Northstar Commuter Rail to shut down Jan. 4
Metro Transit will permanently end Northstar Commuter Rail service on Sunday, Jan. 4, after years of steep ridership declines from about 3,000 weekday riders pre‑pandemic to just over 400 weekly rides in 2024, on a line running from Target Field in downtown Minneapolis through Fridley, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Ramsey and Elk River to Big Lake. Beginning Monday, Jan. 5, Metro Transit will launch enhanced Route 888 express buses serving existing Northstar stations in Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids and downtown Minneapolis every 30 minutes during weekday rush hours and hourly midday to replace part of the rail service.
📌 Key Facts
- Northstar Commuter Rail’s last day of operation is Sunday, Jan. 4, with special service for a Vikings home game.
- Metro Transit cites poor ridership, with pre‑COVID weekday ridership near 3,000 dropping to just over 400 weekly rides in 2024.
- New Route 888 buses will begin Monday, Jan. 5, serving Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids and downtown Minneapolis every 30 minutes in rush hours (6–8:30 a.m., 4–6:30 p.m.) and every 60 minutes midday.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, the subsidy per Northstar Commuter Rail ride was $116.60, compared to $16.07 for commuter bus service.
Minneapolis to end Northstar commuter service in January — Trains
Northstar Commuter Rail's annual operating costs are approximately $12 million, which would reduce to $2 million if replaced with bus service.
Reports: Minnesota Shuttering Northstar Commuter Rail (UPDATED) — Railway Age
Northstar ridership has consistently fallen short of original projections, with actual ridership about 20% below forecast in its first year of operation.
Northstar ridership falling short of projections — Star Tribune
Anoka County has seen an increase in foreign-born residents from 2013 to 2023, faster than the statewide increase, alongside population growth that increases demands on transportation systems.
Anoka Co. — MN.gov
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