Greetings,

Northstar Commuter Rail enthusiasts, get your trip planners ready-the Metropolitan Council has set Northstar fares! This is another important step toward the launch of commuter rail service in just a few months.

The Northstar Line will provide five morning trips to Minneapolis and five afternoon trips to Big Lake during peak weekday commuting times, and one reverse trip to Big Lake in the morning and to Minneapolis in the afternoon. Northstar also will offer three weekend round trips and some holiday service.

One-way, weekday fares between downtown Minneapolis and each station are:

Big Lake - $7.00
Elk River - $5.50
Anoka - $4.00
Coon Rapids - $4.00
Fridley - $3.25

For customers not traveling downtown, the one-way fare between all stations (e.g. Big Lake to Coon Rapids) is $3.25. Children five and under ride for free when accompanied by an adult.

More details about Northstar fares, including discount programs, are available from Metro Transit. When Northstar begins service this fall, Metro Transit will manage all operations. Watch your inbox and http://www.metrotransit.org/Northstar for an official launch date and schedule announcement soon.

Northstar Link Breaks Ground
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority and Sherburne and Stearns counties broke ground this week for the Northstar Link Commuter Coach Park and Ride Lot. The site is located at Hwy. 10 and Lincoln Avenue in St. Cloud.

Northstar Link buses will provide weekday commuter service between St. Cloud and Big Lake, where passengers may transfer to Northstar trains. Go to www.CatchtheLink.com for more information.

Sincerely,

Dan Erhart
NCDA Chair