MARDI GRAS SERVICE BETWEEN MOBILE AND NEW ORLEANS LAUNCHES

Amtrak's 'Mardi Gras Service' between New Orleans and Mobile started operating today. It's the first time a passenger train has gone as far east as Mobile in decades. But it likely won't be coming to Pensacola anytime soon. Mobile is against the move -- they've threatened to terminate their contract with Amtrak if they expand east of the city. For now the route will run between Mobile and New Orleans with two departures per day from each city, and stops in Mississippi along the way.