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{{short description|Commuter rail route in Minnesota, United States}}
{{About|the Metro Transit commuter rail service|other trains called North Star|North Star (disambiguation)#Rail}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox rail line
|name        = Northstar Line
|logo        = Northstar Commuter Rail.svg
|logo_width  = 150px
|image       = Northstar Doubleheader.jpg
|image_width = 300px
|type        = [[Commuter rail]]
|owner       = [[Metropolitan Council (Minnesota)|Metropolitan Council]]
|system      = [[Metro Transit (Minnesota)|Metro Transit]]
|status      = <!-- Only use when line is not operating normally -->
|locale      = [[Minnesota]] ([[Minneapolis]], [[Hennepin County]], [[Anoka County]] and [[Sherburne County]])
|start       = [[Target Field (Metro Transit station)|Target Field]]
|end         = [[Big Lake (Metro Transit station)|Big Lake]]
|stations    = 7
<!-- |frequency   = 4 weekday round trips -->
|routes      = 
|daily_ridership = {{American transit ridership|MN Minneapolis CR daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
|ridership2  = {{American transit ridership|MN Minneapolis CR annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
|open        = {{start date|2009|11|16}}<ref name="metrocouncil.org">{{cite press release| url=http://www.metrocouncil.org/news/2009/news_651.htm| title=Minnesota's new star to begin service Nov. 16| publisher=Metropolitan Council| date=August 31, 2009| access-date=November 30, 2009| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091119092128/http://www.metrocouncil.org/news/2009/news_651.htm| archive-date=November 19, 2009| df=mdy-all}}</ref>
|last        = 
|operator    = [[BNSF Railway]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Taking riders off the road and onto rail: BNSF operates trains for passenger rail services |url=https://www.bnsf.com/news-media/railtalk/service/suburban-services.html |publisher=BNSF Railway |access-date=17 March 2025}}</ref>
|routenumber = 
|trainnumber = 888
|character   = 
|stock       = [[MotivePower]] [[MP36PH-3C]],<br />[[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]]
|linelength  = {{convert|40.1|mi|km}}
|gauge       = {{RailGauge|ussg|allk=on}}
|electrification = 
|speed       = {{convert|79|mph|abbr=on}} [[speed limits in the United States (rail)|maximum]]<br />{{convert|47|mph|abbr=on}} average<!--calculated from 40 miles in 51 minutes-->
|elevation   = 
|map         = {{Switcher
<!-- interactive map can be found on Wikimedia Commons: Data:Northstar Line.map -->
|{{maplink-road|from=Northstar Line.map}} Northstar Line Map (with stations)<hr />
|Show interactive map
|{{Northstar Corridor}}
|Show route diagram
| [[File:Twin-cities-railway-transit.svg|400px]]
| Show static map}}
|website = {{URL|http://www.metrotransit.org/northstar|metrotransit.org/northstar}}
}}

The '''Northstar Line''' {{reporting mark|MNRX}} is a [[commuter rail]] route in the US state of [[Minnesota]]. Northstar runs {{convert|40|mi|km}} from [[Big Lake, Minnesota|Big Lake]] to downtown Minneapolis at [[Target Field]] using existing track and [[Right-of-way (property access)|right-of-way]] owned by the [[BNSF Railway]]. Passenger service began on November 16, 2009.<ref name=kare11>{{cite news| url=http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=828374&catid=391/| work=kare11 News| title=Northstar Commuter Rail service officially begins Monday| date=November 15, 2009| access-date=November 30, 2009| author=Hult, Karla}}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="metrocouncil.org" /> The rail line serves part of the Northstar Corridor between [[Minneapolis]] and [[St. Cloud, Minnesota|St. Cloud]]. Planning for the line began in 1997 when the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) was formed.<ref name="history">{{cite web|url=http://www.northstarcorridor.com/abt_history.html|title=History of Northstar|work=Northstar Commuter Rail|publisher=Northstar Corridor Development Authority|year=2009|access-date=February 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714195413/http://www.northstarcorridor.com/abt_history.html|archive-date=July 14, 2011}}</ref> The corridor is also served by [[Interstate 94]] and [[U.S. Highway 10]]. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the system had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|MN Minneapolis CR annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|MN Minneapolis CR daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

== Background ==
The route was initially designed to run the full distance of {{convert|81.8|mi|km}} between Minneapolis and [[Rice, Minnesota]], northwest of St. Cloud, with 11 stations. The [[Minnesota Department of Transportation]] (MnDOT) submitted a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Final Environmental Impact Statement in October 2000 and March 2002, respectively, and in turn the [[Federal Transit Administration]] (FTA) concluded the process with a Record of Decision in December 2002. The project was counting on federal funding for half of its construction costs, but estimated ridership for the full route was not high enough to qualify for that much needed federal funding.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.startribune.com/northstar-commuter-line-hits-the-rail-road/70176217/| title= Northstar commuter line hits the (rail) road| website= [[Star Tribune]]| date = November 16, 2009}}</ref> To produce a more favorable proposal, project partners modified the Locally Preferred Alternative and defined a Minimum Operable Segment, which halved the line's length to {{convert|40.1|mi|km}}, terminating at Big Lake, eliminating the three stations in Rice, St. Cloud, and [[Becker, Minnesota|Becker]]. Later modifications further reduced the scope of Northstar service, reducing daily trains from 18 to 12 and deferring stations at [[Coon Rapids–Foley Boulevard station|Coon Rapids–Foley Boulevard]] and [[Northeast Minneapolis]] at 7th Street.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northstar Corridor Rail Project Environmental Assessment/Draft 4(f) Evaluation |url=https://www.dot.state.mn.us/passengerrail/reports/northstar-eas/intro-chap2-1-20.pdf |publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation |access-date=17 March 2025 |date=December 2005}}</ref><ref name="SRF 2023 Appx. A" /> To comply with the FTA's Record of Decision, the Minimum Operable Segment became Phase I; completing the line to Rice and construction of the remaining five stations would occur at an undetermined later date as Phase II.

Several public demonstrations of commuter rail service on the Northstar corridor were trialed by MnDOT from 1997 to 2002. A 300-seat train was operated from St. Cloud to Minneapolis on January 28, 2002, using two bilevel passenger cars that were on their way to being delivered to [[Sound Transit]] in [[Seattle]] for use on the [[Sounder commuter rail]] system. The public were allowed to ride with an advance reservation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Aeikens |first=Dave |date=January 28, 2002 |title=Northstar followers ride for support |page=1B |work=St. Cloud Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-cloud-times-northstar-followers-ride/172542662/ |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=May 16, 2025}}</ref>

When the line was first proposed, then-Governor [[Jesse Ventura]] was an early advocate and convinced some people to come around to his point of view.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://hometownsource.com/2012/08/21/northstar-remains-high-on-list-of-epic-transportation-battles-at-capitol/ |title=Northstar remains high on list of epic transportation battles at Capitol &#124; Hometown Source |access-date=September 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225041955/http://hometownsource.com/2012/08/21/northstar-remains-high-on-list-of-epic-transportation-battles-at-capitol/ |archive-date=February 25, 2014 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Ventura's successor, Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]], did not initially support it. He changed his mind after MnDOT determined that a scaled-back version of the line would qualify for federal funding.

