Amtrak Borealis Surpasses 200,000 Passengers in Midwest First Year

Amtrak's Borealis train service, launched in May 2024 as a collaboration between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, has surpassed expectations by carrying over 205,800 passengers in its first 11 months. Combined with the long-established Empire Builder route, the total ridership for the St. Paul to Chicago corridor exceeded 293,000, a 227 percent increase compared to the previous year. The Borealis provides a vital transportation alternative for both metropolitan and smaller communities, enhancing access to jobs, education, and tourism while easing highway congestion. Officials from all three states highlighted the service's positive impact on regional development and its role in reviving passenger rail in Wisconsin after two decades. Despite some operational challenges like a brief suspension due to equipment concerns, the service remains popular, with upgrades to larger train cars to meet rising demand. Amtrak and state transportation leaders expressed optimism about continued growth and the long-term success of the Borealis as a sustainable travel option in the Midwest.