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That's a great point, @thefirewarde ! Perhaps only the earlier or most intensive construction will encroach on the tracks...I hadn't thought about that possibility for some reason. Here's hoping! (And of course it will only also help the Borealis's OTP generally once the planned...

Thanks, @Agent ! Very cool!

Anyone seen any early videos or photos of the Open Express running this morning? I hope operations went smoothly on the morning run into Pinehurst!

According to people on the ground and with more knowledge of (who live in) Wisconsin, yes, it is being restored. Someone on the Borealis fan group on Facebook said concrete was being poured (I think) earlier this week or late last week. I don't think the platform restoration was/is connected to...

According to MnDOT staffer Greg Mathis just now in the Great River Rail Commission meeting, a bunch of people did actually re-book from the Empire Builder to the Borealis yesterday when the Builder was super late! He happened to be at SPUD for meetings and talked to the station agent. Great to...

You're right, point taken! People will at least be pleased (and it will psychologically feel better) to be rolling out of SPUD on time. When I think about it, I think the average passenger is probably more understanding or at least less grumpy about delays incurred after you board the train...

Oh dear. The duration of these delays is going to rather muck up the perceptions of the Borealis, at least from a MN perspective where it was promised to be the "train to Chicago that runs on time." I'm worried that people are going to pretty turned off by the delays that apparently can end up...

Any idea how long the Columbus-area track work will be going on? It really seems to be messing things up badly, on the daily.

Oh, don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Madison shouldn't have Amtrak service, or, to respond to Jis's post below, that people shouldn't complain!! I just find it very funny that there are continually *new* people from a small city/metro who, despite all of the advocacy and valid...

I am inclined to agree! I am sure they felt like that would've been untenable since it's the "Madison stop" and people from Madison use that station one way or another. Madison people are generally incredibly obsessed with the idea of getting Amtrak service, it's crazy! If I had a dollar for...

http://hizeph400.blogspot.com/2024/05/congestion-point-columbus-wi.html Interesting look at a chokepoint near Columbus, WI on the Borealis/EB route; this explains to me why there's been some unevenness in OTP so far.

My, I guess so! I hadn't heard that term before but can say I intimately understand it! Makes more sense knowing that the situation is longstanding and difficult enough to have a nickname and why you get stuck if things get off even a little.

That's what I tried to say to myself, which worked for the first bit, but my (personal) conclusion was that in some circumstances I'd almost rather be sitting, and then getting to immediately go up to a normal speed, rather than plodding along for extended periods of time. It was an unexpected...

CSX out of DC is really doing a number on the Carolinian, but as you said, specifically Train 79. I was on the over 3 hours (that's a western long distance train type-delay!) late Carolinian last Tuesday. We were initially delayed due to issues in NYC, but what pushed things to unacceptably late...

Interesting, Moselman! I am now wondering if they are holding up until close to the departure times of both trains (especially the MSP-CHI train which leaves roughly an hour after you posted). But as others have said, I am certain they will add another car if needed. How much rigamarole with...

There's nothing on any of the tracking websites. Must be a glitch/artifact in the system, unless there's an invisible 340 running, ha!

No, as far as anyone knows prior to the first train on Tuesday, unless there's magical bicycle space that emerges, the Borealis won't be able to take bikes to begin with. The Horizon cars don't have places to put bikes, and the Borealis isn't running with a baggage car or anything like that...

Love that! They make the best cheese and cheese curds! I have no idea if being close enough to smell the creamery is a good or bad thing, though, I gotta say😆

Yes, someone on Facebook suggested curds! You're right that fried wouldn't work, but they could do Ellsworth 'squeaky' (fresh) refrigerated curds! Wouldn't be all that hard to procure; Ellsworth or other options are of course widely available in WI and even MN.

This service starts in only a few days! And as such, Amtrak has posted the cafe car menu on their website. They promised "regional food/beverage items," and it's mostly a letdown, unless you care about alcohol the most...which, given the hard-drinking reputation of WI and honestly MN as well...