The Joint Legislative Transportation Committee received an update Wednesday on the return of passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast, as state and Amtrak officials highlighted strong ridership and economic impact less than a year after launch.
Stephen McNair, director of policy and legislative affairs for the City of Mobile, told lawmakers the restored service marks the first time passenger trains have operated between Mobile and New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina disrupted service in 2005.
“We’re very excited about the return of the service. The dividends are starting to be very clear in terms of not only ridership, but also tourism and the economic impact,” McNair said…