TO THE EDITOR:

Why is the Northstar Still Running?

I first raised the question in April, why with everything locked down because of COVID, is the Northstar line still running with little if any ridership.

September, I again questioned why the Northstar, while running at 3% of its normal ridership is still operating, sending emails to various State Senators, TV Stations, Radio Stations Newspapers, and Met Council Members.

October 15, the Star Tribune printed a story describing how ridership had plunged by 95% during the pandemic, stating how the operation of this train requires a per passenger subsidy of $794.00

October 21, KSTP Channel 5, ran a story about the Northstar and its almost non-existent ridership.

October 25 – I sent emails to the Sherburne/Anoka/Hennepin County Commissioners, as well as a number of legislatures, asking that they pass a Resolution stating that the Northstar be suspended until COVID-19 Pandemic is over. I also stated these concern November 3, at a Sherburne County Commissioners meeting.

As of this writing (1/17/2021) –The Northstar is still in operation; neither Sherburne, Anoka or Hennepin Counties have passed (or as far as I can even tell discussed), a resolution to suspend all Northstar Line as a result of reduced pandemic ridership;  the Northstar Bus from St. Cloud to Big Lake is still in operation. (before COVID would travel essentially empty between St. Cloud and Big Lake); and Northstar ridership is still down over 95%  

Over 13 million dollars for transporting 55 people back and forth to work every day.

Just think of how that money could have been used to help those put out of work/business as a result of the Governors Executive Orders?  Think about how this money could have been used to rebuild Mpls. after the Floyd Riots.  I could go on.

Not only do we need to shut down the Northstar Line now, but fire all of those responsible for allowing for this trains continued operation.

Bret R. Collier

Big Lake, MN