FOLEY, AL — October 12, 2026 — The return of passenger rail service to the Gulf Coast is creating new opportunities for travel, tourism, and economic activity across the region. During the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s latest Leadership Series luncheon, presented by Vulcan, Inc., Chamber members and community leaders heard firsthand how Amtrak’s Mardi Gras Service is connecting coastal communities and exceeding expectations.

Featured speaker Todd Stennis, Director of Government Affairs–South for Amtrak, provided an informative look at the passenger rail system, the successful return of service between Mobile and New Orleans, and the infrastructure investments expected to strengthen transportation throughout the Gulf Coast.

Stennis, who is based at the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, began with an overview of Amtrak’s national operations before turning his attention to the Mardi Gras Service, which restored passenger rail connections to Mobile in August 2025 for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.

A Successful Return to the Gulf Coast

Operating two daily round trips between Mobile and New Orleans, the Mardi Gras Service connects passengers with destinations in Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The service also provides access to Amtrak’s broader national network through connections in New Orleans.

According to Stennis, the service has significantly exceeded its original ridership projections, welcoming approximately 150,000 passengers during its first year. Ridership has continued to grow, demonstrating strong interest in passenger rail as an alternative to highway travel.

Stennis noted that trains are attracting travelers in both directions, with passengers using the service for business, leisure, weekend getaways, and visits to communities along the Gulf Coast. He also highlighted encouraging customer satisfaction and on-time performance results, reflecting the service’s growing popularity and reliability.

For South Baldwin residents and businesses, the return of passenger rail to Mobile offers another transportation option within easy reach of the Eastern Shore and coastal communities. With convenient access to New Orleans and destinations along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the service presents opportunities for tourism, hospitality, and regional commerce.

Stennis shared examples of how hotels, restaurants, and downtown businesses in Mobile are benefiting from visitors arriving by train. He emphasized that passenger rail is not simply about moving people between destinations; it also creates opportunities for communities to attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen regional connections.

Investing in the Future of Passenger Rail

Looking ahead, Stennis discussed planned infrastructure improvements along the rail corridor between Mobile and New Orleans. Supported through federal rail improvement funding and regional partnerships, these projects are designed to improve rail operations, accommodate both passenger and freight traffic, and potentially reduce travel times.

Improvements include extending sections of track that allow trains to pass one another and upgrading railroad switches to support more efficient movement along the corridor.

Stennis also addressed the importance of continued partnerships among Amtrak, state transportation agencies, local governments, and railroad operators. These relationships remain essential to sustaining passenger service and exploring future opportunities for improved regional transportation.

While additional service options and expanded rail connections remain topics of interest, Stennis emphasized the importance of building on the success and reliability of the existing Mardi Gras Service.

Railroad Safety and Community Awareness

Beyond transportation and economic development, Stennis delivered an important reminder about railroad crossing safety.

He encouraged attendees to become familiar with the blue-and-white Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs located at railroad crossings. These signs provide a direct telephone number to contact railroad dispatchers and a unique crossing identification number, allowing emergencies involving railroad tracks to be reported quickly.

Stennis stressed that knowing how to use these signs can make a critical difference when a vehicle becomes stranded on railroad tracks or another crossing emergency occurs.

Connecting Business and Community Leaders

The Leadership Series is one of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s premier programs, designed to keep members informed, engaged, and connected. Featuring respected speakers who address timely topics affecting the business community, the luncheons provide opportunities to learn about regional developments while building relationships with business professionals, civic leaders, and decision-makers.

The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to Vulcan, Inc., Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Leadership Series, for its continued investment in bringing meaningful conversations and influential speakers to South Baldwin.

Special thanks are also extended to Baumhower’s Victory Grille of Foley for providing lunch and helping make the gathering an enjoyable opportunity for networking and community engagement.

As part of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to highlighting local nonprofit organizations, representatives from Impact Gulf Coast and the John McClure Snook YMCA joined attendees for the luncheon. Both organizations had the opportunity to connect with Chamber members, share information about their missions, and raise awareness of the programs and services they provide to individuals and families throughout the community.

The South Baldwin Chamber remains committed to connecting its members with influential leaders and meaningful conversations that drive progress. Through programs like the Leadership Series, the Chamber continues to provide valuable insight into the developments, partnerships, and opportunities shaping the future of South Baldwin and the Alabama Gulf Coast.

To learn more about upcoming Leadership Series programs, visit southbaldwinchamber.com/leadership-series.