line. Louisiana and Mississippi readily complied. However, since the State of Alabama declined to participate, the city of Mobile was asked to step up.
In voting to fund the agreement, Councilwoman Gina Gregory (District 7) said when she first learned about the passenger rail service restoration, she was “absolutely flabbergasted that the city of Mobile would be… expected to be a funding partner to the tune of $3 million…
“The state of Alabama should have been that third partner all along – with the state of Mississippi, with the state of Louisiana. Hopefully, the state [Alabama] will come through with a commitment in the next budget.”
Stimpson has lobbied the state for support and helped persuade the Port of Mobile to contribute $1 million, since they stand to benefit from the track improvements. The state is currently considering contributing a portion of the funds. But in the vote on Tuesday, the city of Mobile committed to funding the balance.
Ceremonial groundbreaking for improvements at the BSL train station.
After the vote, audience members broke out in applause.
President of the council, C.J. Small (District 3), said, “Downtown Mobile is going to be hot and popping. We’re able to take a cruise ship from downtown Mobile, we’re about to be ready to take a train from downtown Mobile, and in the next year or so, we’re going to be flying from downtown Mobile… [referencing the new airport]. I’m very excited to be a citizen here in Mobile.”
Two members of the Southern Rail Commission (SRC), chairman Knox Ross and Kay Kell, were present to watch the historic vote. The SRC has been - as one observer put it - “long-suffering” in their decades-long efforts to facilitate passenger rail service along the coast.
About a dozen members of the 900-member group “Mobile for Amtrak” were present, as were a few pro-train citizens from Bay St. Louis, including Nikki Moon and Shoofly Magazine publisher Wendy McDonald, who had driven over to watch the historic vote.
One proposed schedule
Bryan Fuenmayor, leader of the Mobile group, admitted afterward that he’d been anxious about the vote, since Amtrak supporter and councilman William Carol wasn’t present at the meeting. However, two councilmen who had previously opposed the project gave statements and voted “yes.”
“We were not expecting a unanimous vote,” said Fuenmayor. “It was elation all around.”
Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi, which is charged with promoting tourism in the three coastal Mississippi counties, said having the passenger trains running is a two-fold winner because it increases visitation and increases business for those nearby or servicing the stations.
“You have day-trip and special events passengers, as well as those traveling for sports performances, concerts, and traditional leisure activities,” Young said.
David Clark, president and CEO of Visit Mobile, also believes the train will impact businesses in Mobile’s revitalized downtown area, pointing to all the hotels, restaurants, and attractions within easy walking distance from the station.
2016 Shoofly file photo of crowds in BSL meeting an Amtrak train of dignitaries when the idea of restoring passenger rail travel was first considered. Photo by Ellis Anderson
“There are 55 restaurants and bars on Dauphin Street alone in less than a mile,” Clark pointed out in a late June interview. “And there are 25 attractions within a mile. There’s a real advantage in Mobile, you don’t have to have transportation [after arrival].
“This can be transformative for the Gulf Coast, and it’s a story of regional collaboration,” he continued. “I think it will be very popular. We will need to market and position awareness, and we’re ready to spend the resources to create the awareness. The economic impact will make the investment well worth it.”
Personally, Clark “can’t wait to get on the train. I really love Bay St. Louis and those smaller coastal communities.”
That’s good news to John Ferrucci, general manager of the Silver Slipper Casino in Waveland, a few miles from the Bay St. Louis station.
Photo by Ellis Anderson
“We’re so glad to see it finally happen,” Ferrucci said. “We’re excited to experience it ourselves, so we will better know how to promote it.”
Ferrucci said that the Silver Slipper will explore options to pick up and drop off train passengers who are staying at the hotel or visiting the casino.
But he’s also excited to have another transportation option on the Gulf Coast instead of being forced to drive I-10, which has become congested and delay-prone in recent years.
“I’m disrupted every day just trying to get home. This is going to be a breath of fresh air.”
“We’re so glad to see it finally happen,” Ferrucci said. “We’re excited to experience it ourselves, so we will better know how to promote it.”
Ferrucci said that the Silver Slipper will explore options to pick up and drop off train passengers who are staying at the hotel or visiting the casino.
But he’s also excited to have another transportation option on the Gulf Coast instead of being forced to drive I-10, which has become congested and delay-prone in recent years.
“I’m disrupted every day just trying to get home. This is going to be a breath of fresh air.”
The Dam Has Broken!
June 13, 2024
“It looks like the dam has finally broken,” says Knox Ross, a Southern Rail Commissioner who has been working for more than 13 years to help restore passenger rail service from New Orleans to Mobile.
