Northstar rail line launches passenger service
Project completed “ahead of schedule, under budget”
After 12 long years, the dream of commuter rail service in the Northstar corridor is now a reality.
The first gleaming, blue and yellow train pulled out of the station in Big Lake at 5 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, and made the 40-mile trip to downtown Minneapolis. All told, more than 1,200 riders boarded trains for the first morning of service.
“This was a good beginning,” said Brian Lamb, general manager of Metro Transit, operator of the new rail line. “With speeds up to 79 mph, Northstar offers a fast trip and, more importantly, a consistent trip – 51 minutes end-to-end regardless of weather and nearby road congestion.”
Station celebrations attract hundreds
The launch of passenger service was preceded by a weekend of celebrations at each of the line’s six stations: in Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Fridley and downtown Minneapolis – adjacent to Target Field, the Twins’ new ballpark. Events at the stations included speeches, entertainment, family-friendly activities, transit information and a chance to ride a Northstar train for free.
Speaking at the Target Field station, Metropolitan Council Chair Peter Bell said the Council “is proud of its role in helping to bring this project to fruition: 10 weeks ahead of schedule and – at the moment – $10 million under budget.”
“The Northstar commuter rail line will provide a fast, safe and reliable transportation choice for those who are commuting to work today – alone in their cars – in one of our region’s fastest growing and most congested corridors,” Bell said.
Northstar is key element in transitway network
The $317 million Northstar line is a key element in the Metro Council’s plan to develop a network of bus and rail transitways, with the goal of doubling transit ridership by 2030.
Commuters disembark the train at the Target Field Station.
This fall, the region also completed the first phase of bus rapid transit projects in the Interstate 35 and Cedar Avenue corridors. Next year, the Council hopes to start construction of the region’s second light-rail line in the Central Corridor between downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul.
“By 2014, we will have 115 miles of transitways offering a fast, safe, convenient alternative to driving alone in rush-hour traffic,” Bell said.
Northstar service and fares
- Northstar offers five morning trips and five return trips in the afternoon on weekdays, with one reverse commute trip each morning and afternoon. On weekends, it provides three roundtrips on both Saturdays and Sundays.
- Trains travel at speeds of up to 79 miles per hour, making the trip from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis in about 51 minutes.
- Each train consists of a locomotive and four passenger cars, with each car seating about 140 customers. Passenger cars have three seating levels, work tables, electrical outlets and an on-board restroom. Each car can accommodate two bicycles and is fully accessible for persons with disabilities.
- Fares for Northstar service range from $3.25 to $7 each way depending on the distance traveled.
- Fares are lower on weekends. Customers using Metro Transit Go-To cards get a 10 percent bonus with their purchase.