Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Marks Exceptional First-Year Performance

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is concluding its inaugural quarter as one of the most successful service launches in Amtrak’s history. Since debuting in August, the route has exceeded expectations across every major performance metric, demonstrating strong passenger demand and broad regional enthusiasm for renewed rail service along the Gulf Coast.

In its first month alone, the service carried over 18,000 riders, and by the end of its first two months, total ridership had already surpassed Amtrak’s original estimate for that period.

”We are well on-track to double the original estimate,” said Amtrak Board Chairman Anthony “Tony” Coscia. “Demand is very high across our network.”

To date, the service has carried 46,000 passengers, averaging 458 riders per day and achieving a customer satisfaction rate of 96%. This is the highest customer satisfaction rate of any of Amtrak’s routes across the nation.

“The success of Amtrak Mardi Gras Service truly shows what we and the champions of this project have believed for years: passenger rail is essential to the future of mobility along the Gulf Coast,” said Knox Ross, Chair of the Southern Rail Commission, in SRC’s quarterly meeting held in Bay Saint Louis, MS. “This service is connecting communities, strengthening local economies, and giving travelers a reliable and enjoyable way to experience our region. We are incredibly grateful to our federal, state, and local partners, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead.”

“Amtrak is proud of what we’ve achieved with local partners in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell. “Credit goes to the communities along the route, who have embraced this service faster than anyone could have predicted.”

Demand for the service surged throughout the fall, with trains selling out for the first three Saints home games and major regional events like Cruisin’ The Coast. To accommodate increased ridership, Amtrak added an extra car on home game weekends starting in September, expanding capacity by 60 seats per trip. In October, Amtrak Mardi Gras Service was also named Best New Tourism Initiative by international travel magazine JRNY, recognizing its early impact in strengthening destinations, engaging communities, and enhancing the visitor experience.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service operates twice daily between New Orleans and Mobile, with stops in Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. The route offers onboard Wi-Fi, locally sourced menu items, no middle seats, and must-see views along the Gulf Coast. Its return follows years of work to rebuild rail infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Katrina, supported by bipartisan leadership and federal investment through key Federal Railroad Administration programs and matched by state and local contributions from Louisiana, Mississippi, and the City of Mobile.

For more information on the service or to purchase tickets, visit amtrak.com/mardigras or the Amtrak app.

Y’all Aboard for the Holidays: Travel the Gulf Coast via Amtrak Mardi Gras Service

This holiday season, the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is your travel link along the Gulf Coast, connecting communities and events from the Alabama coast through Mississippi and onward to New Orleans. Traveling by train makes it easy for residents and visitors to join vibrant holiday celebrations and embrace festive fun like never before.

The easy, scenic route allows passengers to easily navigate holiday festivities at the Mobile waterfront, see the charm of Mississippi’s shoreline, and celebrate New Orleans’ big-city holiday buzz, all while sitting back, enjoying coast-to-coast views, and avoiding holiday traffic. In addition to its convenience, many businesses and events are offering special discounts for those who travel by train.

Each stop along the route is ready to welcome visitors with holiday spirit and festive events:

Alabama: Visitors can immerse themselves in Mobile’s classic holiday offerings—ranging from the Annual Holiday Historic Homes Tour and the Mobile Museum of Art’s Holiday Market & Open House to the Mobile Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Learn more about the Born to Celebrate City’s upcoming holiday events at Visit Mobile.

Mississippi: Both Mississippi locals and travelers are invited to join the holiday celebrations spanning 62 miles of scenic shoreline—this picturesque way to celebrate the season is perfect for enjoying festive gatherings, shopping, dining, and coastline views. Learn more about upcoming holiday events along the Mississippi coast at Coastal Mississippi.

Louisiana: Visitors can enjoy the full swing of the holiday season with an events calendar rich in lights, family-friendly events, parades, and the unmistakable charm and culture that defines New Orleans. Take advantage of a current promotional offer: stay two nights and receive a $50 shopping credit! Learn more about this offer and holiday festivities at Holidays New Orleans Style.

 The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is a twice-daily train service that originates in New Orleans and Mobile, with stops in Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. This service is perfect for solo travelers, families, or groups. Whether you’re planning a holiday daytrip, weekend getaway, or a multi-stop celebration, the coastal train service is your festive connection to a memorable holiday season. Secure your tickets online at Amtrak.com/mardigras, via the Amtrak app, by calling 800-USA-RAIL, or by visiting the ticket desk at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. Travelers are encouraged to book early to secure seating and coordinate with event calendars. 