- by Ellis Anderson
- by Ellis Anderson
Photo courtesy Southern Rail Commission
It’s been almost twenty years – before Hurricane Katrina – since the last passenger train rolled out of Mobile. In the obstacle-filled journey to restore the service, the Southern Rail Commission, made up of members from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, have been unrelenting in finding solutions, securing funding, and building strong bipartisan bridges of support.
But the most challenging issue has been ensuring that the Port of Mobile – which in 2021 contributed $85 billion to the Alabama state economy and relies heavily on freight trains – wouldn’t be adversely affected by Amtrak’s use of the rails.
But the most challenging issue has been ensuring that the Port of Mobile – which in 2021 contributed $85 billion to the Alabama state economy and relies heavily on freight trains – wouldn’t be adversely affected by Amtrak’s use of the rails.
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission in Mobile on June 7, 2024.
Recently, the Port has embraced passenger rail travel. So has Mobile mayor Sandy Stimpson and several city council members, thanks in part to a $72 million-dollar federal grant that will benefit both freight and passenger rail transportation in Alabama.
Knox Ross explained that the grant is critically needed, since few capacity improvements have taken place on that line in 40 or 50 years. In the meantime, freight train traffic has changed; there are fewer trains, but they’re longer.
Much of the new grant funding will go to building more second-track infrastructure in Alabama, preventing trains from having to sit and wait while another passes. And while the second tracks are necessary for the new passenger trains, they also will make freight traffic much more efficient.
Map of the route between New Orleans and Mobile.
“It’s a great deal for Alabama,” said Knox. “It brings their lines up to the 21st century. The port’s working very hard to expand their container traffic, so [the infrastructure improvements] open up capacity for them. It’s absolutely a win-win for everybody.
“Most elected officials we deal with want to do things their constituents want, and passenger rail service is one,” said Ross. “Now that Mayor Stimpson is comfortable that the port’s concerns have been addressed, he told us he’s going to be [passenger rail’s] biggest cheerleader.
The train tracks run beneath the sleek Mobile Convention Center, a contemporary 317,000-square-foot facility in downtown Mobile, next to a riverfront park. The new Amtrak passenger platform will be adjacent to the center and a stone’s throw from the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, the Alabama Cruise Ship Terminal – and across the street from the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. Photo by Ellis Anderson.
“All that remains now is for the council to approve funding. At our last meeting with them, they wanted some state participation,” said Ross, “which is happening.”
There are two types of funding at play here: operating subsidy grants and infrastructure improvement grants.
The total grants for infrastructure improvements in all three states amount to $228 million. Mississippi has contributed $14 million in matching funds, and Louisiana has contributed around $6 million in matching funds for the improvements.
“All that remains now is for the council to approve funding. At our last meeting with them, they wanted some state participation,” said Ross, “which is happening.”
There are two types of funding at play here: operating subsidy grants and infrastructure improvement grants.
The total grants for infrastructure improvements in all three states amount to $228 million. Mississippi has contributed $14 million in matching funds, and Louisiana has contributed around $6 million in matching funds for the improvements.
A view of downtown Mobile from the future platform. In addition to several major hotels within blocks of the platform, there are 55 restaurants and 25 attractions within one mile. Photo by Ellis Anderson.
The operating subsidy grants ask all three parties to contribute $3 million, which Mississippi and Louisiana have done. In 2019, the Mobile city council agreed to contribute $3 million to the subsidy as well, but since then, new council members have been elected, and some are questioning why the city is being asked to cover the cost instead of the state.
The Port has stepped up with an offer to cover $1 million, subject to approval by their board. Meanwhile, Mayor Sandy Stimpson delivered positive news at the June 11 city council meeting, reporting that funding discussions with Governor Kay Ivey’s office have been “warm and supportive.” While the 2025 state appropriations have been set, Ivey’s spokeswoman, Gina Maiola, reported that they’re “exploring options to potentially provide support.”
One proposed schedule shows times and stops. When service begins, it will be the first time since the 1960s that two trains a day have run between Mobile and New Orleans, making it possible to travel back and forth in a single day without driving.
According to sources, the Mobile City Council is expected to vote on the funding in 30-60 days. They must also sign a lease agreement with Amtrak for the platform site at the foot of Government and Water Streets, next to the Convention Center.
Platforms have already been constructed in all the other cities on the route. Mobile’s platform should take approximately four to six months to build. In the meantime, operating agreements between Amtrak and the three states will be finalized, putting the train start date sometime shortly after the first of the year.
