More than 46,000 passengers have utilized Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service on the route between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana, since its launch on August 18, 2023. The service has surpassed initial projections and is averaging over 420 riders per day within its first 108 days. The figures indicate that this new route is on track to potentially double the anticipated 71,000 riders in its first year.
Amtrak Board Chairman Anthony “Tony” Coscia expressed confidence in the service’s performance, stating, “Demand is very high across our network.” As reported during an Amtrak Board of Directors meeting in New Orleans, the high passenger volume comes just ahead of a Southern Rail Commission meeting scheduled for Friday in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
Customer satisfaction has also been exceptionally high, with 96% of riders rating their experience as “extremely satisfied.” Amtrak attributes this positive feedback to the support of regional tourism partners and the Southern Rail Commission. The rail operator reported over 86% on-time performance, citing “reliable service over the CSX, Norfolk Southern, and New Orleans Public Belt railroads.”
The surge in ridership is particularly notable as the service coincides with the Carnival season, drawing significant crowds to both Mobile and New Orleans. Mobile’s festivities begin in late January, featuring over 40 parades, while New Orleans celebrations kick off on January 6 and culminate on Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2024.
According to Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari, the current schedule of two daily departures will remain unchanged during the Carnival season. The effective planning and execution have led Amtrak officials to anticipate a strong first quarter, a time when ridership typically declines across the rail network.
The service operates with sponsorship from both Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as support from the City of Mobile. In 2024, Mobile’s City Council allocated more than $3 million over three years to sustain operations through 2027. The council has also requested that the Southern Rail Commission seek additional funding from the State of Alabama if necessary.
Amtrak Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell expressed pride in the collaborative achievement, stating, “Credit goes to the communities along the route, who have embraced this service faster than anyone could have predicted.” The enthusiastic response reinforces the importance of this transportation link between the two cities, dispelling notions that Mobile lacked appeal for visitors.
The reinstatement of the route followed years of advocacy and community support after previous service interruptions due to legal and infrastructural challenges. As the Mardi Gras Service continues to gain momentum, the future looks promising for enhanced connectivity and tourism opportunities along the Gulf Coast.