NEW ORLEANS, La. — Nearly a year after passenger rail service returned to the Gulf Coast, officials say the Amtrak Mardi Gras Line is outperforming expectations and drawing strong support from riders across the region.
The route, which connects Mobile, Ala., with New Orleans and includes stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, has seen ridership numbers that exceed initial projections, according to the Southern Rail Commission.
Passengers say the service offers a convenient alternative to driving, especially for those traveling between Gulf Coast destinations…