193 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

AL.com   7/6/19:

 

Fact-finding session planned in Mobile for coastal Amtrak return

 

 

A one-way ticket price for riding on a state-supported Amtrak train similar to the one proposed for the Gulf Coast, can run from $25 to $45.

 

Here is the story.

[KevinKorell]

AL.com   8/31/19:

 

 

Amid I-10 fallout, Ivey weighs Amtrak’s Mobile return

 

 

How Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s office handles the looming return of passenger rail to Mobile could be scrutinized in the coming weeks following the demise of the Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project.

 

 

Article

[CNJRoss]

Progressive Railroading, 8/30/19

 

USDOT funds Gulf Coast passenger-rail restoration

Some parts of the Gulf Coast region have been without Amtrak service since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina damaged the rail infrastructure there. Photo – Amtrak

The U.S. Department of Transportation yesterday announced a $4.36 million grant to the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) to help restore passenger rail service along parts of the Gulf Coast.

 

The award, which will be granted through the federal Restoration and Enhancement (R&E) program, will help fund operating expenses for the first year of service along the new rail line between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, SRC officials said in a press release.

 

Continue here.

[CNJRoss]

RT&S, 8/30/19

 

Southern Rail Commission receives $4.36 million grant from U.S. DOT

 

 

David C. Lester

 

 

U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced yesterday that DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has awarded $4,360,000 to the Southern Rail Commission to help restore intercity passenger rail service along the Gulf Coast.

 

“This funding will help Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama resume passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile to enhance regional economic growth and rural mobility,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

In 2005 Amtrak suspended its tri-weekly service between New Orleans, LA, and Orlando, FL, due to extensive damage caused by Hurricane Katrina to the stations and rail lines used by long-distance Sunset Limited trains.

 

“States are in the best position to determine how to meet the mobility needs of their citizens, and I commend the Southern Rail Commission for all its hard work to restore Gulf Coast intercity passenger rail service,” said FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory.

 

Continue here.

[KevinKorell]

al.com   12/17/19:

 

 

   Amtrak return to Mobile rides on key New Year’s Eve vote  

 

 

Mobile city officials will decide a few hours before the brightly lighted MoonPie drops and ushers in the New Year whether they are on board with a financial commitment to bring Amtrak back to the Port City.

 

 

Details

[KevinKorell]

al.com   12/19/19:

 

 

   ‘Unanswered questions’ linger over Mobile’s Amtrak commitment   

 

 

Costly rail line improvements, a new train station and interference with freight trains loomed Thursday as the chief concerns that could derail efforts to bring passenger trains back to Mobile.

 

Story

[KevinKorell]

WVTM-TV, Channel 13 in Birmingham, AL, 12/30/19:

 

 

Mobile to decides issue on Amtrak future on Gulf Coast  

 

 

 

City leaders in Mobile, Alabama, are preparing to decide a key issue in restoring passenger train service along the northern Gulf Coast.

 

Read

[KevinKorell]

al.com   12/30/19:

 

 

   Mobile to delay Amtrak commitment decision   

 

 

 

The Mobile City Council will likely postpone Tuesday a crucial vote that could determine the future of passenger rail service returning to the city.

 

This is the latest.

[KevinKorell]

WBRZ-TV, Channel 2 in Mobile, AL, 1/23/20:

 

 

  Mobile withholds funding for Amtrak renewal on Gulf Coast  

 

 

 

Leaders in Alabama’s port city of Mobile are dimming chances for reviving passenger train service along the northern Gulf Coast.

 

Story

[KevinKorell]

AL.com  1/21/20:

 

 

  Amtrak faces wobbly future in Mobile

 

The fate of Amtrak’s return into Mobile could boil down to a crucial vote next Tuesday by the City Council on whether future financial commitments for the passenger rail service are possible.

 

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