Amtrak resumes passenger service in Ocean Springs after 61 years
Four trains stopped at the historic site Saturday, dropping off 175 visitors for the 48th annual Peter Anderson Festival.
By Ella Cox ·
Amtrak brought passenger trains back to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, on Saturday, ending a 61 year hiatus in regular service. The four trains that stopped during the day served as a temporary shuttle for attendees of the Peter Anderson Festival, a major tourism event in the state.
City officials and the Chamber of Commerce coordinated with the Southern Rail Commission to arrange the stops. The effort aimed to provide an alternative to driving for visitors traveling from surrounding areas. Knox Ross, chairman of the Southern Rail Commission, supported the initiative. Despite having only two weeks to publicize the service, Ross described the effort as a success.
A total of 175 passengers disembarked at the stop. The arrival coincided with a confetti drop organized by local leaders. Many riders came from New Orleans and other points along the coast. The festival drew thousands of people to downtown Ocean Springs, creating a dense crowd that extended along the main streets.
Jessi Zuppardo traveled from New Orleans with her family to use the new transit option. She noted that buying tickets in advance removed the need to plan for parking or gas. Zuppardo said the convenience allowed her family to focus on the event itself rather than the logistics of the trip. She also cited the variety of art and crafts displayed at the festival as a reason for returning annually.
Ocean Springs Mayor Bobby Cox rode the train on Saturday morning to oversee the operation. He observed that passengers who remained on the train watched the festivities from a distance and expressed regret for not staying. Cox said he wants to request similar stops for future events, including the Cruisin’ the Coast festival. While he is uncertain about securing a permanent stop by next year, he expects the number of riders to increase if the service becomes a regular fixture.
The Peter Anderson Festival is in its 48th year and remains one of the largest gatherings in Mississippi. The temporary Amtrak stop marked the first time a passenger train has halted in the city since 1965. Local leaders hope the experience will demonstrate the feasibility of rail travel for the region's biggest cultural events.
