Amtrak’s Floridian Line Temporarily Returns, Skipping Nashville

Amtrak’s Floridian Line Makes a Comeback (Sort Of) – But Not Through Nashville

Happy travelers in the Southeastern United States will be thrilled to hear that Amtrak’s Floridian line is making a temporary return starting November 10! However, rail enthusiasts in Nashville, known for their rich music scene and love for trains, might find a bit of disappointment in the details. You see, this new route won’t be taking the train through Music City. Instead, it will traverse North through Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. before heading northwest toward Chicago.

A Bit of History

To fully appreciate this announcement, we need to take a little stroll down memory lane. The original Floridian line, which delighted passengers from Miami to Chicago, operated through Nashville until October 1979. Back then, the service was halted following cost-cutting measures suggested by the federal government. There was even a legal battle that stretched all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, highlighting just how much this line meant to locals and travelers alike.

In a heartfelt editorial from September 1979, The Tennessean voiced strong support for saving the Floridian, particularly as gas prices were rising. They acknowledged the growing number of passengers and noted, “With the price of gasoline going up and the supply still in doubt, the Floridian could help in the conservation effort the administration has been calling for.” Former U.S. Rep. Al Gore, Jr. was also a notable advocate, famously taking a ride on one of the last trains from Nashville.

Nostalgia in the Air

The final trip in 1979 was definitely a sight to behold, with reporter Jim O’Hara capturing the ambiance of the train, which had a certain charm despite its wear and tear. The lounge car, with its mirrors etched with palm trees and geese, and the dining car that mixed elegant linen with more humble stainless steel flatware, carried a feeling of nostalgia that many still cherish today.

So, What Can We Expect From This New Route?

This rebooted version of the Floridian line is actually a combination of the Capitol Limited and Siler Star lines, making it more of a connector than a straight shoot. The new line offers wide, reclining seats in the coach class with plenty of legroom, and thankfully, no middle seat—what a win! For those looking for a more upscale experience, first-class accommodations include private rooms and a traditional dining car, so travelers can enjoy a nice meal as they cruise through the countryside.

The Current State of Amtrak in Tennessee

As of now, the only Amtrak service in Tennessee operates along the City of New Orleans line servicing Memphis and Newbern-Dyersburg. There have been ongoing efforts to rejuvenate train services in Nashville and other cities across the state. For instance, in 2020, state legislators engaged with Amtrak officials to explore new routes like Memphis-to-Chicago and Nashville-to-Atlanta, but the high costs of repairs and infrastructure still pose significant hurdles.

Looking Ahead

In 2021, the bipartisan Infrastructure Deal allocated an impressive $66 billion to enhance Amtrak services, particularly focusing on areas outside of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Studies conducted identified fast-growing cities in the Southeast as prime areas for passenger rail service expansion. Efforts to incorporate Louisville and Nashville into a broader regional rail plan have also gained traction. There’s hope yet for increased connectivity, as passengers look for easier alternatives to make their way between communities.

What’s Next?

Earlier this year, Chattanooga city officials began looking into establishing a Nashville-Chattanooga-Atlanta line. The dream of connecting cities is alive, and with each small step and study conducted, the possibilities grow. The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations confirmed this vision, noting that passenger rail not only provides convenience for travelers but also has the potential for massive economic benefits—up to $18.2 billion for a route connecting Nashville to Atlanta!

As so many look back fondly on the days of the original Floridian, here’s hoping that future developments in Amtrak service bring new trains rolling through Music City again. The excitement is palpable, and who knows, the Floridian might one day make its full return, bringing Nashville back onto the rail map!