All aboard: Amtrak to launch Borealis service Tuesday

PORTAGE, Wis. --  It's all aboard for those looking to take a trip on the railroad. Or at least that's what Amtrak hopes will happened when they launch their new Borealis service on Tuesday.

The new line will bring passengers by rail through parts of south and western Wisconsin to stations in Columbus, Portage and Wisconsin Dells. Several community leaders in southern Wisconsin tell News 3 Now they're excited about the possibility of having new travelers coming to their towns.

The Borealis is a day-time passenger service, with the stops in southern Wisconsin coming during the afternoon. "It's a great experience," remarked Portage Mayor Mitchel Craig. He says if his pas experience riding Amtrak is anything to go by, Borealis will bring the same level of service hoping the line will bring more tourists to the region.

"We think that there's going to be an influx of people coming to portage to ride the train because now it's easier to ride because there's two trains a day," said Mayor Craig.

Previously, Amtrak's Empire Builder line was the only option provided by the passenger rail service in the area. Speaking on the Borealis line addition, Mayor Craig says it will make it "more convenient for people to ride the train."

However, Mayor Ed Wojnicz of Wisconsin Dells is not as convinced it will bring an influx of tourists to his community.

"If it was affordable, maybe. But I'd say 99.9& of our tourists come via car," said Mayor Wojnicz. He says however there is a feeling of excitement in the dells surrounding Borealis.

The Wisconsin Dells Visitor and Convention Bureau tells News 3 Now the service will bring the region back to it's roots.

"As most of our visitors in the late 1800s and early 1900s when we became known as a tourism destination came here via rail," said Jill Diehl, president/CEO of WDVCB.

Amtrak has previously announced its fare will cost $41 each way from either Chicago or St. Paul. There will be adjusted rates for other trips based on distance traveled.

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