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Celebrates Continued Momentum

Since its launch in August, Amtrak Mardi Gras Service℠ has seen high rates of ridership, with passenger seats selling out for the first three Saints home football games. To support heightened demand, Amtrak recently added an additional train car to expand ridership capacity by 60 seats on trips to New Orleans during Saints home game weekends. The trains have also sold out for popular events on the coast such as Cruisin’ the Coast.

Amtrak is offering a new 3-3-3 promotion for loyalty members valid until Nov 18. The promotion offers Amtrak Guest Rewards® members triple points on Amtrak Mardi Gras Service travel when they complete three trips on this route from August 18 - November 18. Once the first three trips have been taken, bonus points will be awarded retroactively – and 3X points will be awarded for all additional travel on Amtrak Mardi Gras Service through November 18. 

The Southern Rail Commission encourages riders to take advantage of the 3-3-3 promotion and book their trips in advance for the upcoming Saints home games on Oct. 12 and 26; Nov. 23; and Dec. 14 and 21. Check your local travel websites and businesses who are offering discounts when you let them know  

“The increased demand for seats along the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service route proves what we know to be true—our region is excited about passenger rail, and travelers are eager to use this serve to access the culture and celebrations of communities across the route,” said Knox Ross, Chair of the Southern Rail Commission. “I encourage everyone to secure their tickets as early as possible—continuously high demand for tickets will only further support the route and create more opportunities for expanded capacity in the future—and it will ensure you get to the Superdome well before kickoff and with ease.”

Also, the City of Mobile and coastal Mississippi towns have seen an increase in the number of visitors to their areas, creating a positive economic impact on local restaurants, retailers and other destinations.

 “It is both incredible and encouraging to see the positive financial implications in just the first six weeks of passenger rail service in Mobile,” said David Clark, President and CEO of Visit Mobile. “Our area attractions, hotels, restaurants and retailers are enjoying increasing numbers of visitors, and we continue to hear enthusiasm from these passengers about planning many return trips to the Port City.”

“Early ridership on the Amtrak Mardi Gras route has continued to increase,” said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi. Our local stations are welcoming new guests and seeing friends and families taking advantage of the ability to have a “mini family reunion” as they travel.”

Amtrak will publish official numbers in a few weeks, but since the start of service and through September, almost 19,000 guests rode the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, averaging more than 105 customers on each train. That’s about 400 fewer cars every day on I-10 or US-90.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service runs twice-daily between New Orleans, La. and Mobile, Ala., with stops in Bay Saint Louis, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Pascagoula, Miss. Adult coach fares start at $15 each way. Travelers can book their trip at amtrak.com/mardigras.

Amtrak Mardi Gras Service Set to Launch This August

Amtrak announces Aug. 18 start date for new Gulf Coast route, with ticket sales now open.

This morning, Amtrak issued a press release announcing the official start date, schedules, and fares for the new Amtrak Mardi Gras Service between New Orleans and Mobile.

Read Amtrak's press release here.

Book train travel here.

Knox Ross, Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, issued the following statement: 

“The Southern Rail Commission is incredibly proud and excited that the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is starting so soon after decades of work by all our partners who have played indispensable roles in today’s announcement. We know this service will have tremendous impact in boosting our local economies, connecting people with jobs and education opportunities, and bolstering our vibrant tourism industry in the coastal cities along the route, and we encourage everyone to start buying tickets for your upcoming travel.”
 

Southern Rail Commission Statement at Mobile Station Groundbreaking

Chairman Knox Ross stated:

“We are overjoyed to have Secretary Buttigieg join us today as we officially break ground in Mobile – his attendance is both a testament to the Biden Administration’s continued support of rail restoration and expansion projects and a defining moment in the historic effort to restore passenger rail service to communities across the Gulf Coast. The Southern Rail Commission is grateful for the administration’s support, in addition to the leadership of Senator Wicker, who has championed the CRISI grant and this project for a decade, along with Senator Hyde-Smith, Senator Cassidy and the late Senator Cochran, who have dedicated invaluable time and resources to the restoration effort. We are almost to the finish line, and we look forward to riding this train in the near future!”

