Metro Transit is spending $3 million for a back-up locomotive for the Northstar Commuter Rail even though they already have one.

This back-up to the back-up is sparking questions about the use of taxpayer money.

According to the watch-dog group Freedom Foundation of Minnesota, the newest train will sit idle most of the time.

Critics think the extra train isn't necessary because, according to Metro Transit, around 54 percent of the seats were used in April and the line is expected to lose $13 million this year.