MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Amtrak’s comeback on the Gulf Coast is seeing early success, with more than 19,000 riders since its launch in August.

The Mardi Gras Service, which runs between Mobile and New Orleans, is exceeding ridership expectations and giving local businesses a boost.

“It’s been beyond our expectations,” said Visit Mobile President and CEO David Clark.

“Ridership is above the national average. Every train’s running at 70 to 75% capacity, and when you look at 136 passengers coming in along the route twice daily," Clark said. "That’s a really big number.”

Mobile Chamber of Commerce President, Bradley Byrne, said that passengers are doing more than filling seats; they’re also helping fuel Downtown Mobile’s local economy.

“As your tourism grows, that is a demand signal to resta

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