CONNECTIONS AND ACCESSIBILITYRIDE TRANSIT TODAY!If you are not already riding transit, consider starting today. A recent report from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) shows the average Minnesotan can save $675 dollars per month by using public transportation. That’s more than $8,100 per household annually – more than the typical family spends in groceries each year. Even as we prepare for Northstar Rail service to begin, there are transit options available for you to start using today.
Northstar Commuter Coach — The Northstar Corridor Development Authority currently offers transit service to commuters via the Northstar Commuter Coach bus service. Commuter Coach buses stop at Elk River and Coon Rapids-Riverdale park-and-ride lots and travel to the 5th Street Transit Station in downtown Minneapolis eight times between 5:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. weekdays along with eight return trips from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.
The Northstar Commuter Coach honors regional fare cards, such as Metro Transit passes and coupons. Fares are $4.75 each-way between Minneapolis and Elk River and $3.00 each-way between Minneapolis and Coon Rapids - Riverdale.
Ramsey Star Express — The City of Ramsey also sponsors commuter bus service from the Ramsey Park and Ride lot.
FUTURE CONNECTIONSThe Northstar Line will provide an important link to a much longer and broader transit network in the metro area and Central Minnesota. Northstar trains will connect you with other Metro Transit services to get you where you need to go — at no extra cost on any Metro Transit service. Other regional transit services may also be available. Northstar Commuter Rail and other transit schedules and connection information will be available at each station.
In downtown Minneapolis — At the new Minnesota Twins’ ballpark, Northstar riders can transfer free-of-charge to:
The Hiawatha Light Rail Line, with service to the Metrodome, VA Medical Center, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America.
In Big Lake — The Northstar Link, operated by St. Cloud Metro Bus, will provide commuter coach service between St. Cloud and the Big Lake Northstar Commuter Rail Station. Link service will be timed with Northstar trains, offering passengers a convenient link between the park and ride lot at Highway 10 and Lincoln Avenue in St. Cloud and Northstar Commuter Rail service. For more information, go towww.catchthelink.com.
At other Northstar stations – Metro Transit is currently working with individual communities and local transportation services to potentially provide bus service between Northstar stations and other locations.
ACCESSIBILITYNorthstar Commuter Rail service will be in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
All station platforms will include ramps to provide easy access for people in wheelchairs, passengers with strollers or to accommodate other needs.
Northstar trains will be equipped with wheelchair lifts and designated seating for people with disabilities or elderly passengers.
