Amtrak: Are the Plans on Track?

1/11/2024

Big Buzz Blog - January 2024

If Amtrak trains ran on enthusiastic support, its planned passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile would have been restored by now.

- by Lisa Monti

Amtrak train passes the Bay St. Louis depot in a test run | Photo by Ken Murphy

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The question has been lingering in the air over Bay St. Louis since 2016: Exactly when will train service resume?

If enthusiasm were fuel, the trains would be rolling into and out of Bay St. Louis already. Here, in 2016, supporters rolled out the red carpet for an Amtrak train full of government officials who witnessed firsthand how the service would be received. They were met by cheering crowds, marching bands, and even champagne toasts.

2016 Shoofly file photo showing the wildly enthusiastic greeting Amtrak and government officials received at the Depot in Bay St. Louis when passenger rail service was first proposed.

The route will include Mississippi stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, and the train is expected to be a boon for local tourism and a convenient way for residents to take day trips. Traveling by train between New Orleans and Bay St. Louis was available for many years and is part of the strong connection between the two destinations.

Since that red-carpet reception, the planned start date for passenger service has slipped a few times, but there have been signs of progress as well. As the Shoofly reported in November 2022, one major step forward came when a stalemate ended with a settlement between Amtrak, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and the Alabama State Port Authority.

Amtrak test train passes the train station in Gulfport | Shoofly file photo

Right now, we’re told, there is progress being made on several fronts. Operating agreements and contracts are being finalized by Amtrak. In Louisiana, the new administration seems to be moving forward with the previous administration’s participation in the passenger rail plans. In Mississippi, officials also are maintaining the momentum, working on final details and requirements.

In Alabama, though, the situation in Mobile is more complicated, in part because of the various rail operations there. Getting Mobile in step with the other cities on the Gulf Coast route is considered the last box to check off a very long list.

Amtrak test makes a stop in Bay St. Louis. | Ken Murphy photo

Until those complications are untangled, Amtrak can’t finalize the details on its New Orleans-Mobile passenger rail service, including a timetable, ticket prices and, most importantly, a start date. Patient supporters are also awaiting an announcement of the official name for the much-anticipated Amtrak service.

Will 2024 finally be the year of Amtrak’s post-Katrina return? Will Mobile get on board? Stay tuned.

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