Amtrak Unveils New Mardi Gras Travel Experience
According to a recent announcement, Amtrak is set to kick off its new Mardi Gras Service, which will run twice daily between Mobile and New Orleans starting August 18.
“We urge travelers to secure their tickets now for this fresh, comfortable journey that offers scenic views along the Mississippi Gulf Coast—something we haven’t seen in nearly two decades,” stated Amtrak President Roger Harris during the launch reveal on July 1.
The previous service, known as the Sunset Limited, used to connect Los Angeles with Orlando but was truncated to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on CSX infrastructure back in August 2005. Although there were discussions about restoring routes all the way to Florida, disagreements led to a focus solely on the New Orleans-Mobile stretch of approximately 235 kilometers.
This new service will be operated by Amtrak under agreements with Louisiana and Mississippi state authorities.Financial backing comes from mobile City and ongoing support from the southern Rail Commission, an institution dedicated to enhancing rail travel in southeastern USA. Additionally, grants from the US Department of Transportation are aimed at covering operational costs and improvements that will also benefit freight services.
The schedule for theMardi Gras Service is designed for convenience, featuring morning and evening departures from both Mobile and New Orleans. Travelers can easily connect same-day with other services like theCrescent,which runs between new York City and New Orleans or catch next-day connections on routes likeThe City of New Orleans,heading towards Chicago or back westward via sunset Limited towards Los Angeles.
“The revival of passenger rail provides both tourists and residents an exciting new avenue to explore Louisiana’s unique culture,” remarked Glenn Ledet, Secretary of Louisiana’s Department of transportation & Advancement. “Re-establishing this Amtrak line marks a pivotal move toward creating sustainable passenger rail options throughout the Gulf Coast.”
This launch represents years of collaborative efforts among various stakeholders,” noted Knox Ross, Chairman of Southern Rail Commission. “We anticipate this service will substantially enhance our local economies by connecting individuals with job opportunities while also enriching our thriving tourism sector.”
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