Evidence of the rise in popularity for Twins baseball can be seen in the standing-room-only crowd on the Northstar Link Commuter Bus. In response to the demand, an extra southbound bus will be added June 20 to connect people between St. Cloud and the Northstar Commuter Rail service in Big Lake.
Two Northstar Link buses will depart the East St. Cloud Park & Ride Lot on Hwy 10 at 9:20 am to meet the southbound Northstar Commuter Rail train in Big Lake at 10:20 am to bring riders to Target Field by 11:12 am, in time for the 1:10 pm game against the Chicago Cubs.
The extra bus will provide a more comfortable ride for the 40-minute commute between St. Cloud and
Big Lake, according to Stearns County Commissioner Leigh Lenzmeier, chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority.
“An extra bus also will improve boarding times and give people time to pay their train fares without delaying the train,” said Commissioner Lenzmeier. “We want the transit experience to be as stress-free and comfortable as possible.”
Additional buses may be added for future games, said Tom Cruikshank, managing director of Operations and Planning for Metro Bus, which operates the Northstar Link bus service.
“We will evaluate the need after the June 20 game,” said Cruikshank.
Northstar Link Bus rides cost $2 one way and are paid for separately from the train ride. Cash fares are purchased on the bus. Credit cards are accepted online or at the Metro Bus Transit Center at 510 1st St. S., St. Cloud.
