Amtrak representatives attended a New Orleans City Council Transportation meeting Thursday to discuss the future of train travel across the city.
During the meeting, council members spoke with Amtrak representatives about improvements to the current Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile.
Since the first trip in August 2025, Amtrak has conducted more than 92,000 trips on the Mardi Gras line.
According to Amtrak, the Mardi Gras line has the most ridership in New Orleans and Mobile, followed by Biloxi.
Amtrak representatives said service improvements and additional crossing protections are underway, which comes after several incidents involving fatalities along the line since its launch.
Council members also spoke about the possibility of expanding Amtrak service to Baton Rouge.
According to Amtrak, there are infrastructure challenges, specifically around the Spillway Bridge, that complicate the expansion.
However, Amtrak representatives did note that there is an increased desire from the public for alternative travel options.
READ MORE:Amtrak touts success of Mardi Gras line, expresses challenges for Baton Rouge expansion