The 2004 Minnesota Legislative session did not pass a bonding bill, which meant a lack of funds for initial project work. Some [[List of counties in Minnesota|counties]] in the area and the [[Metropolitan Council (Minnesota)|Metropolitan Council]] came up with matching funds to allow funding from the [[United States federal government]] to continue. During the 2005 state legislative session, a bonding bill including $37.5 million of funding for the proposed project was passed. The bill was signed on April 11, 2005, by Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] at the site of the [[Coon Rapids Riverdale (Metro Transit station)|Riverdale station]] in [[Coon Rapids, Minnesota|Coon Rapids]].<ref name="trains-mag">(July 2005), "City Rail briefs", ''Trains Magazine'', p.&nbsp;29.</ref>   The 2006 state legislature, along with city, county and federal governments, provided funding to complete the corridor to Big Lake.<ref>{{cite news|title=Legislature passes $1 billion public works bill|year=2006|work=Pioneer Press}}</ref>

Construction began on the maintenance facility near [[Big Lake station]] and on the Blue Line light rail extension in September 2007, before full funding for the line had been secured.<ref name="history" /> On December 11, 2007, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation [[Thomas J. Barrett|Thomas Barrett]] met with Governor Pawlenty in Anoka County and officially signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement of $156.8 million, nearly half of the funding for the $317 million, {{convert|40|mi|km|adj=on}} line from Minneapolis to Big Lake. The money enabled the release of an additional $97.5 million in state bonding money set aside for the project.<ref name="ST121007">{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/north/12339686.html|title=Finally, all aboard Northstar rail|author1=Paul Levy  |author2=Joy Powell |name-list-style=amp |work=Star Tribune|date=December 10, 2007|access-date=February 11, 2010}}</ref><ref name=ST121107>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/north/12389261.html|title=Northstar set to roll, but how far?|author=Paul Levy|work=Star Tribune|date=December 11, 2007|access-date=February 11, 2010}}</ref>

The federal government invested $156.8 million, the state paid $98.6 million and the Anoka County Regional Rail Authority pledged $34.8 million. The remaining partners were Sherburne County Regional Rail Authority ($8.2 million), Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority ($8 million), the Metropolitan Council ($5.9 million) and the [[Minnesota Twins]] ($2.6 million, for the station improvements under the new [[Target Field]] where the Minneapolis station was constructed).<ref name="ST121007" />  Of the $317 million total, $107.5 million went to paying BNSF for a perpetual easement for track rights and facilities along the line and to pay the BNSF employees that operate the trains. The operating budget for the first full year of service, 2010, was $16.8 million.<ref name="st20091127" />

===Corridor buses===
During development of the rail line, MnDOT initiated an interim [[commuter bus]], '''Northstar Commuter Coach''', in response to worsening highway congestion and lack of transit alternatives in the corridor. The service stopped at future [[Elk River station|Elk River]] and Riverdale station sites, and terminated in downtown Minneapolis at Ramp B/5th Street Transit Center adjacent to the future Target Field Station. Inaugurated October 1, 2001, the route operated eight round-trips during weekdays and averaged 225 daily riders in its first year of service.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Larson |first1=Susan M.A. |title=Northstar commuter bus exceeding expectations |url=http://www.erstarnews.com/2002/November/5bus.html |work=Elk River Star News & Shopper |date=November 5, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060109171231/http://www.erstarnews.com/2002/November/5bus.html |archive-date=January 9, 2006 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MN/DOT to Launch First Commuter Coach Bus Service in Northstar Corridor |url=http://www.commutercoach.org/09_17_01.shtml |website=commutercoach.org |publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511163011/http://www.commutercoach.org/09_17_01.shtml |archive-date=May 11, 2008 |date=September 17, 2001 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Operations were transferred to NCDA in 2003 and the route was discontinued with the opening of the commuter rail line in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northstar Corridor Development Authority to Take Over Operations of NorthStar Commuter Coach |url=http://www.commutercoach.org/20030716.shtml |website=commutercoach.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515213300/http://www.commutercoach.org/20030716.shtml |archive-date=May 15, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rider Alert |url=http://www.commutercoach.org/rideralert.shtml |website=commutercoach.org |publisher=Northstar Commuter Coach |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091202041947/http://www.commutercoach.org:80/rideralert.shtml |archive-date=December 2, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On January 22, 2007, an additional commuter bus, '''Ramsey Star Express''', began operating in the corridor. The route, sponsored by the [[Ramsey, Minnesota|City of Ramsey]] and operated by Metro Transit, provided four round-trips on weekdays between [[Ramsey station (Metro Transit)|Ramsey station]] and Ramp B/5th Street Transit Center in downtown Minneapolis.<ref>{{cite web |title=Route 856 Ramsey Star Express Timetable |url=http://www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/Documents/Front%20page/Star%20Express2.pdf |publisher=City of Ramsey |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205051550/http://www.ci.ramsey.mn.us/Documents/Front%20page/Star%20Express2.pdf |archive-date=February 5, 2009 |date=March 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The route saw an average of 115 daily riders.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sakry |first1=Tammy |title=Ramsey to expand parking ramp, receives good news on rail station |url=http://abcnewspapers.com/2011/08/15/ramsey-to-expand-parking-ramp-receives-good-news-on-rail-station/ |work=ABC Newspapers |date=August 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706143506/http://abcnewspapers.com/2011/08/15/ramsey-to-expand-parking-ramp-receives-good-news-on-rail-station/ |archive-date=July 6, 2012}}</ref> A rail station was previously considered in Ramsey but was eliminated between the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements.<ref name="FTA ROD">{{cite web |title=Record of Decision: Northstar Corridor Rail Project |url=https://www.dot.state.mn.us/passengerrail/reports/northstar-rod.pdf |website=dot.mn.state.us |publisher=Federal Transit Administration |access-date=17 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714072554/https://www.dot.state.mn.us/passengerrail/reports/northstar-rod.pdf |archive-date=July 14, 2010}}</ref> However, in an effort to bolster Northstar ridership, an [[infill station]] at the same site was completed in 2012 and bus service was discontinued, saving the city $500,000 annually.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Levy |first1=Paul |title=Cost of Ramsey Northstar station: $130,000 per new rider |url=https://www.startribune.com/cost-of-ramsey-northstar-station-130-000-per-new-rider/178027921 |access-date=17 March 2025 |work=Star Tribune |date=9 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212193058/https://www.startribune.com/cost-of-ramsey-northstar-station-130-000-per-new-rider/178027921/ |archive-date=December 12, 2021 |language=en}}</ref>

