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.
Watch our video on the fight to bring passenger rail back to the Gulf Coast
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.
Want more info? Check out our in-depth timeline on Restoring Gulf Coast passenger rail: https://t4america.org/gulf-coast-rail/
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 of 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.
What’s next?
When T4America fights for policy change, it isn’t to benefit one region or community. Our fight has made expanding passenger rail nationwide more possible than it has been in decades. Beyond the $238 million we helped secure for Gulf Coast Rail, $11.5 billion has been allocated to expand and enhance passenger rail service for communities across the country.
The success of the Mardi Gras shows that Americans are eager for better and expanded rail options. As Congress debates the next surface transportation reauthorization, it’s critical to preserve the existing national and regional passenger rail networks and improve service by investing in rail infrastructure, ensuring on-time service, and expanding access to operating funds for long-term support.
Thanks to the many individuals whose efforts over the past 15 years made it possible to bring passenger rail back to the Gulf Coast:
Transportation for America: Nick Donohue, Russ Brooks, Joe McAndrew, Alex Beckmann, Dennis Barrett, Scott Goldstein, Andrew Justus, Rayla Bellis, Jaibin Mathew, and Mehr Mukhtar.
Special thanks to Beth Osborne, John Robert Smith, Eric Cova, and Steve Davis.
Office of Senator Roger Wicker: Ellen Beares, Alison Graab, Sebastian Paez, Julia Wood, Mallie Imbler, and Kyle Fields.
Special thanks to Forever Ready Productions for their partnership in filming and producing the video.
The post How T4America Helped Restore Gulf Coast Passenger Rail: Watch the Story appeared first on Transportation For America.