MN: As Ridership Swells, Bill to Study Expanding Passenger Rail Service Out of Twin Cities Revived

Why It Matters

Expanding intercity rail could boost regional mobility, economic growth, and Minnesota’s competitiveness in a Midwest rail renaissance. Federal grant support and legislative backing signal a tangible path toward new passenger corridors.

Key Takeaways

• MnDOT to seek $1M FRA grant for two new rail corridors
• Twin Cities Amtrak ridership up 58% to 200,000 FY2025
• Borealis service attracted 250,000 riders, not cannibalizing Empire Builder
• Study includes extensions to Fargo and Kansas City
• Northern Lights Express planning phase completed, awaiting FRA approval

Pulse Analysis

The Twin Cities are experiencing a renaissance in passenger rail, driven by a 58% surge in Amtrak boardings that lifted FY 2025 ridership to nearly 200,000—a level not seen in a decade and a half. New services like the Borealis, which surpassed its 155,000‑rider projection by delivering 250,000 trips in its first year, have expanded the market without siphoning passengers from the historic Empire Builder. This growth reflects broader national trends, as Amtrak recorded a record 34.5 million trips in 2025, underscoring a renewed appetite for rail travel across the United States.

Legislators are capitalizing on this momentum by embedding a study of two new intercity corridors—Twin Cities to Fargo and to Kansas City—into the Senate’s omnibus transportation bill. The proposal mandates MnDOT to apply for a $1 million FRA grant, mirroring similar initiatives in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Kansas that are already advancing rail extensions. By integrating the bill into a conference committee, lawmakers aim to streamline bipartisan support and secure federal funding, positioning Minnesota alongside its Midwestern peers in the push for expanded rail infrastructure.

If approved, the study could lay the groundwork for a broader rail network that links major economic hubs, stimulates job creation, and reduces highway congestion. The pending Northern Lights Express, a high‑speed line to Duluth, further illustrates the state’s long‑term vision for faster, more reliable passenger service. Together, these projects promise to enhance regional connectivity, attract investment, and cement Minnesota’s role in the evolving landscape of American intercity rail.