Passenger Rail in Minnesota and the Case for Thinking Smaller
Bombastic proposals for country-wide high-speed rail gain a lot of traction online, but it’s more pressing to focus on what’s lacking: robust local networks.
Category: Railroads
Security Presence, Economy Fares Will Enhance Statewide Rail
The upcoming Northern Lights Express from Minneapolis to Duluth should embrace rail’s strongest aspects, from reliability, to security, to unique branding.
Is the Amtrak Borealis Train Really a Flop?
A deep dive into how Borealis stacks up against the competition refutes a Twin Cities Business claim that the new train to Chicago is underperforming.
A Trip on the Inaugural Borealis Train
The first Borealis Amtrak train out of St. Paul included microwaved food, press conferences, tornado warnings and lots of praise from politicians.
From the Midwest to Nigeria: An Unlikely Rail Saga
The arrival of the Borealis line provides an opportunity to look back on a project that didn’t make it this far, but found a new home in Africa.
Rethinking I-94: Let’s Start With a Subway
Advocates are pushing for a much-needed transformation of I-94 into an at-grade boulevard. But with the trench already there, why not install below-ground rail?
Stories From Those Aboard the Borealis
Let’s chat with some of the people riding the Borealis on opening day to find out what this train means to them!
Re-imagining Commuter Rail in a Post-Pandemic World
Current transit expansion plans are strong, but light rail extensions and bus rapid transit cannot be the end-all be-all of our ambitions.
What the FRA Long-Distance Study Could Mean for Minnesota
Amtrak is having a moment, though it may be hard yet to see the results. A new study may provide clues about what’s to come.
The Midwest: A Sleeping Giant for American Passenger Rail
A robust nationwide passenger rail network may be a tall order, but take heart! The Midwest is perfectly positioned to develop its own strong regional rail system.