Metro Transit route restructuring in late 2000 resulted in the creation of express bus Routes 850, 851, and 852 to downtown Minneapolis.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northeast metro service improvements begin June 9 |url=http://www.metrocouncil.org/transit/news/Stories/ne_routechanges.htm |website=metrocouncil.org |publisher=Metro Transit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010812195529/http://www.metrocouncil.org/transit/news/Stories/ne_routechanges.htm |date=12 August 2001|archive-date=2001-08-12 }}</ref> Route 851 served the Riverdale station site and the vicinity of the future [[Anoka station]]. Routes 850 and 852 primarily serve the Foley Boulevard station, providing local service north and connecting to two Northstar stations. Route 851 was discontinued after the opening of rail service and because no station has been built at the existing Foley Boulevard park and ride Routes 850 and 852 remain in operation.<ref name="SRF 2023 Appx. A" />

== Construction and operation ==
[[File:NorthstarRailDowntownMinneapolisBallpark1.JPG|thumb|left|The platforms at Target Field under construction in 2009]]
The [[Minnesota Department of Transportation]] (Mn/DOT) and the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) studied options for development of the corridor to handle the increasing commuter load and felt that a commuter rail line was the best option. It was expected to cost about US$265 million in 2008 dollars, estimated to be less than one-third the cost of upgrading existing highways,<ref name="why2008">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604125948/http://www.northstartrain.org/why.html|title=Why Northstar Commuter Rail?|work=Northstar Commuter Rail|publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation and Northstar Corridor Development Authority|archive-date=June 4, 2008|access-date=February 11, 2010|url=http://www.northstartrain.org/why.html}}</ref><ref name="facts2007">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927111658/http://www.northstartrain.org/facts.html|title=Facts and Figures|work=Northstar Commuter Rail|publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation and Northstar Corridor Development Authority|archive-date=September 27, 2007 |access-date=February 11, 2010|url=http://www.northstartrain.org/facts.html}}</ref> though the cost would later climb to $317 million.<ref name="st20091127">{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/west/75208982.html|title=Now riders and nonriders can add up value of Northstar|date=November 27, 2009|author=Jim Foti|access-date=January 5, 2010|work=Star Tribune|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201182626/http://www.startribune.com/local/west/75208982.html|archive-date=December 1, 2009}}</ref> Because almost all of the route being used already existed, the investment mostly went into building new stations, upgrading track, enhancing the safety of crossings, and updating signals. A significant portion of the funds were to extend the [[METRO Blue Line]] to the [[Target Field station]] on the west side of [[Interstate 394]] and 5th Street in downtown Minneapolis. This terminal station is integrated into the [[Minnesota Twins]]' new ballpark, [[Target Field]], which opened in March 2010.

During normal operation, the line had six trains running in the morning and evening [[rush hour]] periods, and limited service on [[weekends]] and holidays. [[Bus]] feeder lines, including the '''Northstar Link''' from St. Cloud to [[Big Lake station]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catchthelink.com|title=Northstar Link Commuter Bus|work=CatchTheLink.com|publisher=Northstar Corridor Development Authority, Sherburne County, Stearns County|access-date=February 11, 2010}}</ref> bring residents along the corridor to the nearest train station. Once in downtown, commuters can walk upstairs to the METRO Blue and Green Lines, take a bus into other areas of the city, or go into one of the nearby buildings integrated into the [[Minneapolis Skyway System|Minneapolis skyway system]]. In the first year, 2010, Metro Ridership fell well short of its goal of 3,400 weekday trips from this station. Metro Transit has a goal for of 5,900 by 2030<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metrotransit.org/Northstar/facts.asp|title=Northstar facts and funding|publisher=Metro Transit|access-date=February 11, 2010}}</ref> intending to save those commuters 900,000 hours over the course of a year when compared to taking a dedicated bus line.<ref name="why2008" />

From its opening until January 2014, Northstar trains arrived on time for 96 percent of trips making it one of the most reliable services from Metro Transit. Starting in the winter of 2014, on-time performance suffered due to heavy freight traffic and severe cold weather. By the end of February 2014, on-time reliability was down to 74 percent.<ref name=BNSF_Cold /> Freight traffic from the [[North Dakota oil boom]] contributed to congestion and delays for trains. The delays were also felt by the [[Amtrak]] ''[[Empire Builder]]'' route which travels through the same corridor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Paul |title=Freight traffic disrupting Northstar |work=Star Tribune |date=February 25, 2014 | url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101215487/freight-traffic-disrupting-northstar/ |access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref> Delays were severe enough for legislators to hold a public hearing at the State Capitol with BNSF in attendance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=Northstar delays get Capitol hearing |work=Star Tribune |date=February 26, 2014|url=https://www.startribune.com/northstar-delays-get-capitol-hearing/247176771/ |access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref> During the hearing, BNSF stated that delays were due to cold weather and not freight traffic. The cold weather caused mechanical issues and limited how long crews could work outside.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gilbert |first1=Curtis |title=BNSF: Cold, not oil trains, delaying Northstar |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/02/27/bnsf-cold-not-oil-trains-delaying-northstar-commuter-rail |work=MPR News |date=February 27, 2014 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=BNSF_Cold>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=BNSF: Blame the weather, not oil trains, for Northstar's delays |work=Star Tribune |date=February 28, 2014 |url=https://www.startribune.com/bnsf-blame-weather-not-oil-trains-for-northstar-line-s-delays/247613111/ |access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sommerhauser |first1=Mark |title=BNSF official says weather, not oil trains, caused Northstar woes |work=[[St. Cloud Times]] |date=February 28, 2014 |url = https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101215960/bnsf-official-says-weather-not-oil-trai/ |access-date=May 6, 2022 |pages =[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101215960/bnsf-official-says-weather-not-oil-trai/ 1A], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/101216193/bnsf-official-says-weather-not-oil-trai/ 5A]}}</ref> BNSF spent money on repairs and maintenance along the corridor over 2014, which included replacing ties, switches, and adding switch covers which would protect switches from ice and snow.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Prather |first1=Shannon |title=Northstar struggles with delays, dip in ridership |work=Star Tribune |date=November 16, 2014| url = https://www.startribune.com/northstar-struggles-with-delays-dip-in-ridership/282829541/ |access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref> While January through October 2014 saw trains arriving on-time just 65.7 percent of the time, during the month of December trains were back to 95 percent on-time performance. Metro Transit offered refunds to customers whose trains were more than 10 minutes late in January and February 2015 in an effort to draw back ridership. During January 2015 trips were on time 98% of the time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=Northstar riders get money-back guarantee |work=Star Tribune |date=December 19, 2014 |url = https://www.startribune.com/northstar-commuters-get-money-back-guarantee/286292991/ |access-date=May 6, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=Money-back guarantee on Northstar extended through February |url=https://www.startribune.com/money-back-guarantee-on-northstar-extended-through-february/290233801/ |access-date=May 6, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=January 29, 2015}}</ref>

