Greetings,

The first Northstar Commuter Rail passenger cars - 601 and 602 - have arrived in Minnesota! This is another great milestone for the Northstar Project and a significant step toward launching service late this fall.

Throughout the summer, the remaining 16 passenger cars will be delivered from the Bombardier facility in New York and you will see Northstar trains running on tracks between Big Lake and Downtown Minneapolis as testing begins. This will be exciting to see - but viewing trains should only be done from a distance!

While train testing occurs, trains may not stop at stations and could be traveling at up to 79 miles per hour. Your safety is our top priority, so don't let your curiosity get the best of you - stay away from railroad tracks and station areas at all times.

For a safe and close-up view, check out photos of the passenger cars just after their arrival in Big Lake last week.

Each passenger car will seat 139 - 145 passengers and additional standing space will be available. Passenger cars also will be accessible to all riders and equipped with on-board restrooms, tables with electrical outlets, and bicycle and luggage storage.

This exciting milestone could not have been reached without supporters like you! Watch this summer for final project updates and information that will help us all "get ready to ride the line in 2009." In the meantime, feel free to visit www.mn-GetOnBoard.com.

We look forward to celebrating the start of service with you in a matter of months!

Sincerely,

Dan Erhart
NCDA Chair