Train Travel Remains Popular as Borealis Carries 500,000th Passenger
Great River Rail Commission
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact:
Great River Rail Commission
Kevin Roggenbuck, Senior Transportation Planner,
Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority
(651) 266-2798
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2026
This September, Borealis celebrated a major milestone in its young career, reaching half a million passengers in less than two years. The passenger train, which began service between the Twin Cities and Chicago in May of 2024, has quickly exceeded forecasted ridership.
Borealis continues to boast impressive numbers. Monthly ridership in 2026 continues to exceed 18,000, despite having fewer seats available than the same time a year ago. These impressive numbers will soon be boosted by an additional Superliner car coming in early October. “I’m excited about the sheer number of people these trains have been attracting,” said Chris Meyer, Great River Rail Commission Chair. “The Borealis train is bringing many, many people to our communities along the Mississippi River Route. It really demonstrates the need for additional future passenger rail service.”
Borealis has been a boon for businesses along the route. “People are either coming on the train for day trips or coming for extended weekends and enjoying all that Red Wing has to offer,” noted Michelle Larson, President and CEO of the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce. “We have seen a boost in business in our retail and restaurants and our downtown lodging.”
Borealis's ridership is limited by the number of seats in its current consist. In March 2025, Amtrak pulled all Horizon coaches from service nationwide due to corrosion issues and replaced them with three Superliners, reducing the number of available seats from about 270 to 210. “The fact that the Borealis is still this popular despite common sellouts is very encouraging,” said Meyer. “The additional Superliner car should help alleviate some of the stress but clearly more seats would be beneficial for both Amtrak and the passengers.”
The Empire Builder, long-distance Amtrak Service between Chicago and Seattle/Portland, has remained popular as well, even during the challenging winter weather months. The long-distance train recorded 38,000 riders in July (entire route).
About the Commission
The Great River Rail Commission is one of the leading voices on passenger rail in Minnesota. The Commission's long-range vision is that Borealis trains demonstrate additional demand that leads to further investment in faster, more frequent passenger train service. More information is available at greatriverrail.org.
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