NEWS National Railroad Passenger Corporation Amtrak Intercity 210 South Canal Street Chicago, Illinois 60606-5715 Fax: 312 655-2565 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ATK-96-108 June 6, 1996 Contacts Dave White 504-528-1602 Marc Magliari 312-655-1338 Marci Larson 904-359-8190 AMTRAK AND SOUTHERN RAPID RAIL TRANSIT COMMISSION ANNOUNCE FARES AND SCHEDULES FOR MOBILE - NEW ORLEANS DEMONSTRATION TRAIN NEW ORLEANS -- New rail passenger service between Mobile and New Orleans will begin In late June for a 90-day demonstration period, according to Amtrak and the Southern Rapid Rail Transit Commission, representing Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. The first train will depart New Orleans on Friday, June 28 at 5:45 p.m. The demonstration train, the Gulf Coast Limited, is supported by the states and Amtrak and is the result of three years of planning and preparation by the Tri-State Rail Commission, Amtrak and CSX Transportation. If the demonstration proves successful, the service could be extended or possibly made permanent. "We are ecstatic that the commission and Amtrak are working together to make this demonstration a success," said Kay Johnson, who chairs the commission. "And we are convinced the train will prove the need for expanded passenger rail service in our three states." The Mobile-New Orleans section of the Gulf Coast is one of the fastest-growing tourist and business areas in the United States. Casinos and beaches in Mississippi, the cultural and historical appeal of Greater Mobile and increased interest of family travelers in New Orleans and southeast Louisiana are expected to attract passengers to the Gulf Coast Limited. - 2 - ATK-96-108 The Gulf Coast Limited (Train #23) will depart Mobile daily at 6:30 a.m., with Mississippi stops in Pascagoula at 7:06, Biloxi at 7:27, Gulfport at 7:43 and Bay St. Louis at 8:04. The train will arrive in New Orleans at 9:40 a.m., in time for a full day of business, shopping or fun. The Gulf Coast Limited (Train #24) will leave New Orleans at 5:45 p.m., making stops in Bay St. Louis at 6:55, Gulfport at 7:16, Biloxi at 7:32, Pascagoula at 7:54 and arriving in Mobile at 8:55 p.m. The route is also served by the Sunset Limited (Trains #1 & 2), which operates three days each week in each direction between Miami and Los Angeles. Johnson said the Gulf Coast Limited will initially consist of one locomotive, one Superliner bi-level coach and one Superliner bi-level snack/coach, with a total capacity of 134 seats. The train size can be expanded depending on demand. Current plans call for continental breakfast and coffee to be available on board the westbound train, with snack and beverage service on the evening return trip to Mobile. The train's fare structure is the result of extensive discussions with the Commission and the communities along the route and is to designed to maximize revenues while providing competitive rates. Unreserved one-way adult coach fares will be $25, endpoint to endpoint; Mobile-Bay St. Louis and Pascagoula-New Orleans, $20; Mobile-Gulfport/Biloxi and Gulfport/Biloxi-New Orleans, $15; Mobile-Pascagoula and Bay St. Louis-New Orleans, $10. Fares will be 50 percent less for accompanied children, ages 2-12, and 10 percent less for senior citizens and disabled passengers. Tickets may be obtained at the Amtrak stations in Mobile and New Orleans and on a space-available basis aboard the trains. Further information is available via a dedicated Gulf Coast Limited toll-free telephone number, 1-888-6-AMTRAK (1-888-626-8725). Otherwise, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL for more information about the Gulf Coast Limited or any other Amtrak service. # # #