‘A joy ride for the affluent’: Debate renewed in Mobile over Amtrak’s return Updated Feb 18, 2021; Posted Feb 18, 2021 Mobile City Councilman Joel Daves speaks in opposition of a city commitment for the future of Amtrak service along the Gulf Coast. The Mobile City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, in support of a resolution that commits future funds for the operations of the Gulf Coast passenger rail line. The resolution included contingencies that Daves said have not been met. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Facebook Share The renewed debate occurred on Wednesday and focused on the spending of additional city money to study the location of a new train station. It pitted Councilman Joel Daves, the sole “No” vote last February on whether to support the Amtrak Gulf Coast service with a $3 million commitment, against Councilman Fred Richardson, a candidate for mayor this year who is advocating for Amtrak’s return to Mobile for the first time since 2005.