BAY ST. LOUIS — In this artsy coastal town, the familiar rumble of trains will soon carry a new significance.
Trains that once transported cargo will begin carrying passengers again — something residents and local businesses hope will bring new life to the downtown economy.
The Amtrak Mardi Gras Service will link Bay St. Louis to Mobile and New Orleans as part of the Southern Rail Commission’s Gulf Coast passenger rail project. Officials said the route will include two daily round trips: one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
While official schedules and fares haven’t been announced, locals are already looking ahead.
Community excitement
She said she believes the new Amtrak stop will introduce Hancock County to a wider audience, especially travelers who might not otherwise find their way there.
“We believe it’s going to be a mechanism to really build our international visitor market,” Williams said. “(International visitors) are used to finding public transportation. So, I believe that the Amtrak train is going to be that mechanism that will bring those international visitors to our area and give them the chance to really enjoy our culture, our history, and all of the great events and really homegrown local restaurants that we have to showcase here.”
Economic outlook
A study from the University of Southern Mississippi estimates the project could bring in more than $280 million a year to Mississippi’s economy and create dozens of permanent jobs.
The report said even a 1% boost in tourism could bring $92 million to the coast. Much of that spending would likely benefit restaurants, shops and local attractions in towns like Bay St. Louis.
Kay Kell, the Mississippi commissioner for the Southern Rail Commission, said Bay St. Louis is ready.
“I expect a huge impact because we’re the first stop coming out of New Orleans,” Kell said. “And one of the groups that we’re targeting are foreign visitors … we’re expecting a huge impact on the city.”
She said the depot grounds have been upgraded, new businesses are moving in and a new parking area is underway. She said the Depot District has become a “hot spot.”
What’s next
Amtrak has not yet released an official schedule or ticket prices, but Kell said the rail commission will provide more updates in June and start selling tickets through Amtrak’s website. Service is expected to begin in mid- to late July.
Williams said the return of a passenger rail isn’t just about attracting tourists — it’s about giving people a reason to stay.
“This is an opportunity for people to come over and not just visit Hancock County … but also think about making Hancock County their home for the future — not just as a weekend or summer visitor, but hopefully one day as a permanent resident,” she said.
As the first trains prepare to roll through Bay St. Louis again, the message from the community is clear: they’re ready to welcome what’s next — and they’re ready to grow with it.