Southern Rail Commission statement on Mobile City Council decision

Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross issues the following statement in response to Mobile City Council’s approval of the funding and lease agreement with Amtrak:

“This is an incredible outcome and we have worked so very hard with our partners to finally get to this point. With the funding in place, this train can roll soon, and it will have a great return on investment and a tremendous impact in connecting people with jobs and education opportunities, boosting our local economies, and supporting our growing tourism industry in our coastal cities,” said Knox Ross. “The Southern Rail Commission extends our sincere thanks to everyone who has been instrumental in this project, including Senator Wicker, Governor Ivey, Mayor Stimpson and the Mobile City Council, the Port Authority of Alabama, CSX, FRA, Amtrak, and all of our partners who have gotten us to this important milestone.”

SOUTHERN RAIL COMMISSION RECEIVES $400,000 IN INTERSTATE RAIL COMPACTS FUNDING

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced Thursday the allocation of $400,000 in Interstate Rail Compacts (IRC) funding to the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) Rail-Ready Project. The project will support administrative capacity, operations, and initiatives to expand passenger rail operations across the South.
 
“The Interstate Rail Compacts Program funding has the power to shape not only the Southern Rail Commission’s operations, but also the future of passenger rail service across the Gulf South,” said Knox Ross, Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission. “These dollars will support expanded operations, allowing us to dedicate additional time and resources to the development of comprehensive and successful passenger rail corridors. We are extremely grateful to our partners at the local, state, and federal level who continue to champion the Southern Rail Commission, advocate for funding and opportunities, and help our commission move the needle.”
 
IRC funding will support costs associated with commission administration; rail corridor planning; intercity passenger rail promotion; federal grant application preparation; and rail operation coordination, providing the critical support needed to expand the SRC’s current operations and advocacy.
 
“As funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law advances transformative rail projects in communities around the country, FRA is supporting all elements needed for new passenger rail services, from planning and development to the implementation of service,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “The Interstate Rail Compacts Grant Program fills a vital need by providing entities implementing interstate rail compacts with the resources to build up an organizational and human infrastructure for the fluid operation of new services that will meet the needs of local communities.”
 
The grant allocation is supported by the $5.8 million allocation to the IRC through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). IRC funding is not eligible to directly fund rail capital projects. However, the SRC is permitted to use funding allocations to support activities that prepare entities to deliver rail capital projects within our region that are in alignment with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s strategic goals. The SRC will provide a 50 percent non-federal match.

Southern Rail Commission Applauds STB’s Approval of Canadian Pacific Railway Limited and Kansas City Southern Rail Company Merger

Today the Surface Transportation Board announced the approval of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s (CP) acquisition of Kansas City Southern (KCS) freight rail company. The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) has favored the merger, as the tracks owned by KCS will be transferred to CP who has previously announced that they will work with Amtrak, SRC and other local partners in the efforts to start passenger rail service along multiple routes. The conjunction of the two railroads will be known as Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).
 
Amtrak is anticipating a beneficial working relationship with CPKC, as the two have already agreed to share the tracks along the I-20 corridor and between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. CPKC has also committed to funding infrastructure improvements along the routes. This collaboration will lead to the expansion of long-distance passenger rail service in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Texas, aiding in the economic development of cities along the routes.
 
Knox Ross, Chairman of the SRC, said, “I want to thank the STB for this historic decision, which will ultimately result in a long working relationship with CPKC. This is a win for passenger rail service in our southern states and will positively impact all priority projects established by the SRC. SRC will work as a trusted partner to CPKC in making passenger rail service a more available mode of transportation for all.”
 
The decision becomes effective April 14, 2023.

SOUTHERN RAIL COMMISSION AND AMTRAK ANNOUNCE PROGRESS ON PASSENGER RAIL CORRIDORS ACROSS THE SOUTH

The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) welcomed elected officials and stakeholders from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida to New Orleans for the commission’s quarterly stakeholder meeting. The SRC, along with Amtrak, announced key project milestones for passenger rail projects within the I-20 Corridor and along the Gulf Coast.

I-20 Corridor Passenger Rail

In November 2022, the SRC, Senator Cassidy and Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis hosted a workshop in Monroe and since then, the cities of Monroe, Ruston, Vicksburg have worked collaboratively to advance the project.

