Rider Stories: Amtrak Makes Cycling the Driftless Region a Breeze
It’s hard to compete with a bicycle to explore nature at a scenic pace, and Southwest Wisconsin is an incredible biking destination with abundant trails. As a regular cyclist, I’ve long anticipated the Elroy-Sparta State Trail on my list of future ad ...
Remembering the Life and Advocacy of Tom Beaumont
All Aboard Minnesota mourns the passing of our esteemed board member, Tom Beaumont. Tom was a long-time passenger rail advocate as a Board member for All Aboard Minnesota and a member of RPA, participating for several years in their "Days on the Hill ...
Second Quarter 2026 On-Time Performance of the Borealis
On-time performance in the second quarter of 2026, was much improved from the first quarter. There were improvements in all but one metric!
Rider Stories: Red Wing via Empire Builder
Our Saturday morning departure on the Empire Builder out of the gorgeous St. Paul Union Depot was a bit delayed, but the communication we received from Amtrak via text and email was excellent, providing frequent updates as to arrival/departure times. The delay provided us the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast in the 1881 Eating House, a fine dining establishment in Union Depot. By the time we concluded our meal, it was time to board the train.
Future Train Service to Madison, Wisconsin
Amtrak recently announced that it will take the lead in planning new service on an 82-mile extension between Milwaukee and Madison. The service will be known as Hiawatha West. Two daily round trips are anticipated. Amtrak currently operates seven dai ...
Amtrak to Replace Long-Distance Train Fleet
There was welcome news from Amtrak in April when it issued a Request for Suppliers (RFS) for a new fleet – 800 cars in all – on its 14 long-distance routes. The Empire Builder is running nearly 50-year-old Superliner I and II cars built between 1978-1979. The Borealis has been using Superliner cars since March when Amtrak’s Horizon fleet was taken out of service. Amtrak hopes to select a supplier by 2027.
Tracking On-Time Performance of the Borealis
Ever wonder about the on-time performance of the Borealis? Paul Birnberg, a member and volunteer of All Aboard Minnesota (AAMN), is tracking it and is providing AAMN with quarterly reports. Thank you, Paul! Amtrak uses 15 minutes as its metric for tr ...
Will the Empire Builder stop in Anoka, Minnesota?
Amtrak is in discussions with several partner rail agencies about the possibility of adding an Empire Builder stop in the City of Anoka.
Trump Administration Proposes Drastic Cuts to Amtrak
The Trump Administration's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes significant increases in miliary spending, major reductions for Amtrak, and an even greater shift toward highways and aviation.
2026 Legislative Session and Corridor Update
It was a productive legislative session for intercity passenger rail. All Aboard Minnesota (AAMN)’s bill asking MnDOT to submit grant applications to study two new rail corridors–Twin Cities to Kansas City and Saint Paul to Fargo/Moorhead on a daytime schedule–was heard in both House and Senate Transportation Committees.