The Southern Rail Commission (SRC) held its quarterly meeting today. Among other business, the group discussed the status of the highly anticipated return of passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast.
SRC chair Knox Ross summed up the sentiment of the group when he said, “We don’t just want to keep having meetings; we want to run some trains.” The exact date has not been set, but June 2025 is still the target for the start of rail service. He noted that anticipation is building at the state government level. He explained, “Before, legislators asked, “Why?” Now they excitedly ask, “When?”
Ross also stated that excitement is building in the community. Chandeleur Island Brewing is establishing a brewpub in the Pascagoula station and will also be working with Amtrak in Gulfport to develop special programs for rail travelers.
The new service has attracted the attention of other rail commissions around the country. SRC commissioner John M. Spain of Louisiana noted, “Our commission’s success is something that other regions hope to emulate. I think there’s a lot of momentum around that idea now.”
Rachel DiResto, communications consultant for the SRC, reported that anticipation is running high, not only regionally but nationally and internationally. She shared media coverage about the program from several publications, including National Geographic Traveler (UK). In addition, she noted that the Amtrak marketing team is currently contacting local tourism agencies to collect information and images that reflect each stop’s local flavor, to be used in Amtrak marketing efforts. Knox Ross added that commissioners Brian Fulton and Kay Kell are working to establish relationships with local businesses along the route to develop promotional programs, like Chandeleur and our coastal casinos.
Arun Rao, director of network development for Amtrak, reported that construction is well underway for the Mobile train station. Excavation has begun, and utility work has progressed. Ben Dodson, project manager for Amtrak, said the next steps are the preparation of safety documentation for the FRA, the signing of a funding agreement, the completion of the Mobile station, and safety certification and testing. He also noted that service details will be finalized later this spring.
Marc Magliari, senior public relations manager for Amtrak, reported that public safety messages will resume as the start date draws closer. There was an effort to inform the public about rail safety in early 2023, and that will re-start. In addition, Amtrak will partner with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to provide safety information for students in the school’s commercial truck driving program. Because the new passenger trains travel faster than freight trains, this information is critical.
The next meeting of the SRC is tentatively scheduled for June 6, but date may be adjusted to coincide with the first day of rail service. Anyone interested in attending future meetings can get meeting updates by signing up for the SRC newsletter.