Borealis Train Inaugural Journey Connects Minnesota and Chicago
On a bustling Tuesday morning, the enthusiastic call of “All Aboard!” echoed through Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota. A group of travelers, laden with roller bags, backpacks, and bicycles, boarded the sleek new Borealis train. As the clock struck 11:50 a.m., the train departed on its inaugural journey to Chicago, marking the beginning of a new chapter in regional rail travel.
For over a decade, the Borealis train project had been in the making, promising to enhance connectivity between the Twin Cities and Chicago. The inaugural voyage symbolized the culmination of these efforts, featuring a locomotive and five cars filled with train enthusiasts, local officials, lawmakers, Amtrak employees, and everyday travelers. The journey took the train along the scenic Mississippi River, with warm welcomes greeting the Borealis at stops in Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers briefly boarded the train at La Crosse, while the town of Portage distributed cookies to passengers.
Throughout the journey, the weather cooperated, allowing the Borealis to skirt past a threatening weather system in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The train glided through diverse landscapes, offering passengers captivating views of farmland, river backwaters, industrial areas, and residential yards. Onboard, the atmosphere was relaxed and convivial. Angel Morris-Hernandez from St. Paul, who brought his fold-up bike, remarked on the ease of striking up conversations with fellow passengers, a stark contrast to the impersonal nature of air travel.
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner made a point of greeting passengers at each stop, including the first two passengers: Candra Thomas and her mother, Billie. Local officials, like Red Wing Mayor Mike Wilson, enthusiastically promoted their towns along the route, distributing souvenirs and highlighting the economic opportunities the new service brings.
As the Borealis sped along the tracks, reaching speeds of up to 79 miles per hour, it carried the hopes of improved regional connectivity and increased tourism. With stops in several Minnesota locations, including Red Wing and Winona, and extending to Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee, and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the Borealis train is poised to become a catalyst for economic growth and tourism development.
The economic benefits of the new service are not lost on federal and state officials. Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose and state officials emphasized the potential for enhanced regional commerce and tourism. The success of the Borealis service could pave the way for additional passenger rail projects. Potential expansions include the Northern Lights Express between the Twin Cities and Duluth and extending Borealis service to Fargo/Moorhead. The Federal Railroad Administration is also exploring the restoration of service on routes between the Twin Cities and other major cities, further enhancing regional connectivity.
The introduction of the Borealis train service between Minnesota and Chicago marks a significant milestone for regional travel and tourism. With its one-way coach fares starting at $41 and an expected annual ridership of 232,000, the Borealis service is expected to become a popular choice for travelers. This development is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and boost tourism in the Midwest.
