The rhythmic clatter of the Northstar Commuter Rail through the heart of Minnesota will soon fall silent as officials gear up to replace the existing service with a robust tapestry of bus routes designed to cater to the commuting aspirations of the North metro populace. Announced via a social media post by the City of Coon Rapids, MN – Local Government, the last trains will give way to the sound of engines come January 5, paving the way for 400 weekly bus trips compared to the 40 train trips currently offered.
Commuters seeking to embrace the looming change can look forward to a slew of new route options as Metro Transit unfurls its plan to offer near-decade amplified service across the Northstar Corridor. Among the expanded routes are Route 827 between Fridley and Downtown, Route 888 connecting Ramsey, Anoka, and Coon Rapids with Downtown, and Route 882, which will service Big Lake and Elk River, albeit on weekdays only. “With frequent rush-hour service, plus midday and weekend options, getting through north metro and into downtown Minneapolis just got easier,” expounds the original announcement on the City of Coon Rapids Facebook page.
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