Amtrak to begin 'Mardi Gras' service between Mobile and New Orleans on Aug. 18, mayor says

Mayor William S. Stimpson told the Mobile City Council on July 1 that Amtrak will begin a new service between Mobile and New Orleans later this summer. "We will officially launch ... the Mardi Gras service between Mobile and New Orleans," Stimpson said, and added that tickets "about $15 between here and New Orleans" are available online for the Aug. 18 start date.

The mayor said the city, the Alabama governor's office, the Alabama State Port Authority, CSX, the Port of Mobile, the Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak negotiated a contract that will run for three years. "We have a 3 year contract," Stimpson said, and the city will use the first year to quantify whether the service is beneficial to Mobile before deciding on further investment.

Why it matters: the new passenger rail link is a direct transportation connection between two Gulf Coast cities that city officials say could draw visitors and create new economic activity. Stimpson also framed the launch as a partnership among state and federal entities and private rail owners, and he said the city and its partners expect to measure the route's impacts during the initial contract period.

What was said: Stimpson named multiple partners but did not provide projected ridership numbers or a cost‑benefit analysis at the meeting. He said the one‑way fare would be about $15, subject to class and schedule, and again noted the contract is for three years so the city can assess benefits before committing more resources.

Next steps: the mayor said tickets are already available for purchase on Amtrak's site and stakeholders will monitor ridership and economic effects over the coming year. No council vote or further council action on the Amtrak contract was reported during the meeting.