Amtrak is set to make a significant return to the Mississippi Coast, with service anticipated to resume in spring 2025. This marks a notable comeback, as Amtrak service was discontinued 19 years ago following Hurricane Katrina. Senator Roger Wicker, who has been a long-time advocate for passenger rail since taking office in 2007, celebrated this development on August 27, 2024. The new route will include four stops in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis, with local governments and businesses collaborating on necessary upgrades to facilitate the service. Wicker emphasized that this return could spur economic and business growth in the region, particularly in tourism. Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes echoed these sentiments, highlighting the potential benefits for local tourism. Additionally, Shannon Arzola, owner of Pop Brothers, expressed excitement about the expected increase in visitors. Earlier this month, the City of Mobile approved agreements for the New Orleans to Mobile route, further enhancing connectivity in the region. [1c37bf56]
In a broader context, Amtrak is experiencing a resurgence in ridership nationwide. According to Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, the company is on track to break its previous passenger records in 2024, with a 20% increase in ridership in the first seven months of the budget year compared to 2023. Ticket revenue has risen by 10%, and Congress has allocated $66 billion for rail projects, including $22 billion specifically for Amtrak. Notably, Amtrak reported a record ridership of 32.8 million customer trips in 2024, a 15% increase from 2023, surpassing pre-COVID levels for the first time since 2019. Passenger revenue reached $2.5 billion, up 9% year-over-year, while total operating revenue was $3.6 billion, up 7%. Despite an adjusted operating loss of $705 million for the year ending September 30, 2024, this represents a 9% decrease from 2023. Amtrak aims to double its ridership to 66 million by 2040, with significant funding announced for infrastructure improvements, including $16.4 billion for 25 projects on the Northeast Corridor. [68f41d89][6da838b9]