Amtrak Borealis via Milwaukee; leaders celebrate inaugural trip

MILWAUKEE - The new Amtrak Borealis train made its inaugural trip through Milwaukee on Tuesday, May 21.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and officials from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Amtrak gathered at the Milwaukee Airport Amtrak Station to celebrate the state-sponsored service – which doubles passenger rail options between Wisconsin, the Twin Cities and Chicago.

"It marks a milestone in our efforts to enhance connectivity and foster new opportunities for both our residents here in milwaukee as well as visitors coming," Johnson said.

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The new Borealis trains leave from St. Paul, Minnesota at midday and from Chicago in the late morning. The trains will make the current Empire Builder stops between St. Paul and Milwaukee and Hiawatha stops between Milwaukee and Chicago. 

"Our Amtrak train station is in high demand. Whether folks are going south to Chicago or whether folks are in Chicago and Illinois and want to come up to Racine, Milwaukee – this is going to be a great opportunity for folks to be able to use a public mode of transportation," said Crowley.

The new service is sponsored by the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. It is the first rail system to expand in Wisconsin in 22 years. 

Coach fares start at $41 each way between St. Paul and Chicago for adults, with everyday discounts for children ages 2-12, students, seniors, veterans, military personnel and families, groups and others.

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Amtrak Borealis trains will offer coach and business class in addition to a café car featuring regional items. It offers wide reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, free Wi-Fi and views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse in daylight in both directions across Wisconsin.

Amtrak now operates 29 state-supported routes with 18 state partners.