Amtrak’s Borealis Ridership Surges in First Year of Operation

Amtrak’s Borealis Surpasses Expectations, Drives Rail Momentum in Minnesota. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Amtrak’s Borealis drew over 205,800 passengers during its first 11 months of service, exceeding original projections from state transportation authorities and Amtrak’s own feasibility study.

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The route between St. Paul and Chicago launched on May 21, 2024. Initial estimates predicted 125,000 to 135,000 riders per year, but actual figures suggest demand far outpaced those expectations.

Later forecasts hinted the 411-mile line could reach 232,000 riders annually. With May numbers pending, Amtrak’s Borealis is on track to hit that ambitious target.

According to Brian Nelson from All Aboard Minnesota, this growth was no surprise. He said travel times align with when people prefer to ride, boosting daily boarding figures.

Departures from St. Paul occur at 11:49 a.m., with arrivals in Chicago around 7:20 p.m. Chicago-bound trains leave at 11:10 a.m. and reach Minnesota by 6:40 p.m.

Nelson highlighted that morning and early afternoon travel windows best match consumer habits. He also noted its appeal among students, families, and those who avoid flying.

Amtrak reported 106,581 total boardings and exits in St. Paul. Red Wing and Winona followed with 11,336 and 11,372, respectively, reflecting a strong response across stations.

Ridership Growth Strengthens Case for Amtrak’s Borealis Expansion

Between May 2024 and April 2025, the Borealis and the Empire Builder jointly carried 293,000 passengers on the Chicago–St. Paul corridor—a 227% increase year-over-year.

Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger praised the figures, calling them evidence of growing demand for reliable and safe transportation alternatives.

Advocates are pushing for new routes that extend Borealis to St. Cloud, Fargo-Moorhead, and Detroit Lakes. Nelson also supports a Twin Cities–Kansas City line linking to long-distance Amtrak services.

Amtrak’s Borealis Inspires Regional Rail Plans Despite Funding Challenges

Neighboring Wisconsin is exploring potential routes to Eau Claire and Madison. While plans are preliminary, enthusiasm for expanded service continues to grow.

However, not all rail proposals are advancing smoothly. Lawmakers recently redirected $77 million from the Northern Lights Express project between Minneapolis and Duluth.

Additionally, four Republican representatives from Minnesota urged Congress to block federal funding for the Northern Lights Express, Northstar commuter rail, and Blue Line extension, citing budget deficit concerns.

Despite setbacks, Nelson remains optimistic. “There’s a lot of excitement around rail travel right now,” he said, “and Amtrak’s Borealis is proof of what’s possible.”

Source: www.startribune.com

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