It won't be long before Amtrak resumes its route between Mobile and New Orleans. The new name for the route is "Amtrak Mardi Gras Service."
Both cities claim to be the home of Mardi Gras, so Amtrak president Roger Harris said the name was a no-brainer.
"Amtrak Mardi Gras Service is a natural choice for the name of the new trains that will reflect the region's distinctive culture," said Harris. "Travel should be about more than just getting somewhere. Our goal is to have some of that festive Mardi Gras feeling on every trip, sharing the culture of the Gulf Coast region while connecting with the rest of the Amtrak network."
"This summer, travelers seeking a more comfortable, scenic and productive choice than driving will have their first opportunity to ride Amtrak trains in almost 20 years," he added.
There will also be connections in Bay Saint Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula.
"Mobile and New Orleans have always shared a rich cultural heritage and renewing Amtrak service will strengthen our ties to the Crescent City and the Mississippi Gulf Coast." said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. "We are so excited to welcome new visitors from those communities when the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service launches later this year. It will be an asset to our citizens and another enhancement to Mobile's growing downtown waterfront."
Amtrak will operate under contracts with the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. It will have financial support from Mobile and the Southern Rail Commission's backing.
"It's incredibly exciting to announce the name for this new service that will have such a positive impact in our three states," said SRC chairman Knox Ross. "This service will open the Mississippi Gulf Coast to a whole new tourism market, making already wonderful places even better by supporting local businesses, attracting more visitors, and strengthening the entire southern region's infrastructure and economy.
"The Southern Rail Commission couldn't be prouder to see this service come to reality, and we can't wait to ride the train with y'all," Ross added.
A start date has not been announced.
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