The Northstar Commuter Rail between Minneapolis and Big Lake, Minnesota, is set to end service in early 2026, a decision that's drawing sharp criticism from city leaders in Anoka.

Mayor Erik Skogquist says the closure will hurt residents and local redevelopment efforts tied to the station.

"There are a fair amount of people that like to utilize that service here, especially for special events," Skogquist said. "To see that disappear and to go away while the Met Council's pushing other services of light rail is really a head scratcher to me."

The Metropolitan Council voted this summer to suspend rail operations, citing low ridership and high costs. According to the group, Northstar's average subsidy reached about $116 per ride in 2023 — one of the highest in the nation.

Anoka and neighb

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