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Amtrak—officially the National Railroad Passenger Corporation—is America’s national passenger rail operator and a vital connector of people, places, and regional economies. Our mission is to provide intercity rail that is safe, reliable, and efficient, offering travelers a transportation choice that supports mobility, sustainability, and economic growth across the country. Amtrak’s network spans 21,000 route miles across 46 states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces, serving more than 500 destinations with over 300 trains operating daily. This national footprint links major metropolitan areas with mid‑sized cities and rural communities, enabling access to jobs, education, healthcare, and tourism while easing highway congestion and expanding multimodal connectivity. A defining feature of Amtrak’s model is our collaboration with states to deliver short‑ and mid‑distance corridor services tailored to regional needs. Wisconsin is one of our key state partners, working with Amtrak—along with Illinois and Minnesota—to sponsor and shape corridor services, including schedules and frequencies, that connect residents and businesses to the broader Midwest economy. This partnership framework ensures that service evolves with the needs of communities while leveraging Amtrak’s national operating expertise. In Wisconsin, Amtrak operates an average of 16 intercity trains per day across three permanent routes: the state‑supported Borealis (Chicago–Milwaukee–Wisconsin Dells–La Crosse–St. Paul–Minneapolis), the state‑supported Hiawatha (Chicago–Milwaukee), and the long‑distance Empire Builder, which links Wisconsin to the Pacific Northwest. Together, these routes provide essential connectivity for thousands of daily riders. In Fiscal Year 2025, more than 850,000 passengers boarded or alighted at Wisconsin stations, underscoring the state’s strong demand for passenger rail and its importance within our national system. State partnerships make these corridor services possible. The Borealis and Hiawatha services are sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in partnership with Illinois and, for the Borealis, Minnesota. These routes carried more than 844,000 riders in FY 2025 and received state operating support to ensure frequent, dependable regional mobility. This multi-state collaboration strengthens economic ties, supports workforce transportation, and enhances access throughout the Midwest. Amtrak’s presence in Wisconsin extends well beyond train operations. The company maintains a crew base in Milwaukee, contributing to local employment and accelerating regional readiness. Amtrak also invests significantly in station accessibility as part of its nationwide ADA Stations Program. Wisconsin communities are benefiting from station upgrades that improve accessibility and the customer experience, supported by tens of millions of dollars in planned investment. Amtrak also contributes directly to Wisconsin’s economy through substantial procurement with local businesses. In FY 2025, Amtrak spent more than $17 million with vendors across the state, supporting jobs and services in areas such as Milwaukee, Madison, Beloit, Glendale, Lake Geneva, Menomonee Falls, and other communities. This purchasing activity helps strengthen local supply chains and supports small and mid‑sized businesses across a range of industries. Beyond state-supported corridors, Wisconsin benefits from Amtrak’s long-distance service. The Empire Builder plays an important role in connecting Wisconsin communities to the broader national network. Stretching from Chicago through Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest to the Pacific Northwest, the Empire Builder expands travel and tourism opportunities and strengthens long‑haul connectivity for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. These long‑distance routes complement regional corridor services by offering additional travel options across multiple states and regions. Nationally, Amtrak continues to modernize with investments in new trains, infrastructure upgrades, and improved passenger amenities. These efforts enhance safety, reliability, and customer experience while supporting American manufacturing and job creation. Fleet modernization, new tunnels and bridges, and state-of-good-repair projects ensure that Amtrak’s network remains resilient and prepared for future growth. Ultimately, Amtrak is more than a transportation provider; we are a partner in regional and national prosperity. In Wisconsin, our collaboration with the state and its neighboring partners strengthens the economic fabric of the Midwest, expands access to opportunity, and supports a high quality of life for residents. Across the country, our daily operations and long‑term investments help communities compete, attract talent, and stay connected to one another and to the wider American economy. Amtrak is committed to delivering the rail services people need today—and building a modern, resilient system that will serve generations to come. |