== Ridership ==
{| class="toccolours collapsible" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="float: right; clear: both; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; text-align:right;"
|-
! colspan="5"  style="background-color:#ccf; background-color:#ccf; padding-right:3px; padding-left:3px; font-size:110%; text-align:center;"| Annual Passenger Ridership
|- style="font-size:90%; text-align:center"
! style="border-bottom:1px solid black" | Year || style="border-bottom:1px solid black"| Ridership || style="border-bottom:1px solid black"| % Change || style="border-bottom:1px solid black"|
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2009''' || {{formatnum:  }} 78,782 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | -
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2010''' || {{formatnum:  }} 710,426 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:801.8}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2011''' || {{formatnum:  }} 703,427 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:-1.3}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2012''' || {{formatnum:700276}} || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" |  {{formatnum:-0.4}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2013''' || {{formatnum:  }} 787,239 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" |  {{formatnum:+12.3}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2014''' || {{formatnum: }} 721,214 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" |  {{formatnum:-8.4}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2015''' || {{formatnum:  }} 722,637 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:+0.2}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2016''' || {{formatnum:  }} 711,168 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:-1.6}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2017''' || {{formatnum:  }} 793,796 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:+11.6}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2018''' || {{formatnum:  }} 787,327 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:-0.8}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2019''' || {{formatnum:  }} 767,500 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:-2.5}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2020''' || {{formatnum:  }} 152,600 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:-80.1}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2021''' || {{formatnum:  }} 50,433 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:-67}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2022''' || {{formatnum:  }} 77,076 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:52.8}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2023''' || {{formatnum:  }} 97,264 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:26.2}}%
|- style="text-align:center;"
| '''2024''' || {{formatnum:  }} 127,400 || style="text-align:right; padding-right:15px" | {{formatnum:40}}%
|-
|colspan=5 style="border-top:1px solid black; font-size:85%; text-align:left" | Sources:<ref>{{cite web |title=2011 Transit Report: A Guide to Minnesota's Public Transit Systems |url=https://mdl.mndot.gov/_flysystem/fedora/2023-04/minnesota-transit-report-2011.pdf |website=www.dot.state.mn.us |publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation |access-date=16 March 2025 |page=86 |date=December 2011}}</ref><ref name="With reliability issues behind, Northstar sees positive momentum with slight rise in ridership">{{cite web| url=http://www.startribune.com/with-reliability-issues-behind-northstar-sees-positive-momentum-with-slight-rise-in-ridership/368195931/ |title=With reliability issues behind, Northstar sees positive momentum with slight rise in ridership|author=Tim Harlow|publisher=Star Tribune |type=PDF |access-date=June 18, 2017}}</ref><ref name="2016 Transit Ridership in Twin Cities Region">{{cite web| url=https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Services/Regional-Transit-Ridership/2016-Transit-Ridership-Regional-Transit-System-T.aspx/ |title=2016 Transit Ridership in Twin Cities Region |author=Metropolitan Council|type=PDF |access-date=June 18, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Daily commuter ridership up on Northstar; overall ridership drops slightly">{{cite web| url=http://erstarnews.com/2012/01/19/commuter-ridership-up-on-northstar-total-ridership-drops-slightly/ |title=Daily commuter ridership up on Northstar; overall ridership drops slightly |author=Joni Astrup|type=PDF |access-date=June 18, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Rail lines set records as Metro Transit ridership tops 81.9 million in 2017">{{cite web| url=https://www.metrotransit.org/rail-lines-set-records-as-metro-transit-ridership-tops-819-million-in-2017 |title=Rail lines set records as Metro Transit ridership tops 81.9 million in 2017 |author=Drew Kerr|type=web |access-date=July 20, 2018}}</ref><ref name="metrocouncil.org2019">{{cite press release| url=https://www.metrotransit.org/light-rail-bus-rapid-transit-lines-set-annual-ridership-records|title=Light rail, Bus Rapid Transit lines set annual ridership records|author=Kerr, Drew|date=February 11, 2019|work=Metro Transit}}</ref>
|}

Ridership in the first 15 days averaged 2,207 per day (33,112 total), short of a goal of 2,460.<ref name="strib121009">{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/local/78990087.html|title=Northstar ridership below Metro Transit goals|author=Bob von Sternberg|date=December 10, 2009|work=Star Tribune|access-date=January 19, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213121433/http://www.startribune.com/local/78990087.html|archive-date=December 13, 2009}}</ref> By the end of January 2010, goals were exceeded by 3%.<ref>Article does not clearly state whether these were December 2009 or January 2010 figures. {{cite web|url=http://wcco.com/local/metro.transit.ridership.2.1475755.html|title=Metro Transit Ridership Is Dropping|author=Cory Kampschroer|work=WCCO.com|date=February 6, 2010|access-date=February 11, 2010}}</ref> Ridership for 2010 was originally projected to be 897,000 though ultimately ended up at 715,000.<ref>{{cite web|title=Northstar commuter ridership falling below forecast|url=http://trn.trains.com/en/Railroad%20News/News%20Wire/2010/12/Northstar%20commuter%20ridership%20falling%20below%20forecast.aspx|publisher=Trains Magazine|access-date=December 7, 2010|date=December 6, 2010}}</ref> Because ridership varies significantly through the course of a year, Metro Transit's month-to-month goals are different from the yearly average goal. Daily ridership was 2,814 in early 2019, the same level it was in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metrotransit.org/light-rail-bus-rapid-transit-lines-set-annual-ridership-records|title=Rider's Almanac Blog|website=www.metrotransit.org}}</ref> Ridership was projected to be 5,590 in 2025 and 6,200 in 2030, according to a 2009 study by Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.<ref name="stats">{{cite news|url=https://www.hometownsource.com/elk_river_star_news/the-little-train-that-couldn-t/article_952cc970-0f36-11ea-9066-1bd3acd55d81.html|title=The little train that couldn't|date=November 26, 2019|author=Boyle, Jim|work=Elk River Star News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Metro Transit Facts 2023 |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/Data/Sites/1/media/blog/2023_factbook_letter_new_final_final.pdf |website=metrotransit.org |publisher=Metro Transit |access-date=16 March 2025}}</ref>

In 2019 Northstar averaged 2,660 weekday rides and 705 weekend rides. Event service comprised 31{{ndash}}37% of total annual boardings.<ref name="SRF 2023 Appx. A">{{cite web |title=Northstar Rail Corridor Post-Pandemic Study Appendix A: Corridor History and Existing Conditions Technical Report |url=https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Publications-And-Resources/Transit/COMMUTER-RAIL/2023-Northstar-Rail-Corridor-Post-Pandemic-Study/Appendix-A-Corridor-History-and-Existing-Condition.aspx |publisher=Metropolitan Council |access-date=16 March 2025 |date=March 2023}}</ref> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], ridership dropped to 152,600 passengers in 2020 and to 50,433 in 2021.

