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Train Service Returns To New Orleans

Amtrak returned full service to the city of New Orleans this week, a month-and-a-half after the city was 80-percent flooded by Hurricane Katrina and then two weeks ago by Hurricane Rita. According to wire reports, great numbers of passengers are expected in 2006, after tracks to the east are repaired. Service to the west should resume before that.

A train called the "City of New Orleans" arrived with 29 passengers aboard on Saturday afternoon, and another train, the Crescent from New York, arrived later Saturday. It was also be the first train to depart New Orleans on Sunday en route to Meridian, Mississippi, then Birmingham, Alabama, followed by Atlanta, Georgia and other stops on the way back to New York City.

Damage to train tracks following the natural disasters which recently hit the U.S. southeast have cost Amtrak in repairs and loss of fares, and the relatively limited service being offered aren`t expected to bring up revenues until full service is restored.