Shreveport, LA, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport, Louisiana, is set to reintroduce passenger train service with a new Amtrak station at SporTran City. After over 50 years, the Texas Eagle train will connect Shreveport to cities like Longview, Texas. With local support and over $10 million in state investment, the station aims to enhance travel options. Expected test service may start in two to three years, while full operations are planned for within five years.
Shreveport Set to Reintroduce Amtrak Service with New Station at SporTran City
Shreveport, Louisiana, is poised to welcome the return of passenger train service after more than five decades, as plans for a new Amtrak station have been finalized at SporTran City on Texas Avenue. The last time residents of Shreveport and Bossier City experienced passenger train service was in 1969 when Kansas City Southern ceased operations. Since then, the region has not had access to this form of transportation, which once played an integral role in connecting communities.
SporTran’s CEO, Dinero Washington, has expressed optimism regarding the project, estimating an 85% chance that the new Amtrak initiative will go forward. The planned station will benefit from four sets of rail lines located behind SporTran City, enabling up to four trains to run simultaneously.
The Texas Eagle Amtrak train is expected to make stops in Shreveport, Monroe, and Ruston, allowing residents to travel to Longview, Texas, and beyond. The three Louisiana cities have collectively applied for a joint grant to fund the project, having already garnered investment from the State of Louisiana exceeding $10 million.
Station Features and Service Timeline
The first floor of the new station will include a food court and retail space, accommodating a convenience store for travelers. Passengers boarding the Texas Eagle east or west will benefit from convenient unmanned kiosks.
Initial test service in Shreveport is forecasted to commence within two to three years, with full service anticipated to be operational within five years. This train service will expand travel options for passengers, allowing direct routes from California to New York, passing through Shreveport.
Future plans for the Amtrak service also indicate potential additional routes, including direct travel from Shreveport to Baton Rouge and New Orleans, along with a possible northern route to Little Rock, Arkansas.
Key Location and Support
The new Shreveport Amtrak station will be co-located with SporTran City at 1253 Texas Avenue. As part of the growth strategy, SporTran is actively acquiring another building on Texas Avenue for crew layovers, with future intentions for the building to serve as a boutique hotel and the operations center for Amtrak.
Local political backing from city officials in Monroe, Ruston, and Shreveport is crucial for the project’s advancement. Amtrak officials are scheduled to assess the conditions in Shreveport within the next 45 days to determine funding needs for the new station and infrastructure.
Conclusion
The reintroduction of passenger train service in Shreveport marks a significant development for the region, offering renewed connectivity and travel opportunities. With strong local support and a clear vision for the project, the community eagerly anticipates the benefits of rail service over the coming years.
FAQ
When did Shreveport last have passenger train service?
Shreveport/Bossier City residents have not had passenger train service since 1969, when Kansas City Southern ceased operations.
Where will the new Amtrak station be located?
The new Amtrak station has been approved to be located at SporTran City on Texas Avenue.
When is the expected timeline for service to begin?
Dinero Washington expects test service to begin in Shreveport in two to three years and full service within five years.
What cities will the Texas Eagle Amtrak train stop in?
The Texas Eagle Amtrak train will now stop in Shreveport, Monroe, and Ruston.
Key Features of the Amtrak Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | SporTran City, 1253 Texas Avenue, Shreveport |
| Rail Capacity | Four trains can run simultaneously |
| Service Start Date | Test service in 2-3 years, full service in 5 years |
| Initial Route | Texas Eagle to Longview, Texas (with stops in Shreveport, Monroe, and Ruston) |
| Additional Routes | Potential routes to Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Little Rock |
| Investment | Over $10 million from the State of Louisiana |
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Additional Resources
- KTBS News: Amtrak Could be Headed to Shreveport
- Wikipedia: Amtrak
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Amtrak Service Coming
- Google Search: Amtrak Service in Shreveport
- KSLA News: SporTran Getting New Simulator
- Encyclopedia Britannica: SporTran
- KTAL News: Shreveport City Bus Hit by Train
- Google News: Shreveport City Bus Train Accident
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
