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Today, just after sunrise on Saturday, August 16th, I set off on the inaugural ride of Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line. The experience was stunning and rewarding. Hundreds of Mississippians packed the route to welcome the train, excited to see passenger rail return to the coast. This long-awaited service is poised to boost job creation, facilitate tourism and public safety, and drive investment in our cities and towns. This Monday, August 18th, the line will be running full commercial service.

Mississippi Welcomes Rail Line in Style

It was fitting that New Orleans served as the starting point for the first trip of the Mardi Gras Service. After departing the city’s Amtrak station, we crossed into Mississippi and traveled through the marshes of Hancock County.

Our first stop, Bay Saint Louis, set the tone for the rest of the ride. Community members packed the train platform, including Mardi Gras krewes, dancers, and a children’s marching drum line, costumed for the festive occasion. Biloxi Mayor Andrew ‘Fofo’ Gilich even brought 60 pounds of shrimp on the train as we entered Mississippi! Former Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes put together a song to commemorate the occasion.

The scene played out at every other stop along the way. Even communities without a station waved as the train passed. It is often said that the Gulf Coast is like a gumbo, with each city contributing its distinct flavor to the region’s rich culture. That was certainly true as each city celebrated the renewed passenger rail line.

We departed Bay Saint Louis and journeyed on to Gulfport, where we found a celebration brimming with energy. People wore conductor hats while enjoying a beignet station and wearing Mardi Gras beads. The high school band and cheer team performed to the delight of onlookers.

As we continued east, we passed the edge of Keesler Air Force Base and soon pulled in to the Biloxi Amtrak station. The community had organized a Mardi Gras festival, complete with royalty, a parade float, and a second line. Near the platform, a local artist had painted a mural that celebrated the return of Amtrak service and highlighted the city’s culture.

We crossed over the swing bridge spanning the Biloxi Bay and made our way to Pascagoula, the last Mississippi station. Cheer and dance teams and the high school band greeted the train, joined by Parrot Heads and additional krewes. The festivities continued when we entered Alabama and reached our destination in Mobile.

A Sign of More to Come

Today’s inaugural Mardi Gras Service ride was a celebration for the books, appropriately honoring both years of work and the enormous potential for the future. In Congress, I devoted hearings, legislation, and negotiation sessions to securing federal funding for the service, and I convened numerous discussions with stakeholders. Along the way, state and local governments stepped up to do their share.

Now, I am eager to see the results of these efforts. Amtrak is committed to making this passenger rail line succeed. I have already heard promising stories. In one anecdote, a Saints fan regretted waiting too long to buy tickets for an upcoming game. The day’s line had already sold out. Initial ticket interest, the overwhelming community support, and the existing tourist and business activity along the coast are positive signs for the future of this line.

The Gulf Coast has waited 20 years for restored passenger rail, which was lost in the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Our ceremonial ride today helped bring one more measure of closure. The return of commercial service, beginning on August 18th, will further cement our recovery and set Mississippi up for job growth in the coming years.