(The Associated Press circulated the following article on December 5.)
BOSSIER CITY, La. — Mayor George Dement says a 1989 campaign promise – Amtrak service to Bossier City – is closer to fruition.
City officials will meet Monday night with Amtrak officials to work out details, such as timing, for a demonstration route between Bossier City and Fort Worth, Texas.
Mardi Gras and the Carnival season leading up to it are a possibility, since they’re in early February this year and Amtrak runs its demonstrations in February and March, said Pam Glorioso, a city project manager.
Other details include how much the city might have to contribute, she said.
Joseph Evans of Bossier City said he often visits relatives in Fort Worth and would take the train rather than fly if there were a route into Shreveport or Bossier City.
Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route includes stations in the east Texas cities of Marshall and Longview.
Bossier City has set aside money for a train depot if a route is set up.
Joe Littlejohn, who is leading Dement’s rail committee, said Amtrak’s current interest is fueled by the steady stream of east Texas visitors to northwest Louisiana’s casinos and new shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Renetta Moore of Shreveport would like to ride the other way and shop in the Metroplex.
A round-trip ticket from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth on Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer, the route local officials would like to use as a model, costs $55. A round trip from Texarkana, Ark., to Fort Worth on Amtrak’s Texas Eagle costs $44 for a coach seat.
Dement, 82, has said he plans to turn over the city to “younger cats” next year.