Amtrak's second Borealis train is coming?
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0:00 Intro
0:36 Overview
2:02 A Second Borealis: Planned Extension
3:30 Why a Second Borealis? Proven Performance
5:08 Why a Second Borealis? A Modern Upgrade from the Historic Empire Builder
6:36 Why a Second Borealis? Connectivity
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#highspeedrail #traintravel #bullettrains #amtrak #amtrakacela #avelialiberty #amtrakairo #amtraktravel #milwaukee #minnesota #amtrakborealis #empirebuilder
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Amtrak's second Borealis train is coming?
A second Borealis train could be on the horizon. The success of Amtrak’s Borealis route, connecting the Twin Cities and Chicago with daily service, has fueled discussions about expansion. With ridership consistently surpassing expectations, Wisconsin has taken a significant step by initiating a study to evaluate the feasibility of adding a second daily round trip.
Today, we’ll explore what the first Borealis has achieved, examine the current state of the service, and find out the compelling reasons behind the push for a second train. Could a second Borealis soon become a reality? Let’s find out.
Overview
Amtrak's second Borealis train is coming?
Launched on May 21, the Borealis service has redefined passenger rail in the Midwest, offering a vital second rail option between St. Paul’s Union Depot and Chicago. Complementing the historic Empire Builder, the Borealis addresses longstanding gaps in intercity travel, connecting major cities like Milwaukee while serving smaller communities with limited transit options.
The project, nine years in the making, was funded through a $31.8 million FRA grant for railroad improvements. Additional contributions included $10 million from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, $6.5 million from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and $5 million from Amtrak. Operational costs are supported by a $12.6 million FRA grant for the first three years, with ongoing funding shared by Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Amtrak's second Borealis train is coming?
The Borealis project was guided by Amtrak’s 2015 feasibility study, which assessed ridership and revenue projections and evaluated four potential route scenarios. Ultimately, Scenario 4—terminating at Union Depot in St. Paul—was chosen for its operational simplicity and cost efficiency. The historic Union Depot, renovated in 2012 with ample track and signal capacity, required no additional station infrastructure to accommodate the service.
As part of the FRA’s Midwest Regional Rail Plan, the Borealis paves the way for future expansions and increased frequency, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of a more connected and accessible Midwest rail network.
A Second Borealis: Timeline and Possible Extension