FAQ : Northstar Commuter Rail

A. Northstar will have the capacity to carry up to 10,000 riders each day, and it is projected that each day approximately 5,070 riders will use Northstar.

Q. How does the cost of building Northstar compare to other alternatives?

A. Northstar Commuter Rail is the most cost-effective option for this corridor. Northstar will operate on existing tracks, so construction costs are significantly less than other options. Adding a lane each way to Highway 10 and 35W would be nearly four times as expensive and adding a dedicated busway is nearly six times more costly than commuter rail per passenger trip.

Q. How does Northstar compare to other alternatives in terms of travel time?

A. Northstar will save commuters nearly 900,000 hours in travel time every year compared to the next best alternative of bus service. For example, riders can count on a 34-minute commute between Elk River and downtown Minneapolis compared to nearly 70 minutes by car.

Q. What is Northstar's operation schedule?

A. Hours of operation are expected to be between 5:45 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Five trains will run from Big Lake to Minneapolis with one reverse trip during weekday mornings. During weekday afternoons & evenings five trains will run from Minneapolis to Big Lake with one reverse trip. Each weekend day, three roundtrips will be provided; as well as, possible special event service.

Q. What is the projected cost per ride?

A. Ticket prices will be based on distance traveled and will be comparable to express bus fares. Current estimates are $4-$6 from Elk River to Minneapolis (about 30 miles) for a one-way ticket. Monthly passes or other regular rider discount passes will be available. AAA says it costs about $.56 per mile to operate a car. So a $4 ticket from Elk River compares to $16.80 in your car for the same distance.

Q. What sort of amenities are on the train?

A. Northstar will offer commuters a clean, safe and comfortable ride. Trains will include work stations to plug in laptop computers, power outlets for other electronic devices, bike racks and individual seating for whatever else riders might want to do.

Q. How long will it take to get from Big Lake to Minneapolis?

A. A trip from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis on Northstar will take 43 minutes, regardless of weather or traffic conditions. The train will stop at six stations for about 45 seconds each. Maximum speed on the line is 80 miles per hour.

Q. Will riders be able to connect to other transportation services?

A. Yes. Northstar will connect with the Hiawatha Light Rail transit line in downtown Minneapolis at a transit hub that will also allow commuters to connect with bus service to other parts of the metro area. It's also expected that buses will provide service to stations along the route.

Q. What type of security will be used?

A. Security and safety on the trains and at the stations is being taken very seriously. At the stations, there will be significant directional lighting for security in the parking lots and on the platforms, while still maintaining privacy for nearby residents. Station shelters will be glass enclosures for safety reasons and so riders know when trains are approaching. Local law enforcement will patrol stations. Many other safety precautions will be taken, such as fencing between the two tracks, gates at track crossings for both pedestrians and vehicles and loudspeaker announcements of approaching trains.

Q. Will commuter rail be noisy, smelly and generate pollution?

A. No. Commuter rail is much more quiet and clean than automobile traffic, and will operate on already existing train tracks. Use of horns and gate arm bells will be regulated to ensure safety at crossings, as they are now. Commuter rail will reduce air pollution by offering an alternative to fossil-fueled vehicles.

Q. What happens to property values near a commuter rail line station?

A. Based on experience in other U.S. cities, the construction of commuter rail stations increases demand for property. A location near or connected to a commuter rail station can be very appealing to potential homeowners and renters, as well as certain types of commercial development. In other cities, adjacent residential and commercial property values within a 1/2 mile of commuter rail stations are higher than comparable properties without a station. Lease rates at commercial and residential developments also tend to be higher.