Conflicts over freight rail and funding are holding up the restoration of New Orleans-to-Orlando service on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited line.

The deadline for mediation in a case before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) that could restore Amtrak service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama “quietly elapsed,” further delaying the potential restoration of service on a line that once used to run from Los Angeles to Orlando. Since Hurricane Katrina damaged critical infrastructure in 2005, the Sunset Limited’s service now ends at New Orleans, explains Jared Brey on Governing.
“The Southern Rail Commission also envisions restoring passenger service between Birmingham and Mobile, Ala., and splitting service on Amtrak’s Crescent train to provide a western link through central Mississippi — ultimately linking towns in Mississippi and Louisiana to the Atlanta and Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan areas.”
Conflicts between passenger and freight rail operators are not uncommon. “In the case of the Gulf Coast service, it’s a question of money,” Brey writes, noting that the $66 million promised by Amtrak falls short of the $440 million CSX says it needs to make the necessary improvements.
Knox Ross, secretary and treasurer for the Southern Rail Commission, said “There shouldn’t be an expectation that the company would make a profit on the service — just as there’s no expectation that highways should turn a profit — but Ross says he expects the trains would be well-used.” Supporters of restored service also say the connection to New Orleans could help funnel tourists to coastal Mississippi and Alabama towns.
FULL STORY: The Elusive Deal to Restore Amtrak Service on the Gulf Coast

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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