Star Tribune - July 2, 2021
A second daily Amtrak passenger train between St. Paul and Chicago is expected to begin in 2024, after receiving a $10 million boost at the Legislature. The idea is to supplement existing service on the Empire Builder route through the Union Depot in St. Paul. The trip would take about 7 ½ hours and feature the same stops, including Red Wing and Winona in Minnesota, Wisconsin Dells and Milwaukee.
The American Prospect - July 2, 2021
Between Chicago and Minneapolis, adding a second train daily on an existing Amtrak route would provide nearly $3 million in annual economic benefits and serve nearly 125,000 people who might otherwise drive. Minnesota alone plans to dedicate $10 million toward the service.
Progressive Railroading - June 29, 2021
The Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago Intercity Passenger Rail project (TCMC Second Train) will receive $10 million from a more than $7 billion omnibus transportation funding package signed into law by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz last weekend.
