The inaugural run of the Mardi Gras Service passenger train took place on August 16, connecting New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, with stops along the Gulf Coast. The event drew a large crowd at the Union Passenger Station Terminal, where various dignitaries, including Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, spoke about the significance of the service.

Mayor Stimpson highlighted the 20-year effort to restore the train service, which had been suspended after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Other speakers, including members of Congress and Amtrak officials, praised the mayor for his role in bringing the service back. Notably absent was New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, who had been scheduled to speak but was facing federal indictments. Her absence was noted by local media, who had come to hear her comments.

The train, which runs twice daily, made four stops: Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula. Each stop featured celebrations, including local bands and speeches from town mayors. The event underscored the cultural connection between New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, with many locals celebrating the Mardi Gras theme.

In Pascagoula, Mayor Jay Willis reminisced about his first train ride in 1984, which inspired his efforts to restore the service. The historic Bay St. Louis train depot, built in 1928, was also highlighted for its role in the community and its appearance in a film starring Natalie Wood and Robert Redford.

The new Amtrak train departed New Orleans at 7:57 a.m., three minutes ahead of schedule. The route offered scenic views, including the Rigolets and elevated tracks across Pass Christian, providing glimpses of the Gulf of Mexico.

Upon arriving in Mobile around 12:45 p.m., attendees gathered at the Arthur Outlaw Convention Center for a reception featuring speeches from local officials, including Congressman Shomari Figures. He noted that previous train services between New Orleans and Mobile had been discontinued for various reasons, and he expressed hope that this new service would remain uninterrupted.

The event also featured Carnival royalty from New Orleans, including the reigning Rex and Queen of Carnival, who mingled with Mobile Mardi Gras officials. The historical rivalry over which city hosts the original Mardi Gras celebration was acknowledged, with Mobile claiming its start in 1703, while New Orleans pointed to earlier celebrations in 1699.

The Excelsior Brass Band, founded in 1883, led the crowd during the return trip to New Orleans, showcasing the musical heritage shared between the two cities. Passengers enjoyed the train's amenities, including spacious seating and a dining car featuring the popular muffuletta sandwich.

As the train approached New Orleans, passengers were treated to views of the city’s landmarks, including the Superdome and the Union Passenger Terminal, which opened in 1954. The event marked a significant step in reconnecting communities along the Gulf Coast through rail service.