Amtrak's Mardi Gras Train: Mobile's Surprise Success

0:00You're listening to Birmingham News today, powered by the Daily News Now. Amtrak's Mardi Gras train service has been a hit along the Gulf Coast. Since launching last August, Mobile has welcomed 26,174 riders in under seven months. That's outpacing New Orleans on a per capita basis at the two biggest stops. Total ridership hit 83,079 from August 18th through March 10th. This took in 45% of those passengers, while Mobile grabbed 31.8%. Local leaders are thrilled with the turnout. David Clark from Visit Mobile points out folks aren't just heading to New Orleans. They're riding to spots all along the route. Knox Ross with the Southern Real Commission says it proves people want to come to Mobile. The numbers fuel a friendly rivalry between the two Mardi Gras hubs. Amtrak spills people love how it's drawn crowds from both sides since day one, sharing each city celebrations. These early stats ease old worries that the train was merely a New Orleans shuttle, especially

1:02after service ended post Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Funding set for three years, but states will eye these figures for more support. Amtrak added extra cars for peak times, and ridership keeps steady. D&N is sponsored by our partner. Check out the episode description. Lay back. Press play. Let the pillow do the rest. Sound meets comfort. S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com. Made in AI.