allaboardminnesota@gmail.com

Web Site Address:
www.allaboardmn.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Twin Cites to Chicago Passenger Train Beginning

For immediate release: May 1, 2024

May 1, 2024 (St. Paul, MN) Amtrak announced today that the new 2nd daily frequency passenger train service between the Twin Cities and Chicago will start on May 21, 2024 passenger rail advocacy group All Aboard Minnesota has just learned. The route of this train will be the same as Amtrak's existing Empire Builder service and it has been named as the "Borealis."

This new daily passenger train will originate at St. Paul Union Depot and departs at 11:50am, and will arrive in Chicago at 7:14pm. Westbound, the new train will depart Chicago at 11:05am, and arrive at St. Paul Union Depot at 6:29pm. This schedule, which is faster by 30 minutes than the current long distance Empire Builder schedule, compliments the existing train which departs St. Paul eastbound at 8:50am and arrives in Chicago at 4:45pm. Westbound, the Empire Builder departs Chicago at 3:05pm and arrives in St. Paul, MN at 10:56pm.

As the new train originates in St. Paul eastbound, schedule reliability is expected to be excellent. CPKC Railway, which hosts the train on their tracks, has received an A grade from Amtrak for performance reliability.

"This is a huge step forward to increase transportation options and travel choices for Minnesotans," explained Brian Nelson, President of All Aboard Minnesota. "There are many people, such as college students, families with children, the elderly, and many more who either cannot or do not want to drive or fly," Nelson further stated. The new train will feature roomy coach seating, cafe and business class service. The current advertised one way price between the Twin Cities and Chicago in coach is just $41.00.

This service is the first new passenger train Minnesota has seen since the initial establishment of the North Star passenger train to Duluth in 1975. The Borealis is estimated to have ridership of 125,000, to 150,000 annually, and will have an overall economic benefit to Minnesota of approximately $25M annually. Other new "corridor trains" like this (defined as trains with routes of 750 or less) that have been added in the Midwest have seen ridership growth annually after introduction.

"We know this new Chicago train will be a success, and we hope to see this train extended on a daytime schedule to Fargo, through St. Cloud on the existing Empire Builder route," Nelson added.

Other stations served in Minnesota are Red Wing, Winona, and La Crescent/La Crosse. Amtrak published a press release today with a map of the route and all stations served in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Click here: Amtrak Press Release

About All Aboard Minnesota
All Aboard Minnesota is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit advocacy and educational organization focused on the expansion and development of more long distance rail passenger service as part of a balanced transportation system. We are dedicated to the development of fast, comfortable, frequent, intercity passenger train services within and connecting Minnesota to the upper Midwest.

For more information, All Aboard Minnesota can be reached at (612) 483-0156 or on the Web at: www.allaboardmn.org.

2024 All Aboard Minnesota. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

MEDIA CONTACT

Brian W. Nelson

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 4212
St. Paul, MN 55104

612-781-2894 (Telephone)
allaboardminnesota@gmail.com

Web Site Address:
www.allaboardmn.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For immediate release: October 16, 2019

October 16, 2019 (St. Paul, MN) The passenger rail advocacy group All Aboard
Minnesota is encouraging community members to learn more about the benefits of
proposed additional passenger train service connecting Fargo/Moorhead to the Twin Cities
and Chicago on October 30.

The Get on Board forum takes place Wednesday, October 30, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30
p.m. at the Hjemkomst Community Center Auditorium in Moorhead, MN. All Aboard Minnesota President Brian Nelson stated: "Fargo/Moorhead is currently served by Amtrak's Empire Builder passenger train, but that train eastbound and westbound comes through in the early morning hours. We are proposing, along with the MnDOT State Rail Plan, daytime passenger service that will offer great convenience for the traveling public connecting Fargo/Moorhead to the Twin Cities and beyond." A representative from MnDOT will attend the forum to answer questions about this proposed new service.

All Aboard Minnesota estimates that an additional 100,000 riders would ride the new train between Fargo/Moorhead and the Twin Cities alone. Nelson added: "Not only are there mobility benefits, especially for those who can't or don't wish to drive or fly, but there are significant economic benefits this new passenger train service would provide for Fargo/Moorhead and the state."

Nelson will present the details and benefits of the proposed additional service. Nelson said: "We believe more passenger rail service is a great step towards a more connected Minnesota. Even though the Empire Builder passes through in the middle of the night, over 20,000 people from the Fargo/Moorhead area each year use this train. Ridership would be much stronger in the daytime." According to Amtrak figures, over 140,000 Minnesotans and 103,000 North Dakotans annually use the Empire Builder. “Offering more passenger train service from Fargo/Moorhead to the Twin Cities and Chicago expands mobility opportunities not only for travelers between the these major metropolitan areas, but for all of the other communities in between," Nelson added.

