Passenger numbers above predictions for Borealis trains

The number of passengers using Amtrak’s Borealis trains between Minneapolis and Chicago in early 2025 is above what was predicted.

According to the Great River Rail Commission, figures from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation showed 14,000 passengers rode in January and 15,000 in February.

Original estimates were between 10,000-11,000 riders in the first two months of 2025.

In the first six months of operation, more than 100,000 passengers made the ride along the Borealis route which includes a stop in La Crosse.

The commission also cited the fact that there were several factors that hampered the Borealis trains so far this year.

-Water systems froze in some of the cars when they were parked overnight in St. Paul. This led to cancellations of routes.

-Service was cancelled during severe weather. The commission said that Amtrak would rather cancel services than risk a break down.

-In late March, the discovery of corrosion on some of the rail cars led to further cancellations. Passengers were bused between stops while Amtrak worked to replace the affected cars.

Amtrak’s Borealis trains run twice daily between St. Paul and Chicago with 11 stops on the route including Winona and Tomah.