The Northstar Line

Metro Transit has transitioned from commuter rail to expanded bus service. More frequent and flexible bus service has begun along the corridor between downtown Minneapolis and the Big Lake Station area.

More trips, more flexibility

With this transition, the Northstar corridor will see a tenfold increase in trips – from about 40 train trips per week today to nearly 400 weekly bus trips. This expanded service is designed to better match current travel patterns, offering more flexibility at a lower cost to operate. 

Route 882, as part of a two-year pilot, service will be provided between Big Lake, Elk River, and downtown Minneapolis on weekdays. Metro Transit will operate this service under an agreement with MnDOT. Route 882 will have three southbound trips in the morning and three northbound trips from downtown Minneapolis." (Metro Transit- 2026)