Amtrak announces a significant milestone for the Borealis train service
Sep 29, 2026, 2:19 PM CT
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Amtrak and its state partners in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois have announced a significant milestone for the Borealis train service, which operates between St. Paul and Chicago. Since its launch in May 2024, the daily service has carried more than 500,000 passengers, reflecting strong regional demand for accessible rail travel.
Total ridership across the entire St. Paul-Chicago rail corridor has surpassed 2.2 million passengers over the same timeframe. This broader network includes the Borealis, the daily Empire Builder line connecting Chicago to the Pacific Northwest via St. Paul, and several state-sponsored Hiawatha Service trains operating between Milwaukee and Chicago.
Amtrak leadership attributed the high demand to travelers seeking affordable, comfortable, and productive alternatives to driving. State transportation officials from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the success of their collaborative effort and noting that passenger volume has consistently exceeded original projections.
In response to the growing customer base, Amtrak plans to expand capacity by adding a fourth passenger car to the Borealis service. Passengers on the route enjoy amenities such as wide reclining seats, standard seating configurations without middle seats, onboard café service featuring regional products, and scenic views along the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.
