A New Amtrak Route Between Dallas and New York Could Be Closer Than You Think

Rail enthusiasts may soon have a new option for exploring the United States. 

Amtrak recently announced a partnership with the Southern Rail Commission to explore extending rail service connecting New York City, Atlanta, and Dallas/Fort Worth via the I-20 Crescent train line. According to the rail line, this idea has been in development for over 20 years, and only since the recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has it been able to take a step forward into possible existence. 

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Amtrak, Southern Rail Commission welcome news of CP-KCS merger

The merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern may be a union of two freight railroads, but it is likely to matter for passenger railroading, as well.

Amtrak had formally supported the railroads’ merger application before the Surface Transportation Board. That reflected CP’s backing for passenger operations between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La. [see “Canadian Pacific commits to New Orleans-Baton Rouge passenger train …,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 8, 2021] and support for a study of a Meridian, Miss.,-Fort Worth, Texas, section of the New York-New Orleans Crescent [see “Amtrak seeks expansion …,” News Wire, March 10, 2023 ] And CP has a solid record handling Amtrak trains, having received an A grade in the passenger operator’s most recent host railroad report card.

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Curious Louisiana: what's happening with the much-discussed Baton Rouge to New Orleans passenger rail service?

This week in Curious Louisiana, reader Tommy Thompson has his attention turned firmly to the rails.

"Regarding the new passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans: have you heard any updates?" he writes. "Is it still a go? Will the locomotives be diesel or electric? Where will station(s) be located in New Orleans and Baton Rouge?"

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Amtrak, Southern Rail Commission to seek funding for Crescent route expansion

Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) will jointly apply for federal funds to study a proposed extension of a passenger-rail route across Mississippi and Louisiana to Texas along Interstate 20.

Extending Amtrak’s Crescent train service has been under consideration for more than 20 years. But the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 created the opportunity to study expanded long-distance service, Amtrak and SRC officials said in a press release.

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Amtrak and Southern Rail Commission apply for funds to study new long distance service across Mississippi & Louisiana to Texas

Amtrak will partner with the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) to apply for federal funds to study a new service between New York City, Atlanta,

and Dallas/Fort Worth by extending a section of the popular Amtrak Crescent train from Meridian, Miss., across Mississippi and Louisiana to Texas along Interstate 20.

Amtrak and its partners have been exploring this idea for more than 20 years, but last year’s Congressional passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act now creates new opportunities to study possible expanded long-distance Amtrak service. Amtrak Network Development Vice President Nicole Bucich announced the decision to partner with the SRC to apply for the planning funds at the Commission’s quarterly meeting in New Orleans, supporting “More Amtrak Trains for More People.”

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Monroe City Council moves forward with possible funding for intercity passenger rail

Travelers in North Louisiana may be one small step closer to resuming passenger rail service in Monroe.

The Monroe City Council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Friday Ellis to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement to seek grant funding from the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program for the development of an intercity passenger rail service at Tuesday's night meeting.

The development of an intercity passenger rail service connecting the I-20 corridor through Monroe, Ruston, Shreveport and Vicksburg, Mississippi, is being proposed.

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