The revival is made possible by infrastructure funding and trains built by American workers.
After nearly 20 years without passenger rail service, the Gulf Coast is getting back on track. In 2025, Amtrak will launch its new Mardi Gras Service, a twice-daily route connecting New Orleans, La., to Mobile, Ala., with scenic stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, Miss. The Mardi Gras line is a sign of renewed investment in American infrastructure and manufacturing, powered by rail cars built by skilled workers in California.
The return of this route is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is helping modernize transportation networks across the country. This landmark legislation from 2021 provides $66 billion for passenger rail, making it the largest federal rail investment since Amtrak was created. Its goals include reconnecting communities, improving reliability and supporting U.S. jobs. The Mardi Gras line revives a long-dormant corridor along the Gulf Coast, bringing reliable train service back to communities that lost access after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It also serves as an early example of how targeted federal investment can rebuild essential infrastructure while advancing broader economic and workforce goals.
“This is more than a route; it’s a bridge to growth and prosperity for generations to come,” said Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) in a press release announcing the new service.
The passenger coaches for the Mardi Gras Service are being built at Siemens Mobility’s facility in Sacramento, Calif. This major manufacturing hub runs entirely on renewable energy and has been producing rail vehicles since the early 1990s. It is a cornerstone of domestic rail manufacturing and a major employer in the region.
At the Sacramento plant, skilled workers assemble state-of-the-art passenger cars using components sourced from suppliers in dozens of U.S. states. This commitment to domestic production supports a ripple effect of American jobs and complies with Buy America policies. Siemens has even expanded the facility recently to meet growing demand, adding new production areas and equipment to handle more advanced builds.
For passengers, these new cars feature reclining seats with generous legroom, no middle seats, and extra space for items like golf clubs and pet carriers. They are designed for comfort and convenience, whether you are riding the full route or just hopping between Mississippi towns.
The launch of the Mardi Gras Service is a strategic investment in American workers and businesses and part of a larger effort to build resilient, local supply chains. By using rail cars built in California, the project supports jobs across the country while restoring a vital transportation link. The result is a modern, reliable service that strengthens regional economies and showcases what American manufacturing can do. With service set to begin this summer, travelers and businesses alike can start preparing for new connections across the region.