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SEARCHMetro Transit said it has has leased a locomotive from the Utah Transit Authority. The locomotive, which will be the sixth in the Northstar fleet, currently is en route to the Big Lake, Minn., maintenance base. It will enhance long-term service reliability and ease maintenance pressures.
Northstar commuter rail train ridership hit 33,112 in its first 15 days of operation, according to Minneapolis-based Metro Transit.
"While it is too early to make sweeping statements, these early ridership results indicate to us a very positive response to the state's newest transportation option," said Metro Transit GM Brian Lamb.
Daily ridership in November averaged 2,207 compared to a 2010 daily average goal of about 2,460, Lamb said. The numbers include strong weekend ridership as well as one special event train serving Vikings fans.
Northstar offers five morning rush-hour trips to Minneapolis and five trips home in the afternoon as well as one reverse-commute trip. Three roundtrips are available on Saturdays and Sundays.
In other Northstar news, Metro Transit said it has leased a locomotive from the Utah Transit Authority. The locomotive, which will be the sixth in the Northstar fleet, currently is en route to the Big Lake, Minn., maintenance base. It will enhance long-term service reliability and ease maintenance pressures.
The $317 million Northstar rail project was delivered on time and under budget through collaborative efforts of the Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit, Northstar Corridor Development Authority and Minnesota Department of Transportation. The Counties Transit Improvement Board and Sherburne County assist with operating funds.
Site construction is complete, production is underway, and the first locally built passenger coaches are on track for delivery in Summer 2026.
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Crews completed a significant portion of the testing required before commissioning the new, digital signaling system, which will bring important upgrades that strengthen Red Line service reliability for riders and provide Red Line Operations the ability to route trains more quickly, turn trains around faster, and recover from unplanned disruptions more efficiently, said MBTA officials.
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In addition to new projects, progress continues on a multiyear effort to upgrade track, electrical, and signal systems on the Metra Electric Line to accommodate the expansion of service on the South Shore Line.
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The Maryland Transit Administration is advancing the nearly $1.4 billion Light Rail Modernization Program, which modernizes the Baltimore Central Light Rail Line from Hunt Valley to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport with new, low-floor vehicles and upgrades to all light rail stations, systems, and maintenance facilities.
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The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding.
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Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
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The $945 million project connects four new stations and expands regional mobility.
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Research ties rail access to lower depression, better cognition and improved air quality.
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With major events and increased travel expected across the state this summer, the Administration is focused on making sure people have a reliable, affordable alternative to driving so we can reduce congestion, support daily commuters, and keep Massachusetts moving.
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The final seven-mile segment of the 2 Line includes new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park and connects to the 1 Line at the International District/Chinatown Station. The Link light rail system now spans 63 miles and includes 50 stations.
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