Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser joined Amtrak officials and local leaders Saturday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch , a new Gulf Coast passenger train.

The route connects New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, with stops in Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula, Mississippi. The trip takes just under four hours.

Credit: Office of the Lieutenant Governor Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is welcome by the crowd at the Gulfport train station as Amtrak's Mardi Gras Service makes its inaugural run.

"This is a comfortable, affordable, and scenic way for our Mississippi and Alabama neighbors to come see us for Mardi Gras, major sporting events, concerts, festivals, museums, day trips, or even longer visits," Nungesser said.

Union Passenger Terminal sits in downtown New Orleans, near hotels, res

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