Amtrak makes its first trip via Mobile for training purposes

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) – We are closing in on passenger rail service returning to the Gulf Coast.

Amtrak made its first trip from New Orleans to Mobile and back. Chase Goleman shared video of the train heading west in a good clip through Irvington.

The Southern Rail Commission calls this a “familiarization trip”. It allows crews to learn what the route looks like and allows them to practice on the train.

Passenger rail service is expected to be this year between NOLA and the port city, but no start date has been announced. Passenger rail service has not operated between these cities since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina damaged the track.