From a report posted on Facebook:
Fourteen locations in four states to have special stops
CHICAGO -- Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) are conducting a tour to examine new ideas for intercity passenger rail by operating an Inspection Train from New Orleans to Jacksonville, Fla., on Thursday, Feb. 18, and Friday, Feb. 19.
The Inspection Train, hosted by Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman, will carry elected officials, industry representatives, community leaders and federal stakeholders. The goal of the invitation-only trip is to examine the existing CSX railroad infrastructure and to better understand rail’s economic, cultural and mobility opportunities. It will provide an unparalleled perspective on reintroducing intercity passenger rail along the Gulf Coast.
The special train will be at each of these stations for 10 minutes before departing at the times below (all times local). Details can be found on the SRC website.
Feb. 18:
• Louisiana: New Orleans, 8:45 a.m.
• Mississippi: Bay St. Louis, 10:20 a.m.; Gulfport, 11:00 a.m.; Biloxi, 11:31 a.m.;Pascagoula, 12:16 p.m.
• Alabama: Mobile, 1:25 p.m.; Atmore, 2:41 p.m.
Feb. 19:
• Florida: Pensacola, 8:00 a.m.; Crestview, 9:20 a.m.; Chipley, 11:00 a.m.; Tallahassee, 2:47 p.m.; Madison, 4:24 p.m.; Lake City, 5:35 p.m.; arriving Jacksonville at 7:15 p.m.
The SRC recently released a study by Amtrak detailing the range of feasible service options accompanied by an analysis of ridership levels, projected revenues, and associated costs for passenger trains between New Orleans and Orlando. The models in this new study present the range of service options that will support regional economic resilience and projected population grow.