“This is another example of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act paying off for Louisiana. The partnership between Amtrak, the Southern Rail Commission, Mayors Walker, Ellis, and Arceneaux connects north Louisiana cities with all points East and West,” said Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA).

Amtrak announced it will lead the Federal-State Partnership Program application for the I-20 Corridor to submit to the FRA in April of 2023. The application will support the extension of passenger rail service from Meridian, Mississippi to Dallas/Fort Worth along the I-20 corridor.

“As the entity responsible for providing the nation’s long-distance intercity passenger rail service, Amtrak will work with our partners to seek the funds needed to study expansion and improvement options where strong stakeholder support exists and initial analysis show opportunity.” said Amtrak Vice President of Network Development Nicole Bucich. “With the encouragement and support of federal, state and local officials, this application is the first step in determining the feasibility of this concept and the benefits and challenges, including federal funding commitments, of expanding Amtrak service to the I-20 route.”

“This has the potential to be the first new Amtrak service of its kind in more than 25 years and it would come in an area that has long been underserved by passenger rail, said SRC Chairman Knox Ross. “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.”

Amtrak has reached an agreement with Canadian Pacific Railway to conduct the study, pending STB approval of the acquisition of Kansas City Southern, who currently owns the existing rail line.

Gulf Coast Passenger Rail

Amtrak is currently running familiarization trips for the highly anticipated return of passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile. The SRC announced they are in current discussions with Amtrak to name the service, with expectations to share the final naming decision in the near future.

The SRC also discussed a partnership with Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves as Amtrak prepares to re-establish rail service between New Orleans and Mobile, to establish through feeder bus services. Bus services will connect Pensacola and surrounding communities to the station in Mobile and increase mobility throughout the Gulf Coast.

Baton Rouge to New Orleans Passenger Rail

Representatives from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) discussed federal funds the state is currently pursuing to advance the Baton Rouge to New Orleans Passenger Rail project. The state has hired consultants to conduct federally required environmental studies along the route.

LADOTD submitted a grant application for Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program funding to support the replacement of the Bonnet Carré bridge in addition to an application for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program.

While LADOTD is developing the Corridor Identification and Development Program application for this project, Transportation for America and the SRC are leading application development for the New Orleans to Mobile, Meridian to Dallas/Fort Worth, and the Shreveport to Baton Rouge corridors.

More information on the SRC’s priority projects and recent progress can be found online at southernrailcommission.org.

Amtrak Train Crews Begin Required Gulf Coast Training: Safety education campaign previewed

Amtrak train crews will begin required familiarization trips next 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 for several months, 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.

Also, next week, Amtrak and our partners with the Southern Rail Commission, including the host railroads and state and local transportation officials and the Gulf Regional Planning Commission, will begin a public education campaign with Operation Lifesaver, the industry-sponsored safety program.

It has been more than 17 years since Amtrak trains have been on this route, and the public needs to continue to be safe along and in the vicinity of the privately owned railroad tracks and train platforms. Amtrak trains tend to be smaller, lighter and faster than freight trains, but all trains can need hundreds of yards to stop from track speed, even with emergency braking.     

WHO:              Amtrak, Southern Rail Commission, Operation Lifesaver representatives

WHAT:            Amtrak crew qualification training underway

                        Safety campaign previewed (with videos to be distributed)       

WHEN:            Wednesday, Feb. 8

10 a.m. CT in Pascagoula, Miss.; 12 noon CT in Gulfport, Miss.

WHERE:         Future Amtrak Station Platform, 505 Railroad Avenue, Pascagoula, 39567

                        Future Amtrak Station Platform, 1419 27th Avenue, Gulfport, 39501

CONTACT:

Amtrak Media Relations

Marc Magliari

312 544.5390

MediaRelationsChicago@Amtrak.com

See full Media Advisory here

Dog Walker Safety Animation

Motorcycle Safety Animation

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD NEGOTIATIONS RESULT IN A WIN FOR GULF COAST PASSENGER RAIL

November 22, 2022 – Amtrak, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, and the Alabama State Port Authority filed a motion Monday to inform the Surface Transportation Board (STB) that a settlement agreement has been reached to support passenger and freight rail service within the Gulf Coast Corridor.

