197 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

WALA-TV, Fox-10 in Mobile, AL, 2/16/24:

 

 

   Exasperated Mobile train enthusiasts call on city to finalize deal with Amtrak  

 

 

Some local train enthusiasts are growing restless over seemingly endless negotiations between the city and Amtrak over restoring passenger train service to the Gulf Coast.

 

 

Full story

[KevinKorell]

WALA-TV, Fox-10 in Mobile, AL, 4/2/24:

 

 

 

    Amtrak pegs Mobile’s train obligation at $3.048 million, but long-term costs could be millions  

 

 

 

Amtrak’s latest filing with a federal regulatory agency promises a relatively modest, short-term obligation for taxpayers in Mobile – a little more than $3 million spread out over three years.

 

Complete story

[KevinKorell]

WXXV-TV, Channel 25 in Mobile, AL, 4/1/24:

 

 

   Amtrak could return to Mobile soon  

 

A step forward tonight which could signal the return of Amtrak to Mobile.

 

There's that C word again, "could".   They could have waited until after April Fools Day to put this story out.    The previous item above mentions a target of October of this year, which if it comes to fruition is still 6 months away.

[KevinKorell]

WPMI-TV, NBC-15 in Mobile, AL, 4/23/24:

 

 

    Amtrak schedule for Mobile revealed, board of zoning adjustment considers depot location    

 

 

Amtrak has laid its schedule for the proposed passenger rail service from Mobile to New Orleans.

 

The latest

 

I don't think we've seen specific times before representing a schedule.   The 6:30 AM morning westbound departure seems a bit early.

[KevinKorell]

WPMI-TV, NBC-15 in Mobile, AL, 5/6/24:

 

 

   Mobile Amtrak platform approved by zoning board, critical support from former opponents      

 

 

The on-again, off-again effort to restore passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast is back on again, and this time it looks like it might be on track for good.

 

Read this.

[KevinKorell]

WALA-TV, Fox-10 in Mobile, AL, 5/26/24:

 

 

    Update expected Tuesday on Amtrak plans in Mobile    

 

 

We should learn more Tuesday about Amtrak’s plans in Mobile.

 

Here's that story.

[KevinKorell]

WPMI-TV, NBC-15 in Mobile, AL, 5/28/24:

 

 

     Amtrak gets cool reception from Mobile council as Gulf Coast awaits passenger rail return  

 

 

It's going to take a commitment of $3 million from Mobile city officials to get Amtrak passenger train service rolling once again between Mobile and New Orleans.

 

Read

[CNJRoss]

Trains News Wire

 

Alabama governor’s office in talks with Mobile about Gulf Coast passenger funding

 

By Trains Staff | May 31, 2024

 

Lack of state involvement shown to be a sticking point during Monday meeting

 

MOBILE, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s office has been in contact with officials in Mobile about possible state involvement in the Gulf Coast passenger project, AL.com reports.

 

Mobile officials expressed concern during a Monday meeting that the city, rather than the state, was being asked to provide funding for Amtrak’s effort to launch passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans [see “More talk but no action …,” Trains News Wire, May 28, 2024]. Louisiana and Mississippi have pledged their support for operating funding, but Alabama has to date left the matter to Mobile. The city’s mayor, Sandy Stimpson, indicated during the Monday meeting that approaching the state was again a possibility, given the long-term infrastructure benefits that would come to the state’s rail system if the passenger service begins.

 

Gina Maiola, a spokeswoman for the governor’s office, told AL.com that “our office continues to have discussions with Mayor Stimpson as we work to identify a feasible path forward for the state’s possible commitment.”  . . .

 

 

Continue here.