Friends and neighbors,

The Northstar Commuter Rail line, which began operations in 2009, runs between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis. From the outset, I opposed its construction, predicting it would become another overpriced boondoggle that wastes taxpayer dollars. A recent Minnesota Department of Transportation report confirms my concerns, shedding light on the rail’s ongoing decline and the financial strain it places on Minnesota taxpayers.

Northstar’s ridership has been progressively declining since 2020. In 2017, the service saw approximately 790,000 riders. However, by 2020, ridership had nosedived to around 150,000, and by 2024, fewer than 100,000 riders were using the service. This steady decline underscores the lack of demand for the rail line, making it clear that it is not a viable transportation option.

Additionally, since the Northstar Line began operations in 2009, its total expenses have exceeded $400 million. To put that into perspective, we could have leased luxury vehicles for frequent riders instead. The vast amount of money poured into this project could have been put to far better use. Instead, taxpayers are stuck footing the bill for a service that serves so few yet costs so much.

In 2023, ticket revenue covered less than 3% of the rail’s operating costs, leaving taxpayers to absorb the remaining $11 million. On top of its financial failure, the rail system is rigid and unable to adapt to shifting commuter patterns, making it ill-suited for a modern, flexible transit network. A good road system, combined with a dynamic bus network that offers greater adaptability and efficiency, would be a far more practical solution. It’s estimated that a dynamic bus service to this area instead would cost only about $2 million a year.

With our state grappling with a $5.1 billion deficit, cutting down on wasteful programs must be a top priority. Eliminating the Northstar line is an essential step in reducing wasteful spending and ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely.

The Northstar Commuter Rail line, which I’ve long said is just a glorified trolley, has long outlived its usefulness. With such lackluster ridership and extreme costs to taxpayers, it is time to acknowledge that this project is a ‘loser’ and has failed. The state must prioritize smart, cost-effective transit solutions that serve the needs of all Minnesotans and discontinue wasteful programs like the Northstar line.

I believe it should be the end of the line for the Northstar.

Sincerely,

Senator Torrey Westrom