“There have been so many delays, a lot of people thought it was never going to happen,” said Ross. “But it’s actually almost here! It’s time for people to get excited about it.”
February 23, 2024
SOUTHERN RAIL COMMISSION MEETING; FEW UPDATES
SOUTHERN RAIL COMMISSION MEETING; FEW UPDATES
Supported by these Prime Sponsors:
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Approximately 30 people attended the quarterly Southern Rail Commission Meeting on February 23 at Main Street Methodist Church in downtown Bay St. Louis. Representatives from along the Gulf Coast gathered to hear updates concerning the much-anticipated passenger train and the route between New Orleans and Mobile.
Unfortunately, attendees came away without any groundbreaking news. Supporters of the passenger rail were hoping for the name of the train to drop or even the estimated cost of tickets. Those feeling especially optimistic were even hoping the official first run date would be announced, but it was not to be. The organizers mainly discussed the infrastructure challenges faced by New Orleans and Mobile and additional funding opportunities.
It is well known the passenger train would be a great addition to the Gulf Coast. While increased tourist accessibility is the prime motivation, other great benefits shouldn’t be overlooked. A passenger train would offer yet another pathway for hurricane evacuations. This is especially relevant because the Old Highway 90/Pearl River Bridge is still closed and will remain that way for the foreseeable future. With military bases in New Orleans, Gulfport/Biloxi, Meridian, and Mobile, the passenger train would provide an additional logistics network to aid in any military operations.
While this meeting didn’t hold much new information, those following the progress of the passenger train closely can look forward to the next quarterly meeting on June 14, location and time to be announced. We hope this next meeting provides a more comprehensive update, possibly including the name of the new train, arrival and departure times, and ticket prices.
Unfortunately, attendees came away without any groundbreaking news. Supporters of the passenger rail were hoping for the name of the train to drop or even the estimated cost of tickets. Those feeling especially optimistic were even hoping the official first run date would be announced, but it was not to be. The organizers mainly discussed the infrastructure challenges faced by New Orleans and Mobile and additional funding opportunities.
It is well known the passenger train would be a great addition to the Gulf Coast. While increased tourist accessibility is the prime motivation, other great benefits shouldn’t be overlooked. A passenger train would offer yet another pathway for hurricane evacuations. This is especially relevant because the Old Highway 90/Pearl River Bridge is still closed and will remain that way for the foreseeable future. With military bases in New Orleans, Gulfport/Biloxi, Meridian, and Mobile, the passenger train would provide an additional logistics network to aid in any military operations.
While this meeting didn’t hold much new information, those following the progress of the passenger train closely can look forward to the next quarterly meeting on June 14, location and time to be announced. We hope this next meeting provides a more comprehensive update, possibly including the name of the new train, arrival and departure times, and ticket prices.
January 31, 2024
TEST RUNS CONTINUE ON MOBILE TO NEW ORLEANS PASSENGER ROUTE
TEST RUNS CONTINUE ON MOBILE TO NEW ORLEANS PASSENGER ROUTE
Our photographer, Gregg Martel, caught up with one of the Amtrak test units in Bay St. Louis in late January. For those who love the details, here are the specs of this training unit:
Amtrak locomotive #33, Baggage car #61047, Bag-Dorm car 69005, and locomotive #38, heading west to New Orleans. The locomotives are GE Genesis P42DC models built in 1996 by General Electric.
Amtrak locomotive #33, Baggage car #61047, Bag-Dorm car 69005, and locomotive #38, heading west to New Orleans. The locomotives are GE Genesis P42DC models built in 1996 by General Electric.
September 21, 2023
$230.4 MILLION AWARDED TO EXPAND RAIL SERVICE IN MISSISSIPPI
Earlier this month, it was announced the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $178.4 million to restore passenger rail service along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Additionally, another $52 million will assist in re-establishing part of what was originally the Gloster Southern Railroad. Funding for this project has taken several years to come to fruition, including the signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, which Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker held a crucial role in negotiating. Senator Wicker has been a major supporter for restoring rail service along the MS Gulf Coast since day one. For full details, see the press release issued by Senator Wicker's office HERE.
September 13, 2023
Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak Announce Project Progress
The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) welcomed elected officials and stakeholders to Point Clear, Alabama for the commission’s quarterly meeting. The SRC, along with Amtrak, announced key project milestones for passenger rail projects along the Gulf Coast and within the I-20 Corridor.
