Generally
defined as passenger train service that operates on existing freight
railroad tracks.
Primarily operates
during "peak" travel times, usually during morning and afternoon/evening rush hours.
Trains run inbound
to the city center in the morning and outbound to suburban areas in
the evening.
Can also accommodate
reverse commuters (passengers traveling to suburban areas for work)
and other travel times, such as midday, evening and weekend hours.
Commuter rail
systems are integrated with other transit services, such as bus systems,
to encourage transfers throughout the region.
When Northstar Commuter Rail begins operations in late 2009, it will be Minnesota’s first commuter rail service. Northstar trains will travel on a 40-mile segment of existing track along Highways 10 and 47 between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis, with additional stops at Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids-Riverdale and Fridley.
In Minneapolis, Northstar will stop at the new Twins’ ballpark site. There it will connect to the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) line and Metro Transit bus service, and provide access to the downtown Minneapolis skyway system and area bicycle routes. In Big Lake, commuter bus service from the St. Cloud area is expected to meet up with Northstar trains.
Northstar Commuter Rail will be operated by Metro Transit and part of a regional transit system. In addition to offering commuter travel during prime morning and evening weekday rush hours, there will be regular weekend and some special event service.
Northstar is a joint effort of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Northstar Corridor Development Authority, and the Metropolitan Council.
