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.