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.