Commuter Rail is on its Way!

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METRO TRANSIT
Beginning in late 2009, the Northstar Commuter Rail Line will offer efficient transportation from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis, helping ease traffic congestion-and the resulting emissions-in one of the state's fastest growing travel corridors.

Trains can carry the equivalent of nearly one-and-a-half lanes of highway traffic at peak travel times-up to 7,200 riders per day. Operating on existing tracks, trains will reach a top speed of 79 mph.

The downtown terminal for the 40-mile line will be a station at the new Minnesota Twins ballpark. Commuter trains will connect with Metro Transit buses, bicycle paths and the Hiawatha light-rail line. The existing light rail line will be extended from the Warehouse District. Northstar trains also will serve stations in Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, and Coon Rapids.

On weekday mornings, trains will make five southbound trips from Big Lake to Minneapolis and one northbound trip. Travel time from end to end is 41 minutes. Each weekday afternoon, there will be five northbound trips, with one southbound trip to Minneapolis. There will be three roundtrips scheduled on weekends and holidays.

Passenger cars will have onboard restrooms, tables with electrical outlets and bicycle and luggage storage. 

Footnotes/Endnotes

ON THE WEB!

Metro Transit,
www.metrotransit.org
Route Map: www.mn-getonboard.com/plan_route.html

Map courtesy of Transit for Livable Communities.