About All Aboard Minnesota
All Aboard Minnesota is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit advocacy and educational organization focused on the expansion and development of more long distance rail passenger service as part of a balanced transportation system. We are dedicated to the development of fast, comfortable, frequent, intercity passenger train services within and connecting Minnesota to the upper Midwest.

For more information, All Aboard Minnesota can be reached at (612) 781-2894 or on the Web at: www.allaboardmn.org.

2019 All Aboard Minnesota. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brian W. Nelson

P.O. Box 4212, St. Paul, MN 55104
612-781-2894 (Telephone)
allaboardminnesota@gmail.com

Web Site Address:
www.allaboardmn.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For immediate release: October 8, 2019 Amtrak Empire Builder Service Could Be Threatened
Buses could substitute rail passenger service west of Minneapolis, St. Paul, MN

October 8, 2019 (St.Paul, MN) Passenger rail advocacy groups All Aboard Minnesota and the Wisconsin Association of Railroad Passengers (WISARP) learned that Amtrak looked into the possibility of cancelling the Empire Builder passenger train west of the Twin Cities, replacing rail service with buses during the summer of 2018. The plan would have bused passengers from the Twin Cities, to Spokane, WA, where rail service would resume. We understand the current stations along the impacted route would be served.

A source within Amtrak, and a bus company in the Twin Cities confirmed this information. All Aboard Minnesota President Brian Nelson stated "We knew Amtrak was looking into annulling the Southwest Chief between Dodge City, KS and Albuquerque, NM with a bus plan, but we were surprised that Amtrak would consider that plan with the Empire Builder. Over 140, 000 Minnesotans and over 450,000 people every year rely on the Empire Builder for their transportation needs. It is one of the most heavily used trains in the United States," Nelson added.

Rail advocates maintain that bus service replacing rail service would kill the route eventually. Roads and highways in North Dakota and Montana in the winter can be impassible, and the train can be the only reliable form of transportation in these areas. WISARP Vice President Terry Brown stated "We are very concerned about any bus plan. Thousands of Wisconsin citizens travel on the Empire Builder west every year for vacations, to visit family, friends, and business purposes."

Amtrak has stated their new business model favors short haul "corridors," and discontinuing many of the long distance trains like the Empire Builder. All Aboard Minnesota is strongly supportive of new corridor service in Minnesota, such as an additional frequency between the Twin Cities and Chicago along the Empire Builder route, and service between the Twin Cities and Duluth. "We absolutely need more rail passenger service in Minnesota as part of a balanced transportation system. Over 70% of Minnesotans favor more service*, but definitely not at the expense of our existing Empire Builder," Nelson stated.

Congress last summer told Amtrak to run a national system, and thus far no long distance trains have been annulled or canceled, but rail advocates believe the bus plan threat could be renewed. All Aboard Minnesota and WISARP will be contacting their US Congressional delegation, asking that money appropriated for Amtrak be tied to running a truly national system, and not discontinuing long distance trains like the Empire Builder. Brown stated "Many people either don't want to or cannot drive or fly. The train is a necessity for them and is far easier to travel on than a bus."

About All Aboard Minnesota
All Aboard Minnesota is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit advocacy and education organization focused on the expansion and development of more long distance rail passenger service as part of a balanced transportation system. We are dedicated to the development of fast, comfortable, frequent, intercity passenger train services within and connecting Minnesota to the upper Midwest.

For more information, All Aboard Minnesota can be reached at (612) 781-2894 or on the Web at: www.allaboardmn.org.

*Survey conducted by UTU-Smart-TD Minnesota

For immediate release: March 12, 2019

Supporters Rally at the State Capitol for more Passenger Trains in Minnesota
Event activated supporters of passenger rail expansion to meet with their legislators

March 12, 2019 (St.Paul, MN) The passenger rail advocacy group All Aboard Minnesota conducted a rally for more passenger train service in Minnesota at the State Capitol on March 6, 2019. More than 70 supporters from around the state attended, coming from Brainerd, Winona, Red Wing, St. Cloud, Duluth and the Twin Cities metro area.

The event spurred action for supporters to meet individually with their legislators for more passenger rail service as defined in the MnDOT passenger rail plan. Supporters reported that their legislators were positive for legislation to fund more passenger service,

The event highlighted new planned service from the Twin Cities to Duluth, and additional service between the Twin Cities and Chicago, with extended services to St.Cloud and Fargo eventually bringing new and expanded service to 25 out-state communities.

