Northstar facts and funding
Northstar at a glance
When commuter service begins, 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.
The Trip — By the Numbers
- 18: Number of passenger cars; there are five locomotives
- 40 miles: Length of total route from Big Lake to Minneapolis
- 50 minutes: Estimated time to travel entire route
- 52 miles: Length of transit corridor created by connecting Northstar commuter rail and Hiawatha light-rail lines
- 150: How many tons a Northstar locomotive weighs
- 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
The Trains
- 3,400: Estimated weekday ridership in 2010 (expected to increase to 5,900 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, onboard restrooms, tables with electrical outlets, bicycle and luggage storage and are fully ADA compliant.
Funding
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.
