Ridership numbers released for Amtrak’s Mardi Gras service

GULF COAST, Miss. (WXXV)- As we hit the one-month mark of Amtrak’s return to South Mississippi, Amtrak and Southern Rail Commission leaders are giving an update on how ridership has been to this point.

Amtrak says the average daily Mardi Gras service ridership in the first 15 days was 447 passengers, filling on average 65 percent of seats with 75 percent occupancy during peak times.

Between August 18 and September 1, 6,700 people hopped aboard with an almost equal amount of passengers departing from Mobile and New Orleans.

For the first time this past weekend, Amtrak added an additional rail car to the train to accommodate increased demand for seats during Saints home games, something that will continue for the rest of the season.

In the first 15 days, Amtrak reports trains arrived on time 82 percent of the time. The average fares paid were $26 for coach seats.

The most popular day to travel is Saturday.