73 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Channel 3000, 5/20/24:

 

 

      All aboard: Amtrak to launch Borealis service Tuesday  

 

 

It's all aboard for those looking to take a trip on the railroad. Or at least that's what Amtrak hopes will happened when they launch their new Borealis service on Tuesday.

 

 

Here is the story.

[KevinKorell]

^{Trains magazine,  5/21/24:}

 

 

      Amtrak Borealis makes debut  

 

 

It was 43 years in the making, but the Chicago-Twin Cities corridor finally has a second Amtrak passenger train.

 

Article

[KevinKorell]

Amtrak press release 5/21/24:
 

 

   AMTRAK BOREALIS 5/21/24 INAUGURAL TRIP BETWEEN ST. PAUL AND CHICAGO    

 
Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner joined Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, FRA Administrator Bose, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation to celebrate the start of  Borealis service on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

The new state-sponsored trains will originate from St. Paul at midday and from Chicago in the late morning via Milwaukee. Amtrak Borealis trains will offer Coach and Business Class in addition to a café car featuring regional items.

Customers will enjoy wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi, and views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wisc., in daylight in both directions across Wisconsin. The new service is sponsored by the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Remarks from the inaugural event include:

“Amtrak welcomes Minnesota to the Amtrak state partner family, as we introduce residents and visitors to the convenience of more train travel options between the Twin Cities and Chicago, via Milwaukee onboard the new Borealis service,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, who rode the first Borealis train (today). “This is a success story, and thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we are diligently working to offer new and expanded intercity passenger rail service like Borealis with our partners across the country.”

“Investments in rail have long helped Midwesterners and the region’s economy, and this service will mean additional passenger rail access for people traveling between Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois while contributing to economic growth. Today marks yet another win for passenger rail expansion in America, and through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, even more progress is underway, “ said FRA Administrator Amit Bose.

More info can be found here.

[KevinKorell]

Those wondering how the first revenue eastbound consist got to St. Paul without a celebratory maiden trip, it was towed by the westbound Empire Builder on May 19th creating a Supertrain.