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Amtrak's Post-Katrina Train Rebirth Connects Gulf Coast
11 Feb
Summary
- The 145-mile rail line reopened 20 years after Hurricane Katrina.
- The reopened service offers good-value, scenic journeys between cities.
- The train's success is viewed as a symbol of post-Katrina rebirth.
A significant rail connection along the American Gulf Coast, severed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, has triumphantly reopened. The 145-mile line, linking New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mobile, Alabama, offers a picturesque 3-hour, 43-minute journey across coastal marshland. Operating two daily services at a fare of £18 one-way, the train has quickly become popular, already requiring additional carriages on weekends.
The 'Mardi Gras Service,' operated by Amtrak, embarks from Mobile, the historic home of Mardi Gras celebrations. Passengers board gleaming stainless-steel carriages, with options for both standard and business class. The train departs early, with sunrise casting golden light over the landscape.
During the journey to New Orleans, stops are made in cities like Biloxi, Mississippi, which was severely impacted by Katrina. Biloxi lost over 6,000 buildings and at least 53 lives, but has since undergone staggering restoration. The train also stops at Bay St. Louis, known for its beaches and live music venues.
The final stretch into New Orleans is captivating, traversing swampland before entering the vibrant metropolis. The reopened line is seen as a potent symbol of regional resilience and recovery following the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina two decades prior.
