News Release

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Mn/DOT's Northstar Commuter Coach marks its first year of operation on Oct. 30 with morning coffee and rolls offered by Acting Commissioner Doug Weiszhaar and staff.

"Customers have told us that they want safe, time predictable trips and this service offers just that. It also demonstrates that there is a demand for transportation choices - if you offer options, people will take advantage of them," said Weiszhaar.

Northstar Commuter Coach is a demonstration project operating commuter coach service between Elk River and downtown Minneapolis, the most heavily traveled corridor of the state. Eight buses run during morning and afternoon peak hours along the 30-mile route. Ridership reached nearly 50 percent within the first months of service and now averages 60 percent, averaging 550 passenger trips daily.

Funding for the project is scheduled to end Sept. 2003. Mn/DOT has recommended that the new governor request additional funds from the legislature to continue the Northstar Commuter Coach. Mn/DOT would like to offer similar commuter coach service from areas such as North Branch and Northfield if funds become available.

Coach buses offer reclining seating, overhead reading lights and storage compartments. A survey in May 2002 showed that ninety-four percent of passengers were satisfied with the service. The survey also revealed that twenty-seven percent of passengers formerly drove alone to work.