Amtrak's St. Paul and Chicago traveling between Borealis train, in the first 11 months of its service More than 205.800 passengers This impressive performance clearly demonstrates the growing interest in interstate rail travel in the Midwest and that rail offers a convenient alternative to driving or flying.
Strong Partnership and Great Success
Launching in May 2024 as a strong partnership between Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois, the Borealis service complements the existing Empire Builder route. Together, the two lines will operate from May 2024 to April 2025. Served over 293.000 passengers. Compared to the previous year an incredible increase of 227 percent, shows how high the demand for rail travel in this region has become.
Amtrak President Roger Harris, stated that the success of Borealis is due to the strong cooperation between major cities in the region, which ensures safe, efficient and reliable connections. This once again proves the importance of interstate cooperation in public transport projects.
Expanding Reach for Smaller Communities
The Borealis route connects not only metropolitan centres but also previously underserved by rail smaller towns This includes. As a result, residents of these regions now benefit from better access to jobs, education and tourism. This is of great importance for regional development and improving the quality of life.
Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, expressed optimism that growth will continue, emphasizing the importance of state investment. Daubenberger said Borealis has proven the value that accessible public transportation creates for communities.
Wisconsin Secretary of Transportation Kristina Boardman the Borealis launch is expected to be First passenger train expansion in 20 years Boardman highlighted the positive impact such services have on local communities, noting steady ridership growth, particularly in smaller communities.
Borealis Train Services and Future Outlook
Borealis train moves every day—noon from St. Paul and morning from Chicago. Passengers enjoy ample seating, onboard dining, and especially spectacular views of the Mississippi River. This comfortable and scenic journey is a major reason for the train's popularity.
Preliminary data shows ridership growth at nearly all stations. Amtrak will release full-year results when its monthly reporting cycle ends. Illinois Acting Secretary of Transportation Gia Biagi, noted that Borealis’ early success demonstrates strong regional demand. Biagi also confirmed that Illinois will work with partner states to explore new service expansions in the Midwest. That suggests Borealis’ success serves as a model for other potential rail projects.
The Borealis line’s remarkable success demonstrates the growing confidence and investment in rail travel in the U.S. This trend is expected to pave the way for further development of the nation’s overall rail infrastructure and the opening of new lines.
