TRANSIT ALERT: Route 852 Retires Dec. 6, New Route 827 Expands Service for North Metro Riders

COON RAPIDS, MN — Metro Transit will introduce a major service upgrade on Saturday, December 6, replacing Express Route 852 with the newly designed Route 827, significantly expanding local transit access in Anoka County, Fridley, Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Northeast Minneapolis.

The transition marks a shift from limited express service to a more comprehensive, all-day local connector—part of Metro Transit’s broader system realignment to improve coverage, reliability, and connectivity across the northwest metro.

Expanded Coverage

Route 827 extends well beyond Route 852’s express pattern, adding new service areas:

• South of I-694 along East River Road in Fridley
• Marshall Street in Northeast Minneapolis

These expansions increase access to schools, employment centers, and medical hubs while strengthening north–south travel options through the corridor.

Key Destinations

The new Route 827 will directly serve:

Education

• Anoka County Technical College
• Anoka-Ramsey Community College

Healthcare

• Mercy Hospital – Coon Rapids campus

Transit Hubs

• Northtown Transit Center
• Foley Park & Ride
• Fridley Station Park & Ride

Employment

• Northern Stacks Business Park
• Northeast Minneapolis business corridors

At Northtown Transit Center, riders will gain smooth transfer options to Routes 10, 25, 805, 824, 860, and the Metro Micro Blaine zone.

Service Frequency & Hours

Route 827 provides all-day, consistent service:

Weekdays

• 5:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
• Every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours (south of Foley Park & Ride)
• Hourly during midday and evenings

Saturdays

• Hourly service from 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Sundays

• No service

This represents a frequency improvement over Route 852, which operated limited express trips primarily during peak hours.

Travel Time Advisory

Because Route 827 makes more local stops—particularly along East River Road and Marshall Street—travel between Northtown Transit Center and downtown Minneapolis may take 15–20 minutes longer than former Route 852 express trips.

Riders prioritizing faster downtown travel may prefer Route 850, which continues to offer direct express service from Foley Park & Ride.

Part of a Larger Regional Shift

The route change coincides with Metro Transit’s phased transition away from Northstar Commuter Rail toward expanded bus service across the northwest metro. Route 827 is one of several enhancements designed to increase frequency and overall access across the corridor.

Plan Your Trip

Riders can review schedules and route maps at:
metrotransit.org/route-827

MinneapoliMedia