MOBILE, Ala. — A group of Mississippi cities that would be served by revived Amtrak service along the Gulf Coast are urging the Mobile City Council to join in supporting the effort to begin New Orleans-Mobile passenger operations.
The Mobile council is scheduled to vote today whether to pledge its financial support for the proposed service. Mobile is being asked to provide up to $3 million to help pay operating expenses [see “Mobile city council to vote on financial support for proposed Gulf Coast Amtrak service,” Trains News Wire, Dec. 18, 2019].
AL.com reports that officials in Biloxi, Pascagoula, and Bay St. Louis, Miss., have all encouraged Mobile to join in supporting the train. Those cities, plus Gulfport, would be the Mississippi stops on the route of the proposed service.
A combination of city, county, and state governments in Mississippi and Louisiana have made financial commitments for the service, while no government entity in Alabama has done so. Gov. Kay Ivey has been reluctant to commit state money to the project, while some Mobile officials have expressed concerns that Amtrak service could interfere with access to the city’s port for both freight traffic and cruise-ship passengers. [See “Fact-finding meeting set for Mobile on Gulf Coast passenger service,” Trains News Wire, July 8, 2019].
“We think it’s vitally important Mobile votes for it,” Vincent Creel, a Biloxi spokesman, told AL.com. “It creates that synergy from New Orleans to Mobile. … It would create a unity for the cities along the Gulf Coast.”
Mobile’s council meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Five of seven council members must vote in favor of the resolution, which would commit the city’s support over a three-year period when the train begins operating.
Just saw on the news this morning the 29th that they postponed the vote for five more days. As I’ve said before the government here in Bama won’t support Amtrak and there is virtually no chance they will change their way of thinking in five days. It’s frustrating for those of us along the coast who believe the train would have economic value. Along the coast of Mississippi the best place to turn the train would be Pascagoula, around 40 or so miles west of Mobile, with a yard and wye. Even though there are many casinos scattered up and down the coast of Mississippi, without Mobile I’m not sure the train would be viable. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’ll work our but it’s hard to be optimistic around here nowadays.
I agree with Anna, the answer is to reinstate the Sunset Limited with NO stop in Mobile (to begin with). Improves the schedule. The short line that is leasing the CSX Gulf Coast line in Florida will probably be glad for the business!
What I would like to see is reinstatement of Sunset Limited service east of Nawlins. However, I expect that to happen promptly at 0900 on the morning of the Seventh of Never.
I think the best we can hope for is that someone – Brighline, for example – sees potential in reinstating a version of the Gulf Wind between Nawlins and Jacksonville. If instantiated by a for-profit organization such as Brightline I would also expect Amtrak to do everything they can to frustrate the effort, at least with this administration. It also would not be a one-seat ride from LOS to JAX, unfortunately. However it would be better than nothing, which is what we have currently.
For those of you who will say that the railroads (NS? CSX?) would object to having this traffic on their lines, I point out that they are in business to make a profit. They are as mercenary as anyone else in business, and if they can be persuaded that there is a steady and sufficient revenue stream here then yes, they will geek.
The above comments are cynical in nature and do not form the basis for an attorney/client relationship. They do not constitute legal advice. I am not your attorney. Old Charlie stole the handle, he couldn’t stop, no he couldn’t slow down.
RICKY – I’m quite happy with my state’s Hiawatha. Supported by the two states. There’s no payment by the on-line cities: Milwaukee (two stations), Sturtevant, Glenview and Chicago.
Respectfully, Mr. Landey, again, I can’t understand naysayers and negativity of the degree you seem to have of this Gulf Coast passenger train. Give it a chance to prove itself, GEEEZ! I understand things aren’t always equal. If they were, you might smile and find happiness somewhere in your TRAINS news items you read and comment on, that people can only benefit from this option. Good Day, SIR
Yes, Ricky, Mobile is at the back of the class by being shaken down to pay for a national train. If Mobile is to “Step UP” to use your term, it should Step Up with a firm declaration that it will not pay for a train until every other city with a train station pays for its trains in proportion to the frequency of service.
Step UP Mobile!
Strange when the future of passenger service by train along the La., Ms. Alabama Gulf Coast rest in the hands of rests in the hearts and hands of seven people. Many remarks have been posted over the years concerning this Federally upgraded CSX track that has been improved with our $s, just not being utilized. It is 2020, folks and we’re at the back of the class with our national rail transportation options. As true public servants elected by their communities to improve our options, it amazes me that we allow seven people to decide the future of the communities and towns that can only benefit from another transportation option.
In regards to the last couple of comments. I understand as well that is simply an interstate, corridor service of less than 750 miles and therefore comes down to whether the respective states will support it or not.
On why Mississippi might care if goes farther east? I believe Mississippi supporters care because for the relative short distance from Biloxi to Mobile they gain the biggest city, therefore better ridership, on the Mississippi and Alabama coastline. Beyond that I think the opportunity to gain ridership might start to decline as per routing and associated towns farther down the line.
Charles Landey,
This isn’t a national train, it’s literally a train that runs between New Orleans, LA and Mobile, AL, with the states providing support, just like any other interstate train that’s less than 750 miles. So your original comment is irrelevant, it’s a regional service, not an extension of the Sunset Limited.
What exactly is proposed here? What end points, what frequency, what elapsed time?
If the Mississippi coast wants this service so badly, why not multiple daily frequency New Orleans to Pass Christian to Gulfport to Biloxi and call it a win. For Mississippi little is to be gained by the train going further east.
Do realize that all Amtrak service to Mobile was lost due to Amtrak’s withdraw. The Sunset terminated on Amtrak’s whim and The Gulf Breeze left when Amtrak tried to hold Alabama up for twice the subsidy for half the service. And, lets not forget The Floridian……That makes 3 out 4 Amtrak services to Alabama terminated. While I want to see this happen, I can certainly understand Alabama’s low regard of Amtrak.