This settlement indicates a bright future for passenger rail service not only along the Gulf Coast, but throughout the southern United States. Collaboration and effective negotiations between passenger rail providers, the freight rail industry, and our local, state, and federal government agencies proves that there is a path forward for re-establishing and expanding passenger rail service.

Knox Ross, Chair of the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) stated, “I’m incredibly delighted by this settlement agreement, and we will continue to build on this momentum by working with all involved parties – especially the communities who have been waiting so long for passenger rail – to prepare for service to start.”

The negotiating parties requested for the case to be held in abeyance while executing the conditions identified within the settlement agreement. The parties are not able to provide further comment on the terms of the agreement at this time.

ALIGNED SUPPORT EXPRESSED FOR FUTURE I-20 CORRIDOR PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE

On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and City of Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis welcomed leaders and stakeholders from Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama as they convened to discuss funding opportunities to bring the I-20 Corridor Passenger Rail Service from conversation to implementation.

The I-20 Corridor represents an ongoing effort to connect the economies and residents of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia with passenger rail service. The proposed service spans from the mega-region of Dallas-Fort Worth to Atlanta through connections with Amtrak’s Texas Eagle, City of New Orleans, and Crescent trains with new stations proposed in Monroe, Shreveport/Bossier, Ruston, and Vicksburg.

The meeting, hosted in partnership with the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) and Transportation for America, consisted of project updates, plans for stations presented by communities along the corridor, passenger rail funding opportunities and coordination on next steps. Attendees included the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Amtrak, Canadian Pacific, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), along with state and local elected officials, and passenger rail stakeholders from Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama.

“Today’s event reflects an incredibly exciting time for passenger rail service,” said FRA Administrator Amit Bose. “Today also reflects the strong collaboration and success of the SRC and its partners, providing an example of what we would like to see happen across the country. The I-20 Corridor has tremendous potential, and the FRA is eager to continue working with state and local leaders in planning and pursuing funding for passenger rail service.”

Sen. Cassidy spearheaded the convening and noted the powerful collaboration of federal, state, and local leaders and stakeholders who gathered at the event to support the passenger rail effort.

“This is about how we can build economic development for Louisiana, Mississippi, and east Texas in a way that makes life better for those who live there,” Sen. Cassidy said. “One of the ways we move forward is through better transportation and infrastructure. To succeed, we have to have vision, strategy, and cooperation. This conference gives us the strategy and cooperation to do that. Now we just have to execute.”

“It was an honor to host leaders and stakeholders from across state lines to discuss a project that is vital in driving future economic opportunities for northeastern Louisiana,” said Mayor Ellis. “The City of Monroe is eager to take advantage of this opportunity to bring new visitors to our city and showcase the incredible things we have underway in Monroe.”

In 2021, Canadian Pacific Railway proposed a merger with Kansas City Southern freight railroad, and once approved, is committed to partnering with Amtrak who would operate passenger rail service on the tracks along the I-20 Corridor. Over 30 local organizations from across the southern region previously submitted resolutions supporting this merger and the passenger rail service, illustrating a shared vision for a connected I-20 Corridor.

The recent passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, supported in large part by Sens. Cassidy and Wicker, increases the likelihood of the project coming to fruition, providing $66 million in funding for passenger and freight rail service.

The FRA has expressed strong support for expanding the national long-distance passenger rail system and expressed their commitment to serving states that benefit from greater connectivity.

“The Southern Rail Commission expresses its gratitude to Senator Cassidy, Senator Wicker, Senator Hyde-Smith, the Federal Railroad Administration, and other key stakeholders who are committed to the vision of the I-20 Corridor project for their diligent efforts to ensure this project obtains the resources it needs,” stated Knox Ross, SRC chairman. “With funding available, an agreeable freight, and strong leadership at the state, local, and national level, we are confident that this project will soon be underway.”

The SRC is leading conversations on passenger rail service initiatives to connect the south with comprehensive railways. More information on the commission’s mission, projects, and history can be found online at www.southernrailcommission.org.

LOUISIANA AWARDED $20 MILLION IN RAISE GRANT FUNDING FOR BATON ROUGE-NEW ORLEANS PASSENGER RAIL

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the allocation of $20 million in Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant funding to advance the Baton Rouge to New Orleans rail project.

