On Monday, Feb. 24, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) released a report on the 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.

“Commuter rail is the wrong approach to public transportation, and the latest MnDOT report proves it,” Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne) said. “Northstar ridership has sharply plummeted, and in 2023, ticket revenue covered less than 3% of operating expenses. As a result, Minnesota taxpayers were forced to cover over $11 million for a service that most do not use. With our state facing a projected $5.1 billion deficit by 2029, we must cut government waste. The Northstar Line is a clear example, and I believe it is time to end this program and invest in more efficient transportation solutions.”

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.