Since 2013, Transportation for America has partnered with the Southern Rail Commission and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker to restore passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast. The successful launch this August provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on what it took to bring it back: rallying support from leaders across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, pushing back against freight rail, and even creating new federal programs to fund the restoration and expansion of service. Our new video tells that story.

This mini-documentary tells the full story of the many fights and profound perseverance required to bring passenger rail back to the Gulf Coast—and how our efforts will support the expansion of passenger rail across the country.

Finding success

Beyond the inaugural train ride, momentum for passenger rail along the Gulf Coast has continued to surge. The restored Mardi Gras service, linking Mobile to New Orleans, has already carried over 46,000 passengers since it launched in August, almost doubling Amtrak’s original annual projections of 71,000 passengers for the year. In response to a surge in ridership, Amtrak even added a third car to the train to accommodate football fans utilizing the service for Saints home games.

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

Beyond ridership, the Mardi Gras train has already spurred new development along the route, with areas around the stops seeing revitalization through new restaurants and vacation rentals.