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Greetings,
Northstar trains are designed to be easy to ride and provide
convenient and comfortable service, but passengers also must do
their part to make the ride enjoyable for everyone.
Here are the answers to a few common riding questions:
- Will I be able to ride transit between Big Lake and
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport or Mall of
America?
Yes. Commuters can catch Northstar at
stations between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis, and then
transfer to Hiawatha Light Rail Transit at the Target Field
Station in Minneapolis at no extra charge. Hiawatha LRT provides
service throughout downtown and South Minneapolis, as well as
the airport and Mall of America.
- Can I bring my bicycle on the
train?
Yes. Each Northstar train car comes equipped
with two on-board bicycle storage spaces. Please secure your
bike and personal items after boarding, and stand with your bike
or take a seat nearby the rack. Locked bicycle storage lockers also are
available at each suburban Northstar station for riders who
prefer to leave their bikes behind.
- Are Northstar trains accessible to wheelchairs and
strollers?
Yes. Northstar Commuter Rail service will
be fully ADA compliant. All station platforms will include ramps
to provide easy roll-on access for passengers in wheelchairs or
with strollers. Each Northstar passenger car also is equipped
with a wheelchair lift and space to accommodate four
wheelchairs. See a Metro Transit employee or Northstar conductor
on opening day for assistance.
- Can I eat or drink beverages during my
commute?
Food is not allowed on trains, and
beverages need to be in covered containers, such as a coffee mug
with a lid or bottled water. Trash bins will be available on
board the trains. Remember to throw your trash away as you exit
the train.
- What should I do if passenger cars are full and
there are no empty seats?
Passengers may walk safely
between train cars to find a seat on one of the three levels in
each passenger car. If there is standing room only, hold on to
seat handles along the aisles and be prepared for sudden stops.
Each passenger car has designated seating for elderly and
disabled riders. Please give these seats to others who need them
when trains are crowded.
- Do Northstar trains offer a wireless Internet
connection?
No. However, work tables and electrical
outlets are available for commuters who choose to use the ride
time to catch up on work.
- May I use my mobile phone or wireless
device?
Yes. Mobile phones are allowed on trains,
but please keep calls brief and quiet to be respectful of other
passengers. Please also keep the volume low on headphones and
electronic devices.
- Who can I go to with questions or for
assistance?
Each train will have a conductor on
board who will check fares and help passengers board, ride and
disembark safely. Don't hesitate to ask your conductor any
questions you may have. Metro Transit also will have staff
people available to assist you during the first week of
Northstar service.
For additional riding policies and tips, visit Metro Transit.
Exploring the
Northstar Corridor: Spotlight on Fridley
The Fridley
Station is located at 61st Way & East River Road NE.
Unlike the other Northstar stations, Fridley has no federal
funding for construction. It was made possible thanks to the
City of Fridley, Anoka County and the Counties Transit
Improvement Board (http://www.mnrides.org/). Station construction
will be complete in time for Northstar service this fall. It
will feature an underground pedestrian tunnel with access to the
train platform. Fridley is home to the international
headquarters of Medtronic, Springbrook Nature Center and the
annual '49er Days Festival. Visit the City of
Fridley or the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce for more
information.
Sincerely,
Dan Erhart
NCDA
Chair
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