When two New Orleans-Mobile, Ala., round trips began on Aug. 18, 2025, many observers wondered whether the enthusiasm from the previous Saturday’s raucous inaugural events would translate into strong and sustained daily patronage.

Guess what? It did.

Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak personnel are celebrating the one-year anniversary of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service by announcing that the trains have more than doubled pre-launch estimates of 71,000 annual riders. Amtrak said in a press release today (Aug. 18, 2026) that total ridership since the start of service will reach 150,000 this week. Along with staging media events along the route today, the company is giving out commemorative pins, cups, and anniversary certificates to passengers on morning train Nos. 23 and 24.