St. Paul, MN — House GOP Transportation Chair Jon Koznick (R–Lakeville) today commends Metro Transit’s newly announced timeline to suspend Northstar commuter rail operations by January 2026, calling it a long-overdue decision that will better serve both taxpayers and transit users.
“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, whose legislation to formally initiate Northstar’s shutdown advanced this past session and was set to move to the House floor, noted that the Met Council’s decision came conveniently as momentum for his bill grew. He said the updated timeline reinforces the need to transition to more practical transportation options.
“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.”
Northstar has cost taxpayers over $320 million in capital expenses and continues to lose $11 million annually despite near-zero ridership. Koznick’s bill and ongoing advocacy have focused on reallocating resources toward more efficient modes of transportation.
“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 Met Council documents, Northstar commuter rail service is now scheduled to wind down in early January 2026, with final trains expected to run on January 3 or 4. Bus service is slated to begin the following day, January 5, marking the official transition to a more flexible and cost-effective transit option.
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