Sherburne County commissioners approved a pilot commuter bus agreement with MnDOT and Metro Transit on Tuesday to replace NorthStar commuter rail service that will end Jan. 4, 2026.

County staff said the pilot (Route 882) runs through Dec. 31, 2027, with three morning trips stopping in Big Lake and Elk River and multiple downtown Minneapolis stops; three afternoon return trips will provide commuter service back to Sherburne County. The service is operated by Metro Transit through the Metropolitan Council and reimbursed via an agreement with MnDOT’s transit office.

The pilot was described as flexible: if demand requires, the county and partners can request additional trips. Staff noted marketing would begin in the weeks before the Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 start date. The board approved the agreement, with one commissioner recorded as opposing; staff said they would work on outreach and provide schedules and tri‑folds to the public.

What happens next: Marketing and schedules will be posted publicly; MnDOT and Metro Transit will finalize trip times and stops and the county will monitor ridership through the pilot period to assess whether additional service is needed.