There has been no Amtrak passenger service east of New Orleans since miles of track was damaged during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Southern Rail Commission is pushing for the restoration of service along the Gulf Coast, promoting a new Amtrak route between Orlando and New Orleans with a stop in the state capital of Tallahassee, Fla., according to the Tallahassee Democrat. An inspection train will be operated by the end of February, the first Amtrak train in more than a decade. The city is encouraging the public to turn out on February 19 to welcome the train to show their support for the restored service.

—Passenger Train Journal