RAISE grants are intended to help communities modernize their infrastructure, and in Louisiana, the funds will be used to advance the real estate acquisition, design, and construction of train stations in both Baton Rouge and Gonzales, Louisiana in anticipation of Amtrak’s operation of passenger rail service connecting the regions of Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

“The Southern Rail Commission commends Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome of the City of Baton Rouge/ East Baton Rouge Parish and Mayor Barney Arceneaux of the City of Gonzales for seeking these grants and providing the necessary local matching funds; and we greatly appreciate our partners at Transportation for America and Sustainable Strategies for their hard work and grant writing support. These combined efforts resulted in this major step forward,” said Knox Ross, Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission.  “Connecting our major cities in Louisiana with passenger rail has been a priority project for the Southern Rail Commission over the last decade. We previously secured $375,000 in grants from the Federal Railroad Administration for Baton Rouge to develop master plans for two stations, and for Gonzales and Laplace to begin planning their stations. We are excited about this continuing progress and investment to bring this service to reality.”

The Baton Rouge to New Orleans rail project envisions twice daily trips with stops at stations in Baton Rouge’s downtown and health district, Gonzales, LaPlace, Louis Armstrong International Airport and the Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans, with further connections to other Amtrak destinations.

The project is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for economic development by offering improved access to jobs and economic opportunity, while also serving the region’s evacuation strategy.

To date, the SRC has been successful with aiding communities within the corridor in securing RAISE, CRISI, TOD/RIFF, REHAB, and Opportunity Zone grant funding to advance the project.

Amtrak & Southern Rail Commission Officials Available to News Media This Week

Join us to watch the STB’s hearing and talk with officials

The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) will hold an evidentiary hearing regarding CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads blocking Amtrak from operating passenger trains between Mobile and New Orleans. For more than seven years, this important service has been discussed and repeatedly studied, including by a working group led for 18 months by the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration. The hearing will be live streamed into our meeting rooms in both Pascagoula and Bay St. Louis. Visual aids and interview opportunities will be available.

What:            Media Availability with Amtrak representatives and SRC officials

When:            Monday and Tuesday, April 4 & 5, Pascagoula, Miss., Opening statements from the parties are expected shortly after the hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. on 4/

Where:         Pascagoula City Hall, 603 Watts Avenue, 39567, Council Chambers

WHEN:            Wednesday (and Friday, if needed), April 6 & 8, Bay St. Louis, Miss.

WHERE:         Bay St. Louis Longfellow Civic Center/Old Town Community Hall

(with parking garage), 122½ Court Street, 39520

Background: After more than five years of data-driven and federally led studies, Amtrak initiated a process before the STB in 2021 to require CSX and NS to permit the operation of two daily Amtrak trains between New Orleans and Mobile. Under STB procedures, CSX and NS will be required to provide Amtrak access to their railroads for this service or prove to the public why they cannot successfully host these trains in accordance with the law.

Amtrak, CSX, NS, SRC and others began work on returning service to the Gulf Coast in 2015, producing an FRA Gulf Coast Working Group plan in 2017 that laid out the necessary steps to beginning Amtrak service on the route and laying out potential improvements, many of which have been funded since 2019. Prior to service start, a station track at Mobile would need to be built and repairs made at stations, projects Amtrak has been pursuing during recent months.

Amtrak has a legal right to use this route, which has sufficient capacity to host these trains and up to $66 million in targeted improvements has been granted to support the new intercity passenger rail service along this line. These potential investments have been reviewed, approved and funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Amtrak and others.  

President Biden’s Infrastructure Bill Provides Opportunities for Gulf Coast States

President Joe Biden signed into law today the largest infrastructure bill in recent history making available new funding to connect the Gulf Coast states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to the national passenger rail network and potentially offering significant funding for launching passenger service between city pairs such as Baton Rouge to New Orleans, Meridian to Dallas, and New Orleans to Mobile.

The signing of this bill marks the second time Biden has committed funding for passenger rail that could potentially be available for Louisiana to start passenger rail service between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. When he visited New Orleans in 2016 as Vice President, he spoke about the $300 million in stimulus funds that were available for the project that were rejected by the former governor stating he “wished he could bring them back.”

“Biden has delivered on his commitment to passenger rail and the timing for this infrastructure bill couldn’t be better as the SRC has been working towards the fruition of our priority projects, and we now intend to seize the opportunity to take full advantage of the funding to implement our vision,” said Knox Ross, SRC Chairman. “We also extend the SRC’s sincere thanks to Senator Cassidy of Louisiana who worked tirelessly on the details of the bill and Senator Wicker of Mississippi who has long championed the needs of more rural areas by making sure they can meet the demands for passenger rail and access federal funding to connect these areas to the national network.” 

