The Northstar Line grand opening is today and revenue service will begin on Monday, November 16th. The grand opening festivities are at all stations, however tickets were given out a while ago, so if you don’t have one you will have to wait until Monday to ride. The Target Field Station in Downtown Minneapolis will have the largest festivities, and tours will be provided of Northstar trains. For more on the grand opening and on Northstar service and fares see Metro Transit’s Northstar page at www.metrotransit.org/northstar. (I have to figure out the link function better).
Route Changes (11/16/09):
Route 20: This new downtown shuttle connects weekday Northstar trains to 9th and 10th Streets from Target Field Station.
Route 55: Light Rail trains will be extended 3 blocks north from Hennepin Avenue/Warehouse District to Target Field Station. This change will happen on November 14th, 2 days before the other changes.
Route 811: This new shuttle will connect riders of Route 851 in Coon Rapids and Anoka to Coon Rapids-Riverdale Station.
Route 824: Route 824 buses will be rerouted to provide connections to Northstar trains at Fridley Station.
Route 851: Route 851 buses will be replaced by Northstar trains and Routes 811 and 889.
Route 887: This new route will provide weekday service from Big Lake Station to the Northstar Link Park & Ride in St. Cloud and the St. Cloud Metro Bus Center. This route will require a $1 introductory fare, fares will be raised to standard levels in 2010. Northstar or Metro Transit tickets cannot be used on this route as it is operated by St. Cloud Metro Bus.
Route 888: Route 888 buses will be replaced by Northstar trains.
Northstar Line (Route 888): This new commuter rail line will travel between Big Lake and Downtown Minneapolis, stopping at Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Fridley. 6 (5 commuter and 1 reverse commute) weekday and 3 weekend round-trips will be offered. This line will require a new set of fares, and certain passes will require surcharges or will not be allowed for payment. Bus and light-rail transfers will reduce the cost of a ticket by $1, if a transfer upgrade ticket is bought. Northstar tickets will be valid on all buses and light-rail trains.
Route 889: This new route will provide an extra trip leaving 3rd Ave. at 7:10 pm on weekdays to Coon Rapids and Anoka Stations.
