re: Dedicated passenger train from Baton Rouge to New Orleans "3-5 years away"

What they need to do is study the Rail Runner system between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. It has been operating successfully for 9 years.

They have sponsors like Sam's Club, Whole Foods, etc. They also have a good bus system that feeds into the rail and a competent board of directors comprised of city and county leaders in the communities between the two cities.

Unfortunately I don't see South Louisiana having any of the last two.