Dakota Times

Minnesota State Representative Jon Koznick has welcomed the Metropolitan Council’s decision to suspend the Northstar commuter rail service by early January 2026. The move comes after years of declining ridership and increasing costs, with Northstar having cost taxpayers more than $320 million in capital expenses and continuing to lose $11 million annually.

“For years, Northstar has drained public resources while ridership never met projections," said Chair Koznick. "I’m encouraged to see the Met Council finally acknowledge what many of us have known all along, that Northstar is no longer a viable option, and to see it following through on the decision made earlier this year to end the route, consistent with the legislation we introduced to terminate it. This announcement is an exciting step in the right direction as we work to unwind 18 years of wasteful spending.”

Koznick noted that his bill aimed at shutting down Northstar advanced during the recent legislative session and was poised for consideration by the House. He pointed out that the Met Council’s updated timeline aligns with growing support for his proposal and highlights a shift toward more practical transportation alternatives.

“Transit users will now be better served with more frequent bus service that takes them where they want to go, when they need to get there,” said Koznick. “This is about providing convenient, cost-effective transit that Minnesotans actually need and use.”

Koznick emphasized that shifting funds from Northstar toward other transportation options reflects his ongoing efforts to improve efficiency in state transit spending.

“Taxpayers and commuters alike will benefit from this shift,” Koznick added. “I’m glad to see progress as Northstar shuts down, and I remain committed to making sure our transportation dollars are invested most efficiently to get Minnesotans to work and leisure.”

According to recent documents from the Metropolitan Council, final trains on Northstar are expected on January 3 or 4, 2026. Bus service will begin January 5 as part of a transition designed to offer greater flexibility and reduce costs for Minnesota commuters.