Amtrak is currently running familiarization trips for the highly anticipated return of passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile. Amtrak Vice President Nicole Bucich provided an overview of the numerous steps that must be completed before new service between New Orleans and Mobile can start.
Amtrak is currently running familiarization trips for the highly anticipated return of passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile. Amtrak Vice President Nicole Bucich provided an overview of the numerous steps that must be completed before new service between New Orleans and Mobile can start.
SRC Chairman Knox Ross stated, “All these plans involve partnership agreements, whether it is with Federal Railroad Administration for grants we and others have applied to receive, state departments of transportation for matching support and guidance, with our statehouses for legislation, the City of Mobile for the terminal location, with host railroads, CSX and NS, and of course, with Amtrak. All of these plans and partnerships are moving forward and must be in place for us to start service next year between Mobile and New Orleans. When all the elements have been finalized between the parties, the schedules, fares, and even the start date and official name of the train service will come via a joint formal announcement from Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission. Until then, we have work to do.”
Download the complete press release here.
March 15, 2023
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission in NOLA
Slow but steady is the name of the game with the new Amtrak passenger trains. Updates are trickling in, but we know one thing for sure — the trains are going to bring a lot of change to Hancock County.
- by Nikki Moon
- by Nikki Moon
The recent meeting of the Southern Rail Commission addressed the future of passenger rail service – not only on the coast, but also along the I-20 corridor. The route from New Orleans has been in the works for several years and now that test runs are well underway, the SRC has set its sights on additional routes. The hope is to eventually connect Dallas to Atlanta via passenger trains, and plans are in the making.
SRC Chairman, Knox Ross said, “Now that we have a way forward for new state-sponsored corridor service between New Orleans and Mobile, the I-20 route has been identified by the SRC as its next priority.”
The SRC brings together federal, state, and local government officials and individuals within the private sector to discuss potential rail service. The Commission identifies potential routes and conceptualizes the feasibility of these projects by weighing the benefits against the challenges. Current proposed routes include: Baton Rouge to New Orleans, Dallas to Meridian, and Shreveport to New Orleans.
One of the big topics at this meeting was safety. The SRC met with the police chiefs and emergency management teams across the coast to address safety protocols and procedures. There is a lot of concern around people trying to beat the trains and going around the track barriers and people walking along the tracks. These trains will run at 79 MPH!
While we still don’t have a start date for the New Orleans to Mobile run, nor the exact times of the twice a day-seven day a week service, we know its coming and that is the best news ever.
Think of what it will do for us along the coast. Passenger train service will make our cities more livable, especially with the updates in our depot and the surrounding area in downtown Bay St. Louis. Trains will increase our visitor traffic, driving new economic development and bringing in more tax dollars. It attracts business travelers working in our industries along the coast, not only for the convenience, but also for the novelty. It will definitely bring some of the 700,000 annual international visitors to New Orleans over to the Bay – they are used to traveling by train and love it!
In a few words – it is a game changer.
More to follow after the June 9th meeting of the Commission.
See the attached press release for full details below.
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February 22, 2023
Just Because
Nothing new to report, but Ken Murphy's drone was once again in the air, capturing some breathtaking photos of trains in and around BSL. These are CSX trains this time.
February 11, 2023
Safety First
The Southern Rail Commission released some safety information related to public interaction with train systems.
February 9, 2023
Amtrak Familiarization Trips Continue
Additional drone photography of Amtrak's training runs as they pass through Gulfport. Photos courtesy Ken Murphy.
February 6, 2023
First Amtrak Qualifying Run Stops in BSL
Amtrak train crews passed through Bay Saint Louis during required familiarization trips this week, learning the physical characteristics of the future route by operating Amtrak locomotives and railcars between Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans. This process will continue, in conjunction with the freight railroads that will host the service, to qualify engineers and conductors to begin Amtrak passenger train service on a 2023 date to be announced.
Photo by Ken Murphy, Murph's Drone
Photo by Ken Murphy, Murph's Drone
Photo by Gregg Martel
February 3, 2023
Train Crews Begin Gulf Coast Training
Next week, Amtrak train crews will begin required familiarization trips, learning the physical characteristics of the future route by operating Amtrak trains between Mobile and New Orleans. This will continue for several months to qualify engineers and conductors to begin Amtrak passenger service.
Also next week, Amtrak will begin a public education campaign with Operation Lifesaver, the industry-sponsored safety program. Since it has been more than 17 years since Amtrak trains have been on this route, the public needs to continue to be safe along and in the vicinity of the privately-owned tracks and train platforms.