Representatives Dan Wolgamott, Alice Hausman, Frank Hornstein, and Senators Melisa Franzen, Jerry Newton, and Senate President Jeremy Miller all spoke at the event in support of more passenger train service for the state. Representative Hausman stated: "Many other Midwestern states are investing in passenger rail, they see the benefits. We are being left behind and it will hurt our economic competitiveness if we don't step up."

Rail advocacy groups such as the Great River Rail Commission, Northern Lights Alliance, West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition, Smart Transportation, and the Environmental Law and Policy Center presented at the event. Amtrak and MnDOT representatives also attended.

All Aboard Minnesota President Brian Nelson stated: "For the first time in years there is real momentum in the House and Senate to fund more passenger trains in Minnesota, with several funding bills introduced in both houses, and the Governor's Bonding request for $11m. Now is the perfect time to raise awareness within the legislature about the benefits of more passenger trains."

"More passenger trains offer tremendous economic and mobility benefits," Nelson added. "The additional service between the Twin Cities and Chicago would alone generate about $23M in net benefit to the state, along with reducing 15 million car miles in this corridor when this new service is provided.* For many types of travelers who do not like or cannot drive or fly, the train offers a real alternative," Nelson added.

About All Aboard Minnesota
All Aboard Minnesota is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit advocacy and education organization focused on the expansion and development of more long distance rail passenger service as part of a balanced transportation system. We are dedicated to the development of fast, comfortable, frequent, intercity passenger train services within and connecting Minnesota to the upper Midwest.

For more information, All Aboard Minnesota can be reached at (612) 781-2894 or on the Web at: www.allaboardmn.org.

*Rail Passenger Association report "Impacts from a Second Train to Minnesota." Full report can be found: https://www.allaboardmn.org/riding-on-a-train/economic-and-environmental-benefits-of-passenger-rail/

2019 All Aboard Minnesota. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.

MEDIA CONTACT
Brian W. Nelson
612-781-2894 (Telephone)
allaboardminnesota@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For immediate release: September 12, 2018
Get on Board forum is September 26 in St. Cloud
Event to educate and activate supporters of passenger rail expansion

September 12, 2018 (St. Cloud, MN) The passenger rail advocacy group All Aboard
Minnesota is encouraging community members to learn more about the benefits of
proposed additional passenger train service connecting St. Cloud to Fargo, the Twin Cities
and Chicago on September 26.

The Get on Board forum takes place Wednesday, September 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30
p.m. at the Great River Regional Library in St. Cloud. "There has been discussion of
extending the Northstar commuter service to St. Cloud. We will discuss the differences
between commuter rail service and long distance Amtrak type passenger service" said All
Aboard Minnesota President Brian Nelson. “We will focus on how those in and around St.
Cloud will benefit personally, the advantages of adding more long distance rail passenger
service, and what citizens can do to make these plans happen.”

Nelson will present details of the proposed additional passenger train service and believes
more train service is a great step towards a more connected Minnesota. “Did you know that
139,000 Minnesotans annually use the one train we have currently, the "Empire
Builder?" said Nelson. “Offering more passenger train service through St. Cloud to the Twin
Cities and Chicago expands mobility opportunities not only for travelers between the two
major metropolitan areas, but for all of the other communities in between.”

About All Aboard Minnesota.
All Aboard Minnesota is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit advocacy and education organization
focused on the expansion and development of more long distance rail passenger service as
part of a balanced transportation system. We are dedicated to the development of fast,
comfortable, frequent, intercity passenger train services within and connecting Minnesota to
the upper Midwest.

For more information, All Aboard Minnesota can be reached at (612) 781-2894 or on the
Web at: www.allaboardmn.org.
2018 All Aboard Minnesota. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brian W. Nelson
612-781-2894 (Telephone)
allaboardminnesota@gmail.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For immediate release: May 24, 2018
First Ever Upper Midwest Regional Passenger Rail Summit June 1, 2018

Event to educate and activate stakeholders and the public on passenger rail expansion,
including Amtrak, commuter rail, and light rail transit.

May, 24 2018 (St. Paul, MN ) The passenger rail advocacy group All Aboard Minnesota in
conjunction with The Rail Users Network is encouraging community members throughout
the upper Midwest to learn more about plans for more rail passenger service as part of a
balanced transportation network with a public event on June 1, 2018.
The event will offer an opportunity to see the proposed plans for more rail service between
the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-Chicago, Duluth, Des Moines and Kansas City, in addition to
what the proposed plans are for more commuter and light rail service around the Twin
Cities metro area. The event will offer the opportunity to learn about large scale benefits for
the economy that passenger rail represents, as well as what community members can do to
make these proposed plans happen.

