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5/2/2024
Starting May 21, Amtrak will offer a new, second daily train service between the Twin Cities and Chicago via Milwaukee.
The new state-sponsored Amtrak "Borealis" trains will originate from St. Paul, Minnesota, at midday and from Chicago in the late morning.
The Borealis trains will make the current Empire Builder stops between St. Paul and Milwaukee, and Hiawatha stops between Milwaukee and Chicago. Another benefit of the Amtrak Borealis service is a new eastbound Amtrak origination from Ramsey County's Union Depot in St. Paul, Amtrak officials said in a press release.
"A second daily passenger rail service connecting St. Paul to Chicago via Milwaukee is a welcome addition to our transportation system, providing more choices and travel flexibility for passengers," said Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.
Amtrak partnered with the DOTs in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois to launch the service, which is funded with help from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Canadian Pacific Kansas City is the host railroad for the route.
The Rail Passengers Association (RPA) lauded the launch of the new service.
"There were years when it seemed as if today’s announcement would never take place, and yet here we are today celebrating a new round trip that will transform transportation in this busy corridor," said RPA President and CEO Jim Mathews in a press release. "These new trains also mean new trips that would not have otherwise taken place at all, producing direct returns for the communities they serve."