NORTHSTAR LINK COMMUTER BUS ADDS SERVICE, ADJUSTS FARES

ST. CLOUD (5/30/14) – Northstar Link commuter bus is adding service to meet all weekday Northstar Commuter Rail trains in Big Lake, starting June 2. Also, every Northstar Link bus trip will include stops at St. Cloud State University and the Metro Bus Transit Center in downtown St. Cloud, as well as the Link park and ride lots on Highway 10.

The changes were approved by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority in order to enhance service, according to Stearns County Commissioner Leigh Lenzmeier, chair of the NCDA.

“Every year since we opened in November 2009, we’ve seen tremendous ridership growth on the Link, and St. Cloud State has been one of the main ride generators,” Commissioner Lenzmeier said. “Adding two additional trips to Big Lake, with more frequent stops on the campus and downtown, will make it even easier to use transit.”

The new schedule will include meeting the earliest southbound train that arrives in downtown Minneapolis at 5:50 a.m.

A simplified fare structure for Northstar Link routes 887, 887T, 887V and special events also takes effect June 2. The new fare is $2 for travel between St. Cloud and Big Lake and $1 for travel between Becker and St. Cloud or Big Lake. A new $17 10-Ride pass and $70 31-Day pass is available.

Unaffected by this fare change is Route 887F, which provides Friday mid-day service between St. Cloud and Minneapolis serving all Northstar Stations, except Fridley. Route 887F remains $5.50 between St. Cloud and Minneapolis or $3.25 for station-to-station travel.

See new schedule

 NORTHSTAR LINK SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT FOR PROPOSED FARES

ST. CLOUD – Northstar Link, a commuter bus service operated by Metro Bus on behalf of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority, is seeking public input on a proposed rate adjustment for the service.

“We are proposing to simplify fares by keeping them the same regardless of the time of day or direction of travel,” said Tom Cruikshank, Metro Bus Director of Planning and Marketing. “This would result in a fare equalization — reducing fares for some riders and slightly increasing for others.”

If approved, the fare change would take effect June 2. The public is invited to share feedback by May 16. Feedback may be shared via email, US Postal Mail or by phone: [email protected], 665 Franklin Ave NE, St. Cloud MN 56304 or 877.LINK.010 (877-546-5010).

The proposed changes would affect fares for Northstar Link routes 887, 887T, 887V and any special event service. Route 887F, which provides Friday mid-day service between St. Cloud, Becker and Northstar Stations between Big Lake and Minneapolis, is unaffected by the proposed changes. Travel on 887F would remain $5.50 for full cash fare or $3.25 for station-to-station travel.