Amtrak's year-old Borealis route exceeds ridership expectations

Amtrak's Borealis route between the Twin Cities and Chicago has surpassed anticipated ridership levels for its first year of service, which Amtrak will mark tomorrow. 

Since it launched May 21, 2024, the Borealis ridership reached 212,515 passengers through April, according to an Amtrak press release. A 2015 feasibility study originally estimated annual ridership to be 155,500 passengers.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with Borealis' success this past year,” said Chris Meyer, chair of the Great River Rail Commission. "Borealis provides comfortable, affordable travel to great destinations. It is so gratifying to see so many people take advantage of this service.”

The Great River Rail Commission is comprised of elected officials along the route from St. Paul, Minnesota, to La Crosse, Wisconsin, who advocate for more passenger-rail options along the Mississippi River. 

Meanwhile, in other Amtrak news, the railroad is updating its station in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Work  replacing existing platforms and foundations, rehabilitating platform canopies, insulating the pedestrian overpass, resurfacing the floors, replacing windows, rehabilitating the baggage lift enclosure, repairing station windows and replacing door closers, and replacing HVAC equipment.

The south platform reconstruction was finished in November 2024, while reconstruction of the north platform continues. The north platform is expected to reopen to train service in January 2026, while all state of good repair work to the existing pedestrian overpass and station will be completed by March 2026, Amtrak officials said.

Amtrak also renovating the Amtrak Police Department facilities at the station. Upgrades to the processing area, evidence storage, canine room and storefront will be completed this summer.