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Northstar Commuter Rail at a Glance

When Northstar Commuter Rail service begins late this year, Northstar trains will operate from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis, with the potential for extending the line north to St. Cloud at a future date. The Northstar Line will be operated by Metro Transit and will provide an important link to a broader transit network in the metro area and central Minnesota.

Here is a simple overview of some key facts and figures about the initial phase of Northstar.

Building Northstar Together

The $320 million cost of building the state’s first commuter rail line is being shared by the state and federal governments, the regional rail authorities for Anoka, Hennepin and Sherburne counties, the Metropolitan Council and the Minnesota Twins.

Pie chart showing percent of funding for Northstar project.

The Trip — By the Numbers

17 & 5: Number of passenger cars and the number of locomotives
40 miles: Length of total route from Big Lake to Minneapolis
52 miles: Length of transit corridor created by connecting Northstar and Hiawatha Light Rail Transit
6: Number of stations (Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids-Riverdale, Fridley, Target Field)
79 mph: The top speed of Northstar trains
5 & 1: Number of trips from Big Lake to Minneapolis and reverse trip each weekday morning; also the number of trips from Minneapolis to Big Lake and reverse trip each weekday afternoon/evening
3: Number of roundtrips each weekend day; Northstar will also offer some special event service
Late this year: Service is scheduled to begin November 16, 2009

The Trains

3,400: Estimated daily ridership in 2010 (expected to increase to 4,100 by 2030)
2.1 million rides: Annual capacity
139-145: Seated capacity per train car (additional space for standing available)

Passenger cars will have comfortable seating, on-board restrooms, tables with electrical outlets, bicycle and luggage storage and will be fully ADA compliant.