{{#invoke:Chart | bar chart
| stack = 1
| width = 640
| group 1 = 
78782:710426:703427:700276:787239:721214:722637:711168:793796:787327:767500:152600:50433:77076:97264:127400
| units suffix =
| group names = Annual ridership
| x legends = 2009:2010:2011:2012:2013:2014:2015:2016:2017:2018:2019:2020:2021:2022:2023:2024
| colors = #{{rcr|Metro Transit (Minnesota)|Northstar}}
}}

== Route ==
[[File:Nicollet Isle (4591123935).jpg|thumb|A Northstar train crosses the Mississippi River at Nicollet Island]]
At Target Field Station, the parallel rail lines of the old [[Great Northern Railway (U.S.)|Great Northern Railway]] (north side track now BNSF) and the [[Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway]] (south side track now Union Pacific) travel eastbound past the Federal Reserve Bank, the site of the old [[Minneapolis Great Northern Depot]], across the [[Mississippi River]] on the [[Minneapolis BNSF Rail Bridge]] and then across [[Nicollet Island]]. At a [[Wye (rail)|wye]], the route turns northwest in the GN East side line, which then joins the parallel ex-Northern Pacific main line. The ex-Great Northern and ex-Northern Pacific lines are merged into BNSF and this is now the BNSF [[Northern Transcon]] (transcontinental) line.

The route travels north through the Northtown Classification Yards, over [[Interstate 694]] and makes its first stop at 61st Avenue in Fridley at the yard limit of Northtown, where it enters BNSF's [[Staples Subdivision]]. The double track line continues past the current [[Coon Rapids Foley Boulevard (Metro Transit station)|Foley Boulevard park-and-ride]] bus station, which is planned to be a future Northstar station and turns northwest at Coon Creek Junction, where the old GN route to Duluth (now BNSF's [[Hinckley Subdivision]]) splits off and heads straight north. The current [[Coon Rapids station]] is behind the Riverdale shopping center by Round Lake Boulevard and new stations were also built in Anoka, Elk River, and Big Lake.

The Great Northern Railway and Northern Pacific Railway had local services from Minneapolis to all of the cities currently served by Northstar up through the early 20th century. One Fridley station was about a mile north of the current stop, at Mississippi Boulevard. There possibly was a stop shared by GN and NP at Coon Creek Junction.<ref name="anoka-stations">{{cite web|url=http://www.west2k.com/mnstations/anoka.shtml|title=Anoka County Minnesota Railroad Stations|author=Dan West|work=Minnesota Railroad Stations Past and Present|access-date=February 11, 2010}}</ref> There were at least three stations built in Anoka over the years, and two stations in Elk River and Big Lake, with both cities having one stop for each railroad.<ref name="sherburne-stations">{{cite web|url=http://www.west2k.com/mnstations/sherburne.shtml|title=Sherburne County Minnesota Railroad Stations|author=Dan West|work=Minnesota Railroad Stations Past and Present|access-date=February 11, 2010}}</ref>

== Upgrades and potential extension to St. Cloud ==
The double-track main line between Northtown Yard in Minneapolis and Coon Creek Junction in [[Coon Rapids, Minnesota|Coon Rapids]] is the busiest rail corridor in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. In July 2009, before the Northstar Commuter Rail commuter line began operation, this segment had hosted 63 trains per day.<ref name="metro-rail-volume">{{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ofrw/maps/MetroRailVolSpeed.pdf|title=Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro Area 2009 Railroad Volume and Speed Map|publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation|date=July 2009|access-date=January 6, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519135846/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ofrw/maps/MetroRailVolSpeed.pdf|archive-date=May 19, 2011}}</ref> The Minnesota Department of Transportation would like to run more passenger trains through the corridor, including Northstar and other proposed passenger rail routes like the proposed ''[[Northern Lights Express]]'' to [[Duluth]]. A $113.4 million project to add a third main line and a new station at Foley Boulevard in Coon Rapids is planned. A $99 million grant request was filed under the [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009]] to cover most of the cost.<ref name="bnsf-tiger">{{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.mn.us/federalrecovery/docs/bnsfpassengerrail.pdf|title=BNSF Easement Rights and Passenger Rail Capacity Improvements|publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation|date=September 15, 2009|access-date=January 6, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902024306/http://www.dot.state.mn.us/federalrecovery/docs/bnsfpassengerrail.pdf|archive-date=September 2, 2012}}</ref>  TIGER grants are expected to be awarded on February 17, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dc.streetsblog.org/2010/02/05/tiger-grant-winners-to-be-announced-by-february-17/|title=TIGER Grant Winners to be Announced By February 17|author=Elana Schor|work=DC.StreetsBlog.org|date=February 5, 2010|access-date=February 15, 2010}}</ref>

Foley station was among cuts to the Northstar plan in 2003 while federal funding was being sought prior to construction. Despite the fact the 3,200-stall parking facility already existed (sans boarding platforms), riders would not save enough time by switching from existing bus service to rail to make the stop fit within the guidelines enforced by Federal Transit Administration's cost-effectiveness index.<ref name="abc2003">{{cite web|url=http://www.abcnewspapers.com/2003/coonrapids/december/24northstar.html|title=Scaled-back Northstar is likely|work=Coon Rapids Herald|publisher=ABC Newspapers|author=Peter Bodley|date=December 24, 2003|access-date=February 11, 2009}} {{dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> A station in [[Ramsey, Minnesota|Ramsey]] at Ramsey Town Center was also cut prior to construction. [[Ramsey (Metro Transit station)|Ramsey station]] construction has since been fully funded, and construction began on March 27, 2012;<ref>{{cite news| url=http://northstar.typepad.com/northstar_commuter_rail/2012/03/groundbreaking-on-ramsey-northstar-station-set-for-march-27.html| title=Groundbreaking on Ramsey Northstar Station Starts Construction| work=Northstar Corridor}}</ref> it was completed on November 8<ref>{{cite news|url=http://abcnewspapers.com/2012/10/27/ramsey-station-will-be-ready-for-northstar-service-nov-14/|title=Ramsey station will be ready for Northstar service Nov. 14|last=Sakry|first=Tammy|date=October 27, 2012|work=ABC Newspapers.com|publisher=ECM Publishers|access-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref> and opened on November 14, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2012/11/13/new-northstar-rail-station-opens-in-ramsey/|title=New Northstar Rail Station Opens In Ramsey|last=Hudson|first=Bill|date=November 13, 2012|work=CBS Minnesota|access-date=February 4, 2013}}</ref>

