Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) last week provided an update on plans to begin passenger-rail service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama.

Amtrak is running familiarization trips for the service, which is anticipated to begin in 2024. However, numerous steps have yet to be completed before an exact launch date can be announced, Amtrak and SRC officials said in a press release.

Those steps include partnership agreements with federal, state and local governments, as well as with the host railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway. Amtrak trains will run on the Class Is' tracks.