Bus riders in the Twin Cities metro area can expect more frequent service in the New Year as expanded bus operations are set to replace the Northstar Commuter Rail line. Starting January 5, 2026, communities including Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Fridley will see an increase in public transport travel options, with nearly 400 trips to and from Minneapolis each week — a significant jump from the previous 40 trips offered by the rail service.
The shift to bus service marks the end of the line for Northstar rail, which will make its final voyage on the weekend of January 3-4, 2026, though it will continue to ferry fans to and from all remaining Minnesota Vikings home games this season. According to an announcement from Anoka County, two new bus routes will replace the rail service, notably Route 888 and Route 827, which is set to replace the current Route 852.
Route 888 will serve existing rail stops in Ramsey, Anoka, and Coon Rapids, extending to downtown Minneapolis. Designed to cater to peak weekday travel, buses on this route will run every 30 minutes between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and again from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with hourly services midday. Weekend riders haven’t been forgotten; three inbound and three outbound trips will be available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Meanwhile, Route 827 will forge a path between Fridley and downtown Minneapolis. This route promises commuters hourly service on weekdays and double that frequency on Saturdays — operating every 30 minutes. The buzz around these changes suggests that while the rails may have reached their terminus, the avenues for mobility are, indeed, expanding. Officials have indicated that schedules will be released closer to the launch date later this year.
