Meetings to discuss bus route changes along Northstar line

Metro Transit will hold three public meetings in September to explain bus route changes related to the opening of the Northstar commuter rail line later this year.

The forty-mile Northstar Line will operate between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis, and also serve stations in Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids and Fridley.

Transit officials say there will be six morning and six afternoon trips each weekday during rush hours, along with several trips on Saturdays and Sundays. Exact schedule times and fares will be finalized in late August.

Some existing transit services will change when the commuter rail opens. Route 851 and 888 will be replaced by Northstar commuter rail and connecting shuttle service. Providers of transit service in the area include Metro Transit (routes 10, 824, 850, 851, 852, 854 and 860); Anoka County (Route 805 and dial-a-ride), the City of Ramsey (Route 856), Northstar Community Development Authority (Route 888), Metro Mobility, River Rider, and the new Northstar Link, with connecting service between St. Cloud and Big Lake.

In downtown Minneapolis, the Hiawatha light-rail line is being extended to connect with the Northstar station adjacent to Target Field. Local bus routes offer regular connecting service along 4th and 6th streets.

The meeting schedule is:

Wednesday, Sept. 16 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room

Wednesday, Sept. 16 7 to 8:30 p.m. Coon Rapids City Hall, Council Chambers

Thursday, Sept. 17 6:30 to 8 p.m. Fridley City Hall, Council Chambers

Details about the Northstar Line and proposed bus-route changes are available at metrotransit.org/Northstar. Residents can also submit questions or comments to MetroTransitCustomerFeedback@metc.state.mn.us or call Customer Relations at 612-373-3333.