Amtrak reported record-setting ridership in April 2025, with the Borealis line and Amtrak Virginia services both experiencing historic passenger growth across their respective corridors. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak
Picture: Amtrak

Amtrak Borealis Line Surpasses Ridership Forecasts

The Borealis service connecting St. Paul and Chicago attracted over 205,800 riders in its first 11 months. Combined with Empire Builder trains, the total corridor ridership surpassed 293,000 passengers.

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This reflects a 227% increase from May 2024 to April 2025 compared to the previous year. Daily operations are supported by Amtrak under contracts with Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Minnesota’s transportation chief emphasized that the Borealis success confirms demand for reliable alternatives. Illinois and Wisconsin officials noted the line’s regional importance and praised its community impact.

Passengers enjoy daily departures, onboard café service, and views of the Mississippi River. Amtrak also offers discounted fares for children, students, veterans, seniors, and group travelers.

Amtrak Virginia Service Expands Amid Strong April Demand

In April, Amtrak Virginia recorded 129,670 riders — its highest for that month. The Norfolk corridor saw the largest volume, while Roanoke posted the strongest year-over-year growth at 11.8%.

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority continues expanding its service through Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV). April marked the groundbreaking of the New River Valley Project, restoring service to Christiansburg for the first time since 1979.

Additionally, the Long Bridge Project will add a dedicated passenger rail bridge between Arlington and Washington, D.C., by 2030. These efforts will boost Amtrak Virginia’s daily roundtrips from 8 to 13.

Amtrak remains central to the TRV initiative, offering direct connections from Virginia to Northeast Corridor cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

VPRA’s executive director confirmed increasing demand across all corridors and reiterated plans to expand routes as infrastructure allows.

Source: www.masstransitmag.com

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