Also next week, Amtrak will begin a public education campaign with Operation Lifesaver, the industry-sponsored safety program. Since it has been more than 17 years since Amtrak trains have been on this route, the public needs to continue to be safe along and in the vicinity of the privately-owned tracks and train platforms.
January 31, 2023
Working Night and Day
Shoofly photographer Gregg Martel caught this dramatic clip of crews laying new rails at Toulme Street, behind the old City Hall.
January 26, 2023
Additional Passenger Rail Routes Announced
In a press release today, the Southern Rail Commission announce additional passenger rail service lines, extending the region's networks dramatically. Eventually riders can go from Mobile or New Orleans to Atlanta or Dallas. Read the entire release below:
December 1, 2022
Amtrak to Resume Coast Service Soon
Long-awaited passenger rail service will soon return between New Orleans and Mobile – in part, thanks to Bay St. Louis’s enthusiastic support.
- by Lisa Monti
- by Lisa Monti
This 2016 file photo from the Shoofly Magazine archives shows how the community came out in force to support the return of passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast.
Passenger rail service is on the verge of returning to the Gulf Coast after a stalemate ended last week with a settlement announced by Amtrak, CSX, Norfolk Southern and the Alabama State Port Authority.
“We have an agreement, and I think everybody is going to be happy with it,” Knox Ross, chair of the Southern Rail Commission (SRC), told the Shoofly Magazine. The SRC is a five-state coalition whose members, according to their website, work to "support and influence Southeast rail initiatives."
Bay resident Kay Kell, a longtime member of the Southern Rail Commission, said, “We’re very optimistic. This is a giant step forward.”
Click here to read more!
“We have an agreement, and I think everybody is going to be happy with it,” Knox Ross, chair of the Southern Rail Commission (SRC), told the Shoofly Magazine. The SRC is a five-state coalition whose members, according to their website, work to "support and influence Southeast rail initiatives."
Bay resident Kay Kell, a longtime member of the Southern Rail Commission, said, “We’re very optimistic. This is a giant step forward.”
Click here to read more!
August 4, 2022
Depot Groundbreaking and Amtrak Meeting Signal Progress in Passenger Rail Service
Officials participate in the presentation about the new rail service between New Orleans and Mobile (l-r): BSL Mayor Mike Favre; Nikki Moon; Todd Stennis with Amtrak; Kay Kell with the Southern Rail Commission; Marc Magliari with Amtrak; Knox Ross with the Southern Rail Commission; John Bender with Amtrak; US DOT Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg; Chris Vignes representing Senator Roger Wicker.
Mayor Mike Favre welcomed federal and state officials for the groundbreaking of the new platform at the Bay St. Louis train station this week, the first of five stations on the Gulf Coast to be upgraded. Following the ceremony, officials held a meeting at the community center to share progress and plans for Amtrak passenger service from New Orleans to Mobile, including BSL. Amtrak, still in arbitration with the freight companies who also use the railway, hopes to begin passenger service in January 2023.
Click here to see our photo gallery by Gregg Martel
Click here to see our photo gallery by Gregg Martel
February 11, 2021
Buttigieg Accepts Invitation for Gulf Coast Train Tour
The new Secretary of Transportation could be a crucial ally in the decades-long effort to restore passenger train service between New Orleans and Mobile.
Bay St. Louis pulled out all the stops in 2016 when Administrator Sarah Feinberg's railway inspection tour came to town. Photo by Ellis Anderson
As the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, “Mayor Pete” Buttigieg appreciated the value of passenger rail service to the workforce of his city, and he fought for Federal dollars to build new tracks on lines that serve his city’s commuters. He calls himself ‘the second biggest passenger rail enthusiast’ in the administration, right behind President “Amtrak Joe” Biden, who commuted by train to the U.S. Senate daily from his home in Delaware.
Now, as Secretary of Transportation for the new administration, Buttigieg is taking an interest in restoring passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile, which will serve Bay St. Louis and other cities along the Gulf Coast. Passenger train service, which used to serve travelers from New Orleans east to Jacksonville, has not run since Hurricane Katrina.
Click here to read the full story by Dena Temple
June 6, 2019
$33 Million Closer to Coast Passenger Rail Service
MS Southern Rail Commissioner and BSL resident, Kay Kell, Southern Rail Commissioner Knox Ross and Hancock Chamber of Commerce President, Nikki Moon after a meeting with public officials in BSL, March 2019. photo by Ellis Anderson
MS Southern Rail Commissioner Knox Ross on why the funding was needed and how passenger rail service on the coast is critical to future economic development.
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