New Borealis Train Service Records High Passenger Numbers in First Month

Monday, July 8, 2024

Preliminary figures from the first full month of state-sponsored Borealis trains between St. Paul and Chicago show a ridership exceeding 18,500. This averages to about 300 passengers per day on each of the eastbound and westbound trains operated by Amtrak, under contracts with Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.

“Amtrak and our state partners have always believed the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago
corridor was a great one with tremendous opportunity,” said Ray Lang, Vice President, Amtrak
State Supported Service. “The ridership numbers we have seen so far confirm our belief and we
expect this trend to continue as the service matures and we head into the peak summer travel
season.

“With strong college and university markets on this route, we are confident Borealis will continue
to perform well when students and staff travel in greater numbers this fall,” said Lang, who
added Amtrak ridership nationally is on a trend this year to set a new all-time record.

“Borealis marks the first passenger rail service expansion in Wisconsin in 22 years and people
are responding,” said Craig Thompson, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
(WisDOT). “The initial data is promising and reflects the hard work done by WisDOT, our
partner states and Amtrak to bring this service to the people of Wisconsin, Minnesota and
Illinois. We’re hopeful the more people that ride Borealis and like it, the more successful it will
be.”

“The number of rides in the first month clearly demonstrates the need for this route,” said Nancy
Daubenberger, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). “We are
optimistic numbers will remain strong and the Borealis service will continue to provide a safe,
sustainable and accessible transportation option.”

“The first month ridership numbers are very encouraging,” said Omer Osman, Secretary, Illinois
Department of Transportation (IDOT). “We think that they show great potential for this route and
look forward to continued strong ridership in the coming months.”

The Borealis trains depart from St. Paul at midday and from Chicago in the late morning. Amtrak offers everyday discounts for children ages 2-12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel, families, groups, and more. The trains provide Coach and Business Class options, along with a café car featuring regional items.

Passengers enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and scenic views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisconsin, during daylight hours in both directions.

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