The Upper Midwest Regional Passenger Rail Summit takes place Friday, June 1, from
8:00am to 4:30pm, at the downtown Minneapolis Hennepin County Central Library,
located at 300 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, MN. “Anyone who currently uses passenger
rail service and advocates of alternative transportation are all great audiences for this
event,” said All Aboard Minnesota President Brian Nelson. “We will focus on how those in
the upper Midwest will benefit personally and the economic benefits of adding more rail
passenger service.” Richard Rudolph, Chairman of the Rail Users Network added, “This
first ever regional rail summit for the upper Midwest will offer a very holistic view of the plans
for long distance service and light rail transit, and what additional rail service can do to
balance the transportation picture for all citizens.”

Speakers include Brian Lamb-General Manager of Metro Transit to give an update on light
and commuter rail expansion, MN House Rep. Alice Hausman to provide her view on
funding for passenger rail in Minnesota, Dan Krom-MnDot State Rail Passenger office
director to give an update on the State Passenger Rail plan, Kevin Brubaker –
Environmental Law & Policy Center to discuss how additional rail passenger service has
benefited communities in the upper Midwest, among other speakers.

The afternoon will include a round-table forum from the leading rail advocacy groups from
the Twin Cities, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota to discuss their plans for making more rail
service a reality. Nelson believes additional rail service is essential for a more connected
Minnesota. “For too long, Minnesota has mainly focused on transportation funding for
roads, bridges and airways exclusively. Our peer states, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and
Missouri have recognized that additional passenger rail services can be added for less cost,
provide great mobility benefits, are definitely greener that cars or airplanes, and should be
part of a balanced transportation system,” said Nelson. Rudolf offered, “We are excited to
have this meeting in Minnesota. There is so much potential for additional rail services and if
the public is educated about it, they will realize the benefits for the economy and mobility
that other transportation options cannot provide.”

About All Aboard Minnesota.
All Aboard Minnesota is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit advocacy and education organization
focused on the expansion and development of more long distance rail passenger service as
part of a balanced transportation system. We are dedicated to the development of fast,
comfortable, frequent, intercity passenger train services within and connecting Minnesota to
the upper Midwest.
For more information, All Aboard Minnesota can be reached at (612) 781-2894 or on the
Web at: www.allaboardmn.org.
About Rail Users Network.
Rail Users Network is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization which promotes an extended and
positive rail passenger experience throughout the US. Rail Users Network can be reached
on line at: www.railusers.net; http://www.railusers.net
2018 All Aboard Minnesota. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brian W. Nelson
612-781-2894 (Telephone)
allaboardminnesota@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For immediate release: March 12, 2018
Get on Board forum is March 27 in Winona
Event to educate and activate supporters of passenger rail expansion

March 12, 2018 (Winona, MN) The passenger rail advocacy group All Aboard Minnesota in
conjunction with Amtrak is encouraging community members to learn more about plans for
a second daily train between the Twin Cities and Chicago with a public event on March 27.
The event will offer an opportunity to see the proposed plans of the Twin Cities-Milwaukee-
Chicago Second Train and learn about large scale benefits for the economy and the
Winona area, as well as what community members can do to make these proposed plans
happen.

The Get on Board forum takes place Tuesday, March 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the
Winona County History Center located at 160 Johnson St. in Winona. “Anyone who currently
uses Amtrak service, fans of alternative transportation, college students, and those who
seek another way to see our region are all great audiences for this event,” said All Aboard
Minnesota President Brian Nelson. “We will focus on how those in and around Winona will
benefit personally and the overall benefits of adding more rail passenger service.”

Nelson will present details of the Second Train service. Winona Mayor Mark Peterson will
provide an introduction. Derrick James, Senior Manager of Amtrak’s Government Affairs
Midwest Region will talk about how additional state corridor services benefit communities.
Nelson believes the Second Train is a great step towards a more connected Minnesota.
“Did you know that 41 percent of Winona college students have taken Amtrak to college at
least once?” said Nelson. “Offering a second train between the Twin Cities and Chicago
expands opportunities not only for travelers between the two major metropolitan areas, but
for all of the other communities in between.”

About All Aboard Minnesota.
All Aboard Minnesota is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit advocacy and education organization
focused on the expansion and development of more long distance rail passenger service as
part of a balanced transportation system. We are dedicated to the development of fast,
comfortable, frequent, intercity passenger train services within and connecting Minnesota to
the upper Midwest.
For more information, All Aboard Minnesota can be reached at (612) 781-2894 or on the
Web at: www.allaboardmn.org.
2018 All Aboard Minnesota. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective