Amtrak's Borealis train makes inaugural run featuring stop in La Crosse

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Amtrak's first train in more than twenty years hit the rails Tuesday.

The Borealis train connecting Saint Paul to Chicago made its inaugural run Tuesday afternoon, featuring stops in La Crosse and Tomah.

Nearly a million dollars in funding for the project came from Wisconsin's 2023-2025 biennial budget.

The route adds new transit options for Wisconsinites and should help boost the tourism industry.

One passenger says he's looking forward to the lack of rush-hour traffic.

"I’ve driven to Chicago so many times I couldn’t count. And every time I drive there, I encounter traffic on I94...even if you don’t ride the train, you’re benefiting from it because less traffic," said Hoyt Drayer.

The train will make eight stops a day. Passengers can catch a train to Chicago from La Crosse daily at 11:37 a.m.

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