Definition
The Northstar Line is a commuter rail service operating in the state of Minnesota, United States, connecting the Twin Cities metropolitan area with communities to the north, principally between Minneapolis and St. Cloud.
Overview
Operated by Metro Transit, the public‑transport agency of the Minneapolis–St. Paul region, the Northstar Line began revenue service on November 16 2009. The line runs on tracks owned by the BNSF Railway and provides weekday peak‑direction service, with limited off‑peak and weekend trips. Its primary corridor follows the former Great Northern Railway alignment, covering approximately 45 miles (72 km) and serving nine stations, including the northern terminus at St. Cloud and the southern terminus at Target Field station in downtown Minneapolis. Ridership levels have fluctuated since inception; the line recorded an average of roughly 3,000 boardings per weekday in the early 2020s.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Northstar” references Minnesota’s state motto, “L’Étoile du Nord” (French for “Star of the North”), and highlights the service’s northward direction from the Twin Cities toward central Minnesota.
Characteristics
- Operator: Metro Transit (Metro Transit Division of the Metropolitan Council).
- Track ownership: BNSF Railway (the line operates on BNSF’s former Great Northern mainline under a trackage‑rights agreement).
- Rolling stock: Diesel‑powered locomotives (EMD F40PH) pulling Bombardier BiLevel coach cars, configured for commuter‑rail seating and equipped with wheelchair‑accessible spaces.
- Service frequency: Primarily two to three round‑trip trains per weekday during peak periods; limited midday and weekend service has been added on a trial basis.
- Fare system: Integrated with the regional Metro fare structure; riders may use the standard Metro fare media (e.g., Go Cards).
- Planned extensions: Studies have examined possible extensions south to Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport and north to Rice, Minnesota, though no definitive construction timeline has been established as of the latest reports.
- Infrastructure: Stations feature park‑and‑ride lots, bicycle facilities, and ADA‑compliant platforms; the line utilizes positive train control (PTC) for safety.
Related Topics
- Metro Transit (Minnesota)
- BNSF Railway
- Commuter rail in the United States
- Twin Cities public transportation network (including METRO Green Line, METRO Red Line)
- Great Northern Railway (historical context)
- Minnesota State Highway 23 (parallel corridor)