This bipartisan bill provides funding for substantial upgrades to stations, railways, and passenger rail connections across the country. The SRC recently announced other grant funding for stations along the New Orleans to Mobile rail route in anticipation of passenger rail service starting in 2022. That decision is pending the Surface Transportation Board’s hearing scheduled for February 15, 2022, of Amtrak’s case asking the STB to require CSX to allow passenger trains to operate on the Gulf Coast route.

U.S. House of Representatives Passes $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Benefiting Southern Passenger Rail Expansion

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the historic infrastructure bill that will lead to new development opportunities for passenger rail throughout the nation including expanded service targeted by the SRC. This follows the Senate’s passage of the bill in August and President Biden is expected to sign the bill into law with his full support.

This bipartisan bill will allow for critical upgrades to railways and passenger rail connections across the country. The Southern Rail Commission supports the passage of this bill as it will bring modern transportation opportunities for the three partner states, generating positive impacts for growth and expansion as well as economic development.

“The House’s passage of this bill is transformative for our region, and we are one step closer to seeing our vision for passenger rail expansion in the South come into fruition,” said Knox Ross, SRC Chairman. “The bill also contains new funding to support the ongoing work of our commission to bring more connectivity and rail development to the South and along the Gulf Coast.” 

This bipartisan bill contains numerous items benefiting passenger rail, aligning with the SRC’s initiative priorities:

• Provides $66 billion for passenger rail and another $36 billion that can be applied to passenger rail

• Authorizes 10 new commissions based on the SRC model with operating funding support up to a match of $1 million per year

• Revises Amtrak’s mission to prioritize connectivity over profits and restructures it’s board of directors to ensure a broader national perspective

• Protects long distance service from termination

• Requires food and beverage service upgrades as well as improvements to the on-board experience to all passengers

The SRC is currently working with local elected officials and leaders across the South, as well as with their federal delegation and Amtrak, to restore passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast and expand connection opportunities throughout the region.

SOUTHERN RAIL COMMISSION AWARDS FOUR GRANTS FOR PASSENGER RAIL STATIONS

The Southern Rail Commission will award grant funding from the Federal Railroad Administration to the cities of Gulfport, Miss. Bay St. Louis, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., and Birmingham, Ala. to complete construction and enhance accessibility for each of their local passenger train stations.

SRC will award a total of $953,338 in four grants: Gulfport will receive $246,500, Bay St. Louis will receive $270,000, Pascagoula will receive $186,838 and Birmingham will receive $250,000. Each of these grants required a local match of the same amount. The grant funding allows for investments in existing station rail facilities that ensure safe access and better connectivity to and from the station, including amenities such as lighting, sidewalks, parking areas and surrounding area development, which could improve ridership potential and expand the economic opportunity that comes with station redevelopment.

“As we anticipate the return of Gulf Coast service in early 2022, I am so proud to provide this funding to these cities which leverages their local investment in preparing their stations to be ready for the return of passenger rail,” said SRC Chairman and Mississippi Commissioner Knox Ross. “Local leaders have been committed to these projects and have expressed incredible enthusiasm about the economic growth that passenger rail will bring to our member states and the Gulf Coast.”

“Birmingham is a central transport hub in the South, and we fully understand the vitality that investments in transit-oriented development can bring,” said SRC Secretary and Alabama Commissioner Stephen McNair. “Birmingham’s project will create seamless connections for travelers between long distance passenger rail and local transit service through its beautiful multimodal station.”

Earlier this year, Amtrak announced their intent to begin passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile in January 2022. Amtrak also made a commitment to invest in completing all needed repairs within the railroad path of travel and constructing new accessible, well-lit, ADA compliant platforms. The funding for the first three years of operations for the New Orleans to Mobile service has been secured, but the start of service is pending a decision by the Surface Transportation Board on Amtrak’s right of access to operate passenger service along the Gulf Coast corridor, due to be decided in December 2021.

This allotment represents the second round of grant funding by the SRC who previously awarded $525,000 to four entities for station area planning. The SRC anticipates awarding a third round of grants in 2022.