A major obstacle to extending Northstar to St. Cloud had been the lack of double-tracked rail for {{convert|9|mi|km|spell=in}} from Big Lake to [[Becker, Minnesota|Becker]].<ref name="draft-srp-memo4">{{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/files/DraftTechMemo4.pdf|title=Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan: Freight and Passenger Rail System Planning (Draft Technical Memorandum 4)|publisher=Cambridge Systematics|date=August 2009|access-date=January 6, 2010}}</ref> However, due to increased freight traffic on the line, BNSF double-tracked the corridor in 2015.<ref name="rail-line-work">{{cite web|url=http://www.citizennewspaper.com/news/rail-line-work-big-lake-becker-underway|title=Rail Line Work, Big Lake to Becker, Is Underway|publisher=Citizen Tribune|date=May 2015|access-date=February 5, 2016}}</ref> The Minnesota Department of Transportation says that extending Northstar would result in 1 to 1.5 million annual trips on the line{{citation needed|date=December 2013}}. In its 2010 State Rail Plan, the agency stated an expectation of [[farebox recovery ratio]]s between 70% and 111% on the full line.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/finalreport/MNRailPlanFinalReportFeb2010.pdf|title=Minnesota Comprehensive Statewide Freight and Passenger Rail Plan (Final Report)|date=February 2009|author=Cambridge Systematics, Inc., Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc., and TKDA, Inc.|publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation|access-date=February 11, 2010}}</ref>  However, the same plan estimated farebox recovery ratios of just 21% to 34% on the proposed ''Northern Lights Express'', which in a 2007 business plan had calculated ratios of over 100%.<ref name="tems-2007">Minneapolis-Duluth/Superior: Restoration of Intercity Passenger Rail Service Comprehensive Feasibility Study and Business Plan ([http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/docs/TEMS_C_1_2.pdf ch. 1–2], [http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/docs/TEMS_C_3.pdf ch 3], [http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/docs/TEMS_C_4_10.pdf ch 4–10], [http://www.dot.state.mn.us/planning/railplan/docs/TEMS_Appendices.pdf appendices]). Transportation Economics & Management Systems, Inc., December 2007. Accessed December 18, 2009.</ref> On November 8, 2010, it was announced that the planned extension of the line to St. Cloud had been indefinitely delayed. Projected ridership is not sufficient to qualify for federal funding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trn.trains.com/en/Railroad%20News/News%20Wire/2010/11/Northstar%20commuter%20train%20expansion%20put%20on%20hold.aspx|title=Northstar commuter train expansion put on hold|publisher=Trains Magazine|date=November 8, 2010|access-date=November 8, 2010}}</ref>

Proposals to extend the line have continued to surface in the years following opening of the line. In 2016 and 2018, Minnesota state legislators proposed extending the line to St. Cloud using existing equipment by running two daily round-trips to St. Cloud and reducing other trips to Minneapolis from five to four.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bakst |first1=Brian |title=Two GOP lawmakers want Northstar to go to St. Cloud |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2016/03/28/two-gop-lawmakers-want-northstar-to-go-to-st-cloud |access-date=July 21, 2022 |work=MPR News |date=March 28, 2016 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hertel |first1=Nora G. |title=Pitch for St. Cloud Northstar rail route gets one green light |url=https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2018/03/29/pitch-st-cloud-northstar-rail-route-gets-one-green-light/469694002/ |access-date=July 21, 2022 |work=St. Cloud Times |date=March 29, 2018}}</ref> Governor [[Mark Dayton]] proposed a six-month demonstration service to St. Cloud in 2017 but the demonstration would have only included 1 round trip a day and not have trains stopping at stations between Minneapolis and St. Cloud.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dickrell |first1=Stephanie |title=Advocates welcome Northstar demonstration plan |url=https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2017/03/17/dayton-budget-would-fund-northstar-st-cloud/99308308/ |access-date=July 21, 2022 |work=St. Cloud Times |date=March 17, 2017}}</ref> Extending the line to [[Camp Ripley]] was proposed in 2019 by House of Representative legislators.<ref>{{cite web |title=HF 856 Status in the House for the 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) |url=https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0856&ssn=0&y=2019 |website=www.revisor.mn.gov |publisher=Minnesota House of Representatives |access-date=July 21, 2022 |date=February 7, 2019}}</ref> Another extension feasibility study sponsored by MnDOT was released in July 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Northstar Commuter Rail Extension Feasibility Assessment |url=https://www.dot.state.mn.us/passengerrail/northstar-study/pdf/northstar-extension-feasibility-report.pdf |publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation and Quandel Consultants |access-date=July 21, 2022 |date=July 31, 2020}}</ref>

Possible extension of the line has been revived in the 2022 Transportation Omnibus bill passed by the MN legislature. The bill includes funding for a study that would consider different possible rail service to the St Cloud and Fargo-Moorhead regions. This could include recommendations to extend Northstar.

== Pandemic and future ==
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Metro Transit eliminated weekend service and special event service. Weekly trips dropped from 72 to 20. Ridership on the line was down 95% in August 2020 compared to before the pandemic.
<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Janet |title=Transit officials consider future of Minnesota's Northstar rail line |url=https://www.startribune.com/transit-officials-consider-future-of-minnesota-s-northstar-rail-line/572762291/ |access-date=May 3, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=October 15, 2020}}</ref>  [[Lakeville, Minnesota|Lakeville]]'s state representative, [[Jon Koznick]], proposed shuttering Northstar operations in 2021 but that would require the repayment of $85 million in federal funds used to construct the project.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Janet |title=Talks surface again about shuttering Minnesota's Northstar rail line |url=https://www.startribune.com/talks-surface-again-about-shuttering-minnesota-s-northstar-rail-line/600039131/ |access-date=May 4, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=March 26, 2021}}</ref> The Republican-controlled [[Minnesota Senate]] proposed closing Northstar in the 2022 legislative session and included asking the federal government to not require the repayment of federal funds.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pan |first1=Henry |title=Divided Legislature hits usual roadblocks on transportation deal |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2022/04/29/divided-legislature-hits-usual-roadblocks-on-transportation-deal/ |access-date=May 4, 2022 |work=Minnesota Reformer |date=April 29, 2022}}</ref>

Metro Transit and MnDOT in combination with three counties that Northstar operates in, Anoka County, Hennepin County, and Sherburne County, agreed to a master funding agreement in 2018 that covered operating expenses through 2022. Anoka County ceased paying their financial contribution by the second half of 2020. The county requested a reduced payment due to reduced ridership.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Janet |title=Northstar rail runs into trouble in Anoka County |url=https://www.startribune.com/northstar-rail-runs-into-trouble-in-anoka-county/600111876/ |access-date=May 4, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=October 31, 2021}}</ref> By 2022, the county owed Metro Transit $7.9 million for operating expenses stretching from 2020 to 2022. Special event service to Minnesota Twins games was not offered in 2022 due to the funding issue. Northstar served 81,561 rides to 64 Minnesota Twins games in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=Funding flap at center of decision to suspend Northstar service for Twins games |url=https://www.startribune.com/funding-flap-at-center-of-decision-to-suspend-northstar-service-for-twins-games/600162779/ |access-date=May 4, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=April 6, 2022}}</ref>

