Passenger Rail From Louisiana to Alabama – What’s Taking So Long

Passenger rail service via Amtrak between New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama has been nonexistent since 2005. That was the year Hurricane Katrina did a number on the northern Gulf Coast and trains carrying people as cargo have not run on those affected rails for almost 20 years.

In recent years there has been a push to restore the line between New Orleans and Mobile. This would give passengers a choice to take a train from Los Angeles on the west coast to Jacksonville on the east coast. As of now passengers wanting to see the southern tier of the country can board in Florida. Travel as far east as Mobile. Then board a bus for New Orleans and catch the Sunset Limited for L.A.

The Southern Rail Commission has been working diligently with local governments, the federal government, and other regulators to get that portion of the rail line reopened. As of now, things are hung up in court but there does seem to be some movement.

The execution of a $178 million grant from the federal government is being delayed by courtroom proceedings. However, Amtrak officials are speaking confidently that recent movement between the rail provider and mainly the City of Mobile in negotiations over fees, revenue, and where to put the train station, could have the court case involving the grant dismissed.

Amtrak officials are hoping for a dismissal before May 1st. The reason is the aforementioned movement on some key issues involving the proposed service. The City of Mobile is and has been the fly in the ointment. But it does appear as though decisions on a train station in that city and other issues are getting resolved, except one.

You know it's all about the money, right? The Mobile City Council will have to approve a revenue-sharing plan with Amtrak and the other concerns involved. At least two Mobile city council members have gone on record expressing doubts over the financial feasibility of passenger rail service in Mobile.

Another sticking point in the return of passenger rail involves Amtrak's ability to use the rail lines in place. Those tracks are owned by freight carriers and those freight carriers have not seemed that interested in sharing the tracks. I am sure this is a money issue as well.

A key date to watch is Valentine's Day. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has scheduled a hearing on that day. However, a recent court filing has requested the STB forego that hearing since Amtrak, the freight operators, and the City of Mobile are making progress on the issues that have kept the trains off the track.