NEWS National Railroad Passenger Corporation Amtrak Intercity 210 South Canal Street Chicago, Illinois 60606-5715 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ATK-96-138 June 27, 1996 Contact: Marc Magliari 312-655-1338 INAUGURATION OF THE NEWEST AMTRAK SERVICE: THE GULF COAST LIMITED NEW ORLEANS -- Amtrak and the Southern Rapid Rail Transit Commission have inaugurated the Gulf Coast Limited, a 90-day demonstration of daily passenger train service between New Orleans and Mobile. A special inaugural train featuring bi-level Superliner equipment and two private cars departed New Orleans after ceremonies that included New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, Louisiana Natural Resources Secretary Jack Caldwell, who represented Gov. M. J. "Mike" Foster, and Mark Cane, Amtrak Intercity President. Amid fanfare, hoopla and more than 1,200 guests on board, the inaugural train made short stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula, Miss., and Mobile, Ala. Hundreds of local supporters and dignitaries attended ceremonies in each community. In Bay St. Louis, the newly renovated Amtrak station was dedicated. In Mobile, guests were treated to a reception sponsored by the Mobile Convention and Visitors Corp. Aboard the inaugural train, guests enjoyed a continental breakfast provided by Casino Magic of Bay St. Louis and lunch featured regional cuisine compliments of Gulf Coast area banks and the Hancock County Tourism Commission. Various entertainers were on board for portions of the trip and at selected stops. Those riding the train included state and local officials, mayors, legislators, travel agents, tourism representatives, convention and visitors bureaus, the news media, local businesses, rail enthusiasts and others eager to show support for the 90-day demonstration effort and for rail service. - more - - 2 - ATK-96-138 The Gulf Coast Limited demonstration service is supported by Amtrak and the States of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. It is the result of six 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 be made permanent. "The long-term prospects for this service are dependant on customer demand," said Cane, of the Chicago-based Amtrak Intercity unit. "However, financial partnerships and arrangements with state and local leaders, the business community and other groups are also essential to the long-term success of the Gulf Coast Limited." "We look forward to working with Amtrak, the three states and all the decision-makers along the route in order for the demonstration service to become a regular Amtrak train," said Kay Johnson, chairwoman of the Southern Rapid Rail Transit Commission. 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 train. The eastbound Gulf Coast Limited (Train #24) will leave New Orleans daily at 5:45 p.m., starting June 28. It will make stops in Bay St. Louis at 6:55 p.m., Gulfport at 7:16 p.m., Biloxi at 7:32 p.m., Pascagoula at 7:54 p.m. and arrive in Mobile at 8:55 p.m. The westbound Gulf Coast Limited (Train #23) will depart Mobile daily at 6:30 a.m., starting June 29. It will stop in Pascagoula at 7:06 a.m., Biloxi at 7:27 a.m., Gulfport at 7:43 a.m. and Bay St. Louis at 8:04 a.m. 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 will ordinarily 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. - more - - 3 - ATK-96-138 The train's fare structure is 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 can be purchased 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). Please see an authorized Amtrak travel agent, visit a staffed Amtrak station or call 1-800-USA-RAIL for details on the Gulf Coast Limited or any other Amtrak service. Amtrak Intercity operates passenger rail service throughout much of the United States, including Midwest corridor trains for the Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Kansas City and St. Louis markets as well as most other Amtrak long-distance services. Headquartered in Chicago, Amtrak Intercity employs nearly 6,200 people in 39 states and is one of three Amtrak strategic business units. # # #