Anoka County ended up paying Metro Transit for 2020 and 2021 operating expenses after the 2021 bill was reduced from nearly $6 million to $1.95 million due to funds from BNSF and federal COVID relief bills. For the 2022 operating budget, Anoka County considered a $1.95 million payment to be their "full and final payment for 2022" despite Metro Transit requesting $4.6 million. Anoka County argued that they are paying the same amount from their 2021 bill for 2022 because the same amount of service is being offered while Metro Transit states it cannot increase service without covering the full operating costs of the line.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bodley |first1=Peter |title=County makes payments for commuter rail service |url=https://www.hometownsource.com/abc_newspapers/news/government/county-makes-payments-for-commuter-rail-service/article_8298c91e-fe0b-11ec-b793-f3259b533243.html |access-date=July 22, 2022 |work=hometownsource.com |date=July 11, 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=Anoka County, Metro Transit locked in Northstar funding dispute |url=https://www.startribune.com/anoka-county-metro-transit-locked-in-northstar-funding-dispute/600190777/ |access-date=July 22, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=July 18, 2022}}</ref>

The Metropolitan Council conducted a study on the future of Northstar post pandemic but the study was not intended to produce any decisions or recommendations. The study was completed in March 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hiniker |first1=Cole |last2=Elmer |first2=Steve |title=Northstar Rail Corridor Post Pandemic Study |url=https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees/Transportation-Committee/2022/April-25,-2022/Info-1_Northstar_final.aspx |publisher=Metropolitan Council |access-date=May 4, 2022 |date=April 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Northstar Rail Corridor Post-Pandemic Study |url=https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/System/Transit/Studies/Northstar-Rail-Corridor-Post-Pandemic-Study.aspx |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Metropolitan Council |language=en}}</ref>

Construction of the Northern Lights Express Intercity passenger train from Downtown Minneapolis to Duluth may add a transfer station at Coon-Rapids Foley Boulevard to allow for transfers between Northstar and NLX trains to other Amtrak intercity routes.

On October 2, 2023, service was increased to four round trips every weekday, including one reverse peak trip.<ref>{{Cite web |title=News & Events |url=https://www.metrotransit.org/increased-northstar-service-begins-monday-oct-2 |access-date=October 2, 2023 |website=www.metrotransit.org}}</ref> Special event service returned, serving Twins and Vikings games. There is still no weekend service. An increase in the sales tax in the seven-county metropolitan area approved in the 2023 Minnesota legislative session would help cover the increased expenses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=Metro Transit to add Northstar service on weekdays and for Vikings games |url=https://www.startribune.com/metro-transit-to-add-northstar-service-on-weekdays-and-for-vikings-games/600303728/ |access-date=November 2, 2023 |work=Star Tribune |date=September 12, 2023}}</ref>

On February 23, 2025, Minnesota State House Representative [[Jon Koznick]], serving as the chair of the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee and historical critic of Northstar, advanced a bill in the state house to terminate operations on the line, claiming that the line does not reduce congestion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RELEASE: Chair Koznick Advances Bill to Terminate Northstar Commuter Rail Operations |url= https://www.house.mn.gov/members/profile/news/15436/50198 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |website=www.house.mn.gov}}</ref> Shortly after Koznick's bill was sent to the General Register, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Council released a statement that the agencies had "jointly started the process to explore transitioning to bus service."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moore |first1=Janet |title= Northstar Commuter Rail could be shut down |url= https://www.startribune.com/northstar-commuter-rail-could-be-shut-down/601227451 |access-date=February 24, 2025 |work=Star Tribune |date=February 24, 2025}}</ref>

==Stations==
{| class="wikitable"
!County
!Location
!Station
!Connections and notes
|-
|[[Hennepin County|Hennepin]]
|[[Minneapolis]]
|[[Target Field station|Target Field]]
|{{rint|Minnesota|Metro|inline=yes}} [[Metro (Minnesota)|METRO]]: {{rcb|Metro (Minnesota)|Blue|inline=route}} {{rcb|Metro (Minnesota)|Green|inline=route}}<br>{{rint|bus|1}} [[Metro Transit (Minnesota)|Metro Transit]]: Routes 14, 94, 355, 363<br>{{rint|bus}} [[FlixBus]], [[Greyhound Lines|Greyhound]], [[Jefferson Lines]], Land to Air Express<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harlow |first1=Tim |title=Greyhound, Jefferson moving bus operations to Ramp B in downtown Minneapolis |url=https://www.startribune.com/greyhound-jefferson-moving-bus-operations-to-ramp-b-in-downtown-minneapolis/600304603 |access-date=18 March 2025 |work=www.startribune.com |date=14 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan=5|[[Anoka County|Anoka]]
|[[Fridley]]
|[[Fridley station|Fridley]]
|{{rint|bus|1}} Metro Transit: Route 852
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Coon Rapids, Minnesota|Coon Rapids]]
|bgcolor=dfdfdf|[[Coon Rapids–Foley Boulevard station|Foley Boulevard]]
|bgcolor=dfdfdf|Planned [[infill station]] at existing [[park and ride]].
|-
|[[Coon Rapids–Riverdale station|Riverdale]]
|{{rint|bus|1}} Metro Transit: Route 850
|-
|[[Anoka, Minnesota|Anoka]]
|[[Anoka station|Anoka]]
|{{rint|bus|1}} Metro Transit: Route 805
|-
|[[Ramsey, Minnesota|Ramsey]]
|[[Ramsey station (Metro Transit)|Ramsey]]
|Opened November 14, 2012
|-
|rowspan=3|[[Sherburne County|Sherburne]]
|[[Elk River, Minnesota|Elk River]]
|[[Elk River station|Elk River]]
|
|-
|[[Big Lake, Minnesota|Big Lake]]
|[[Big Lake station|Big Lake]]
|{{rint|bus|1}} [[St. Cloud Metro Bus|Metro Bus]]: Northstar Link (Route 887) to St. Cloud<br/>Current northern terminus.
|-bgcolor=dfdfdf
|[[St. Cloud, Minnesota|St. Cloud]]
|[[St. Cloud station|St. Cloud]]
|{{rint|us|amtrak}} [[Amtrak]]: {{lnl|Amtrak|Empire Builder}}<br>{{rint|bus|1}} Metro Bus: Routes 6, 21, 22<br/>Planned extension to existing Amtrak station.<ref name="SRF Appx. C">{{cite web |author1=SRF |title=Northstar Rail Corridor Post-Pandemic Study Appendix C: Rail Extension Technical Report |url=https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Publications-And-Resources/Transit/COMMUTER-RAIL/2023-Northstar-Rail-Corridor-Post-Pandemic-Study/Appendix-C-Rail-Extension-Technical-Report.aspx |publisher=Metropolitan Council |access-date=18 March 2025 |date=March 2023}}</ref><ref name="MnDOT 2024">{{cite web |title=Northstar Extension Assessment Study |url=https://www.lrl.mn.gov/docs/2024/mandated/240329.pdf |publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation |access-date=18 March 2025 |format=PDF |date=February 9, 2024}}</ref>
|}

===Cancelled/deferred stations===
After the project was split into two phases, three stations beyond the Minimum Operating Segment were indefinitely postponed; a new facility in [[Rice, Minnesota|Rice]], St. Cloud East and [[Becker, Minnesota|Becker]] at existing park and rides. The latter two are currently served by the Northstar Link bus. Between the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statement station sites at the existing Amtrak station in Downtown St. Cloud, [[Clear Lake, Minnesota|Clear Lake]], and Ramsey were eliminated;<ref name="FTA ROD" /> although a Ramsey station was constructed in 2012 and the Amtrak station is now the preferred terminus of the line, rather than the park and ride or Rice.

