Story perspectives

Northstar Rail Ends; Bus Service to Launch January 2024

12/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Northstar Commuter Rail service between Minneapolis and the northwest metro will end on January 4, 2024, due to low ridership and high costs.
Ridership dropped 95% during the pandemic, and the taxpayer subsidy per passenger increased from $20 in 2019 to $115 now.
Metro Transit will introduce a bus service on January 5, 2024, providing nearly 400 trips weekly compared to the current 40.
Metro Transit Chief Operating Officer Brian Funk acknowledged the challenge of replacing the rail service but remains committed to the bus service's effectiveness.

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Story summary

The Northstar Commuter Rail service between Minneapolis and the northwest metro will end on January 4, 2024, due to low ridership and high costs.
Ridership dropped 95% during the pandemic, and the taxpayer subsidy per passenger increased from $20 in 2019 to $115 now.
Metro Transit will introduce a bus service on January 5, 2024, providing nearly 400 trips weekly compared to the current 40.
Metro Transit Chief Operating Officer Brian Funk acknowledged the challenge of replacing the rail service but remains committed to the bus service's effectiveness.