Amtrak train crews will begin required familiarization trips next week, learning the physical characteristics of the future route by operating Amtrak locomotives and railcars between Mobile, Ala., and New Orleans. This process will continue for several months, in conjunction with the freight railroads that will host the service, to qualify engineers and conductors to begin Amtrak passenger train service on a 2023 date to be announced.
Also, next week, Amtrak and our partners with the Southern Rail Commission, including the host railroads and state and local transportation officials and the Gulf Regional Planning Commission, will begin a public education campaign with Operation Lifesaver, the industry-sponsored safety program.
It has been more than 17 years since Amtrak trains have been on this route, and the public needs to continue to be safe along and in the vicinity of the privately owned railroad tracks and train platforms. Amtrak trains tend to be smaller, lighter and faster than freight trains, but all trains can need hundreds of yards to stop from track speed, even with emergency braking.
WHO: Amtrak, Southern Rail Commission, Operation Lifesaver representatives
WHAT: Amtrak crew qualification training underway
Safety campaign previewed (with videos to be distributed)
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 8
10 a.m. CT in Pascagoula, Miss.; 12 noon CT in Gulfport, Miss.
WHERE: Future Amtrak Station Platform, 505 Railroad Avenue, Pascagoula, 39567
Future Amtrak Station Platform, 1419 27th Avenue, Gulfport, 39501
CONTACT:
Amtrak Media Relations
Marc Magliari
312 544.5390
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