Hello Reader, it is Kev again!

Welcome back! This week, we discuss a successful service, a new post, and what I’ve been up to.

Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service is Thriving

Remember when Amtrak restored service along the Gulf Coast last August? The new Mardi Gras trains between New Orleans and Mobile are turning out to be a real success story.

The data from the first 108 days tells the story: over 46,000 riders, averaging 420 people per day across the two round-trip routes. That's twice the initial projection by Amtrak. Even more impressive, the service is achieving 96% customer satisfaction and 86% on-time performance, both outstanding for Amtrak.

The route connects New Orleans with six stops along the Mississippi coast, including Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, before ending in Mobile. It runs twice daily in each direction, consistently ferrying hundreds of passengers off I-10 and US-90.

Here's what makes this route special: it launched at just the right time. With Mardi Gras season starting January 6 in New Orleans and parade season beginning January 30 in Mobile, these trains are perfectly timed to accommodate festival crowds through Fat Tuesday on February 17. All those coastal towns celebrate on their own as well, and now you can travel between them without worrying about traffic or parking.

If you've considered attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Mobile but worry about the drive, this could be the perfect solution for you!

New Post: Amtrak in Montana

This week, I shared the latest installment in my 'Amtrak in Each State' series. Montana is served by the state along the Empire Builder route, passing through 14 stations from the mountainous west to the prairie towns in the east.

The guide includes:

• All 14 Montana stations with details on what's available at each
• The Empire Builder's route across the state, including the Glacier National Park segment​
• Practical details about boarding, connections, and what to anticipate in this segment
• Tips for Enjoying Montana's Scenic Routes

Learn more about Amtrak in Montana!

What has Kev been up to?

I've been talking about my upcoming trip from Milwaukee Airport to Nevarre, FL, via Amtrak and Greyhound. I made changes: I'm arriving a day earlier at my sister's. That way, I get an extra day with the kids and their parents.

I was glad that when I made changes, it did not cost me more, and I received $1.60 back from Amtrak. I hope to get a beignet during my New Orleans layover. My Mobile, AL layover primarily consists of two rideshare rides, and I hope to have breakfast.

On Tuesday, I completed my annual task of moving an organ from the Basilica of Saint Josaphat in Milwaukee, WI. Every year, there's a Bel Canto ​Chorus concert there, and they rent an organ. There's a pipe organ in the back of the church, but with the singers in front, it's hard to keep everything in sync. What I love about this place is how easy it is to load the organ in and out, and it's a beautiful space to see, especially when it is decorated for the season.

Looking at the Markers

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Until Next Week…

Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith