August 17, 2025 - Axios.com - 

For the first time since Hurricane Katrina, an Amtrak conductor in New Orleans shouted "all aboard!" as passengers loaded up a Mobile-bound train on Saturday.

Why it matters: The Mardi Gras line links New Orleans with four other Gulf Coast towns between it and Alabama, a move that city and state officials will boost tourism and business opportunities along that stretch while, they hope, proving regional rail can thrive in the Deep South.

State of play: Tickets for the train's first day of return to public service on Monday sold out, a spokesman says, and Saints game days already appear popular for future dates.

A key for Amtrak growth means having more of a presence beyond the Northeast," company president Roger Harris tells Axios New Orleans. Amtrak expects to release its 2024 fiscal reports soon, which Harris says will show record ridership.

Read more: https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/08/17/amtrak-begins-new-service-between-new-orleans-mobile

Additional coverage: https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/lt-gov-nungesser-celebrates-launch-of-new-amtrak-passenger-service-in-new-orleans-baton-rouge-mobile/289-275d6927-b0ee-4dfb-8405-1e4f4bf3ab37

Photo credit: wwltv.com