Photo: Scott Olson / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Gov. John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and Amtrak are signing a development deal that will speed up work on a passenger rail line to connect New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
“An Amtrak line connecting Louisiana’s capital to the largest metropolitan area in the state will have immense economic benefits for both cities and the parishes in between,” said Gov. Edwards. “Not only will this service potentially reduce the number of vehicles on the roadways which will result in less congestion, but it will also connect communities through employment opportunities and allow for more transportation options for festivals, sporting events, and concerts.”
The agreement says service could begin as early as 2027. The initial plans call for one round trip a day, expanding to two daily round trips at a later date.
Planned stops for the route are:
• Baton Rouge Downtown
• Baton Rouge South
• Gonzales
• LaPlace
• New Orleans Int’l Airport
• Jefferson Parish (TBD)
• New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
"This historic agreement represents a significant step forward in uniting our dynamic capital city, Baton Rouge, with our neighbor, New Orleans,” said Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “It emphasizes our commitment to economic growth and improved public transportation for our residents and commuters along the route. We’re excited to welcome travelers to our future train depot, a link that will further position Baton Rouge as an important hub in southeast Louisiana."
The Southern Belle, discontinued in 1969, was the last passenger train to serve the two cities.