By Railfan & Railroad Staff

MOBILE, Ala. — Amtrak crews have begun qualification runs between New Orleans and Mobile, Ala., this week, as the railroad prepares to restore regular passenger service along the Gulf Coast. The qualification runs are using Amtrak equipment and are the first time that the passenger railroad’s equipment has regularly appeared on the line since Hurricane Katrina ended service there in 2005. 

Amtrak officials say the qualification runs will last for several months. A start date for the new Gulf Coast service has yet to be announced. 

Restoring service east of New Orleans has long been a goal for Amtrak but one the freight railroads there, Norfolk Southern and CSX, long fought against. However, late last year, the three railroads were able to broker a deal that will allow passenger trains to return this year.