Frequently Asked Questions About NLX 2026 Refining Strategy
Please reach us at info@northernlightsexpress.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
No—this reflects a strategic shift. NLX is now in a federally recognized project-ready phase. The heavy advocacy lift is done. Our focus now is protecting eligibility and remaining funding-ready.
It’s fiscally responsible. Our early advocacy work is complete. This next phase is about readiness, monitoring, safeguarding funds, and correcting misinformation—work that requires targeted engagement. The 2026 budget is reduced about 50% from the proposed budget with more focus on the legislative process and less on building broad-based support in the general public.
Quite the opposite. This approach protects the work already completed, ensures we remain eligible for future federal funding, and helps us respond quickly when funding opportunities arise.
Be the champion of NLX in order to:
✔ Maintain project readiness and eligibility
✔ Protect access to matching federal funds
✔ Monitor legislative developments
✔ Respond to misinformation
✔ Keep stakeholders informed and aligned
Yes. NLX enjoys support from local governments, state leaders, transit agencies, federal partners, business coalitions, seniors, students, families, commuters, and tourists. A smaller budget in 2026 reflects a mature, disciplined strategy.
Readiness, protection, and precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at info@northernlightsexpress.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
NLX is a proposed passenger rail project between Target Field Station in Minneapolis and Union Depot in Duluth
NLX is a $495 million investment in transportation. This is much lower than
earlier estimates that called for higher speeds, the purchase of equipment and building a
maintenance facility. The cost estimate was calculated during our process to earn federal approval, which was completed the end of 2018. Today’s figure of $495 million includes inflation factors.
We will ensure each grade crossing (especially rural crossings) has auditory
and sensory warnings and gates. Stations in Duluth and Minneapolis (Target Field) will be
upgraded. New stations will be constructed in Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, and Superior.
Track improvements will allow for safe, on-time service for both passenger and freight traffic.
The primary funding source is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by Congress. The state is asked to make at least a 20% match. Local governments have invested several million in early studies.
The project is on existing BNSF Railway tracks that are in use, so unlike light rail transit (LRT), we won’t have to build our own infrastructure or pay 100% of its maintenance. We don’t anticipate a shortage on the budget.
The track is not just for NLX. We are sharing a very important rail corridor with
freight trains coming to and from the Duluth international harbor. BNSF owns the line but has granted trackage rights to Canadian Pacific and Union Pacific. All together there only are about ten to twelve trains a day on the line and most of them travel overnight. The line has plenty of excess capacity for four passenger trains a day.
The capital cost estimate includes track and safety improvements to allow
NLX to speed up and pass the slower freight trains. Building longer, five-mile sidings will allow freight and passenger trains to pass without having to stop. This will improve both freight train efficiency and passenger train travel time.
Why should we care about train transportation, isn't it out of date?
The responsibility for the safe and timely operations would be shared by BNSF and and an operator, such as Amtrak. The Passenger Rail and Improvement Act of 2008 mandated railroads and Amtrak to set new and improved metrics and standards to ensure on-time performance of passenger trains over freight trains.
Our estimate for ridership in the first year alone is 700,000- 750,000. In the 2040s, our annual
estimate is about 1 million riders.
How long is the trip from Target Field Station to the Duluth Depot take?
4 round trips a day from Duluth Depot to Target Field Station.
We are still working with Amtrak to discuss ticket prices. Our current estimate is $30-$35 one way, and less for stations in between. There are discussions about adding discounts or frequent rider rewards
New stations will be constructed in Coon Rapids, Cambridge, Hinckley, and Superior. Upgrades will occur at the Minneapolis and Duluth stops.
The train will go up to 90 miles per hour.
Lots of comfortable amenities:
- On board WIFI
- Bathrooms
- Comfortable seating
- Small tables where you can work
A Few of our Champions
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