Northstar Announces Opportunity For Public To Be Among First To Ride Rail

The Northstar Commuter Rail Project and Metro Transit have launched a Web page that allows members of the public to enter a drawing for free train rides during Northstar Commuter Rail grand opening events on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009.

Minnesota's New Star to Begin Service Nov. 16

The Metropolitan Council today announced that the Northstar commuter rail line will begin passenger service on Monday, Nov. 16.

Northstar Link Commuter Coach Project Breaks Ground for Park and Ride Lot

The Northstar Corridor Development Authority, Sherburne County and Stearns County officially marked the start of construction Aug. 26 with a groundbreaking ceremony on the Northstar Link Commuter Coach park and ride lot. The lot will be located at Highway 10 and Lincoln Ave in St. Cloud.

Metropolitan Council Establishes Fares for Northstar Commuter Rail

ST. PAUL – Aug. 26, 2009 – The Metropolitan Council has established fares for the 40-mile Northstar Line, the region’s first commuter rail line, set to begin operation late this year.  The fares are based on distance between each station and downtown Minneapolis.  

The weekday fares, one way, between downtown Minneapolis and the five suburban stations are:

• Big Lake – $7.00 (introductory fare); $8.00 (at or within 12 months)
• Elk River – $5.50 (introductory fare); $6.00 (at or within 12 months)
• Anoka – $4.00
• Coon Rapids –$4.00
• Fridley – $3.25

For customers not traveling downtown, the one-way fare between stations is $3.25. 

Monticello Artist to Create Public Art for Big Lake Station

Local artist Parker McDonald, Monticello, has been selected to design the public artwork to be installed at the Northstar Commuter Rail Big Lake Station.

McDonald was chosen by an art selection committee of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) after a nationwide call for artists that began last fall. Big Lake City Councilmember Chuck Heitz, an NCDA member who served on the art selection committee, said McDonald’s sculpture proposal depicting geese in flight caught his attention.

Northstar Commuter Rail Project Breaks Ground for Fridley Station

Nearly 200 officials and supporters of Northstar Commuter Rail broke ground today for the Fridley station, which will be located off of East River Road and 61st Way NE.

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a celebration of hard work and the local dedication to this project,” said Anoka County Commissioner Dan Erhart, chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA). “Today the long-awaited Fridley station officially becomes part of Northstar Commuter Rail Line construction. Fridley area residents, who have been eager for a smart transportation option, soon will have a convenient location to gain easy and safe access to Northstar trains.”

Metropolitan Council to Hold Hearings on Proposed Northstar Fares

The Metropolitan Council has scheduled three public hearings in April to receive public comment on proposed fares for the Northstar Line, the state’s first commuter rail service set to open late this year. The 40-mile Northstar commuter rail line will provide service on existing track along Highways 10 and 47 from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis.

Northstar Commuter Rail Secures Fridley Station Funding

Station is expected to be complete by the start of rail service in late 2009

The Northstar Commuter Rail Fridley Station is expected to be fully operational when Minnesota’s first commuter rail service begins in late 2009. Today, the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) granted $9.9 million for construction of the previously deferred station as part of its first round of transportation grants.

“This is great news for commuters who are anxious to ride the line in 2009,” said Dan Erhart, chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA).

First Northstar Locomotive Arrives in Big Lake

The first of five Northstar Commuter Rail locomotives has arrived in the Twin Cities Metro Area. It pulled into the Northstar Vehicle Maintenance Facility Friday in Big Lake, where all Northstar locomotives will be stored until the beginning of commuter rail service in late 2009. On its way to the facility, the locomotive passed future Northstar station stops under construction at Downtown Minneapolis, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Elk River and Big Lake.

Northstar Commuter Rail Project Breaks Ground for Elk River Station

Public officials and supporters of Northstar Commuter Rail broke ground today for the Elk River station, which will be located off of Highway 10 and 171st Avenue at the current Northstar Commuter Coach Park & Ride site.

The groundbreaking ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate the progress of the state’s first commuter rail line, which is expected to begin service in November 2009, said Arne Engstrom, member of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) and a Sherburne County commissioner.