Late in the project's development, a station in [[Northeast Minneapolis]] was added to increase ridership.<ref name="FTA ROD" /> Located in the dense neighborhood at 7th Street near [[Minnesota State Highway 65|Central Avenue]], the station would have provided connections to several bus routes and a [[Minneapolis Streetcar System|proposed streetcar line]]. This station and one at Foley Boulevard, one of Metro Transit's largest and utilized park and rides, were deferred as the FTA's funding formula shifted from attracting new riders to cost-effectiveness.<ref name="Full EAS">{{cite web |title=Northstar Corridor Rail Project: Environmental Assessment/Draft 4(f) Evaluation |url=http://www.dot.state.mn.us/passengerrail/reports/northstar-eas/full-eas.pdf |publisher=Minnesota Department of Transportation |access-date=18 March 2025 |date=December 22, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2019 Annual Regional Park & Ride System Report |url=https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Publications-And-Resources/Transit/Park-and-ride/2019-Park-and-Ride-Report.aspx |publisher=Metropolitan Council |access-date=18 March 2025}}</ref> Becker and Northeast Minneapolis stations have been quietly dropped. Future construction of the Coon Rapids–Foley Boulevard station has been packaged in with the [[Northern Lights Express]] project.

Fridley was originally deferred but was added back late during construction after the [[Counties Transit Improvement Board]] was able to allocate money towards the station, allowing it to open with the rest of the line.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Jim |title=Fridley's plans for Northstar station are on fast track |url=http://www.startribune.com/local/north/35239429.html |work=Star Tribune |date=November 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100304154842/http://www.startribune.com/local/north/35239429.html |archive-date=March 4, 2010 |language=en}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
{{See also|Metro Transit rolling stock}}
The line opened in 2009 with five MPI [[MP36PH-3C]] locomotives and seventeen [[Bombardier BiLevel Coach]] cars. Each passenger car has about 140 seats and room for 355 when full with standees. The coaches have two doors on either side.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/newsgraphics/70144197.html|title=Riding the Northstar Rail|work=Star Tribune|author1=Eddie Thomas|author2=Jim Foti|author3=Paul Levy|access-date=February 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120212555/http://www.startribune.com/newsgraphics/70144197.html|archive-date=November 20, 2009}}</ref> Upon the opening, Metro Transit immediately announced that a sixth locomotive was being acquired from the [[Utah Transit Authority]]'s ''[[FrontRunner]]'' service in the [[Salt Lake City]] area and a lease agreement was soon signed.<ref name="strib121009" /> Typical weekday operation requires five trains, each consisting of one locomotive and three or four coaches. A single train is used for weekend service, making three round trips each day. The platforms are only designed for five-car trains, so longer trains would require additional construction.

Metro Transit did begin experimenting in April 2010 with six-car trains for taking riders to and from weekend Twins games at Target Field.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sctimes.com/article/20100417/NEWS01/104170011/1009/Northstar-rail-line-to-alter-its-schedule|title=Northstar rail line to alter its schedule|date=April 17, 2010|access-date=April 20, 2010}} {{dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> These trains overhang the platform at either end and only open one door on each of the end cars. In May, trains serving Twins games grew to eight cars, with some completely overhanging the platforms so some riders would have to board and then walk from one car to another.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/30580063@N02/4630790278/|title=Northstar Twins|author=wleif|date=May 22, 2010|publisher=Flickr.com}}</ref> By June, Metro Transit had decided to purchase the sixth locomotive it had leased from UTA (No. 512) due to high leasing costs and the need to have an extra locomotive for when others are being repaired or inspected. A $10.1 million contingency fund built into the original cost of the service provided $2.85 million for buying the locomotive and repainting it in Northstar livery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abcnewspapers.com/2010/06/02/northstar-commuter-rail-adds-locomotive/|title=Northstar Commuter Rail adds locomotive|author=Peter Bodley|date=June 2, 2010|access-date=April 27, 2011|work=Coon Rapids Herald|publisher=ABC Newspapers|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003091234/http://abcnewspapers.com/2010/06/02/northstar-commuter-rail-adds-locomotive/|archive-date=October 3, 2011}}</ref>

As Northstar faces possible shutdown due to declining ridership, Amtrak and [[Trinity Railway Express]] are considering leasing some of Northstar's equipment to fulfill demand for their services. TRE requested at least one locomotive, two cab cars, and three coaches from June 2025 until August 2026 in preparation for the [[2026 FIFA World Cup]]. Amtrak is looking to lease one locomotive, three coaches, and one cab car for use between [[Chicago]] and [[Milwaukee]] to fulfill demand after pulling their [[Horizon (railcar)|Horizons]] from service in late March.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Franz |first=Justin |date=2025-05-12 |title=Trinity, Amtrak Consider Leasing Northstar Equipment |url=https://railfan.com/trinity-amtrak-consider-leasing-northstar-equipment/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Railfan & Railroad Magazine |language=en-CA}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Manufacturer
!Model
!Inventory
!Number
!Image
|-
|[[MotivePower]]
|[[MP36PH-3C]]
|6
| 501–505, 512
|[[File:Northstar Commuter MNRX 501.jpg|100px]]
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Bombardier Transportation|Bombardier]]
|[[Bombardier BiLevel Coach|BiLevel Coach]]
|12
|701–712
|[[File:Northstar Commuter Anoka station.jpg|100px]]
|-
|[[Bombardier BiLevel Coach|BiLevel Cab Cars]]
|6
|601–606
|[[File:Northstar Commuter Coon Rapids Riverdale station.jpg|100px]]
|}

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
{{Commons category|Northstar Commuter Rail}}
*[https://www.metrotransit.org/northstar Northstar Commuter Rail]
*[https://www.metrotransit.org/northstar-line Northstar route map]
*[http://www.catchthelink.com/ Northstar Link]

{{Twin Cities Transit}}
{{USCommRail}}
{{BNSF passenger trains}}

[[Category:Northstar Line]]
[[Category:Commuter rail in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 2009]]
[[Category:2009 establishments in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Metro Transit (Minnesota)]]