In 2009, Metro Bus was awarded the operating contract for Northstar Link Commuter Bus following a competitive bidding process. Northstar Link service operates in conjunction with Northstar Commuter Rail connecting St. Cloud and Becker to Big Lake where it meets Northstar Rail.
Effective January 5, 2026 Northstar Rail will be replaced with bus service that will only operate within Hennepin County and will serve as far as Ramsey. The new service will not serve the Elk River or Big Lake train stations.
Given the original intent of the Northstar Link service, the counties that fund it, in consultation with Metro Bus leadership, determined they were not willing to fund service to Big Lake if there was no connection to the Twin Cities.