The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) today released a report on the existing Northstar Commuter Rail line, which runs 40 miles from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis. It also provides an “analysis and evaluation of options for development of transit and rail service improvements in the corridor between the Minnesota Cities of St. Paul, Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, St. Cloud and Moorhead, and Fargo, North Dakota.”

The report reveals a significant decline in Northstar ridership since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2017, the commuter rail service recorded approximately 790,000 rides in its first year, but by 2020, ridership had dropped to around 150,000. By 2024, this number had fallen even further to fewer than 100,000 riders.

“Billions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted on inefficient rail services,” Senator Cal Bahr (R-East Bethel) said. “In 2023, ticket sales covered less than 3% of the Northstar Line’s expenses, leaving Minnesotans to shoulder more than $11 million in operating costs. This is unfair and unsustainable. Instead of pouring money into a failing system, we should invest in more affordable, flexible bus options that better serve commuters. With our state facing a $5.1 billion deficit, cutting wasteful government spending should be a top priority—and the Northstar is an obvious place to start.”

The report also highlights infrastructure cost projections for a potential full rail line extension to Fargo, which could reach nearly $3 billion. In contrast, expanding bus service along the same route would cost less than $200 million. Additionally, the report estimates that subsidizing rail tickets could cost as much as $187 million per year, compared to $72 million for bus service.

To view the full report, visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/govrel/reports.html.