Northstar Corridor Development Authority to
Take Over Operations of NorthStar Commuter Coach

Elk River, Minn. – At its July 10 meeting, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) voted to fund the operations of the NorthStar Commuter Coach bus service through September 2004. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) would have discontinued service after September of this year. The board’s decision means that the eight commuter bus trips between Elk River and Minneapolis will continue for an additional year. 

“The NCDA was formed to address the transportation needs of commuters in the corridor from Central Minnesota to the Twin Cities," said NCDA chair Duane Grandy. “The popularity of the NorthStar Commuter Coach shows that residents want an option to move through the congestion on area highways.”

The NCDA and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) initiated NorthStar Commuter Coach bus service in 2001 to provide an interim solution to the transportation needs of the corridor and to promote future use of Northstar commuter rail.  The service was the first transit option available for Northstar Corridor commuters, and has successfully attracted ridership at the Elk River and Coon Rapids - Riverdale park and ride facilities.

Most of the funding for the coach bus service comes from fares, local governments and federal grants. The NCDA board action calls for local costs for operations to be shared equally between the NCDA, Sherburne County Regional Rail Authority and the Anoka County Regional Rail Authority.   The rail authorities will separately consider funding for the commuter bus service at their August meetings.

“Ultimately, we will need Northstar commuter rail if we are going to provide relief to our area’s businesses and commuters,” explained Grandy. “Northstar commuter rail offers a permanent transportation solution by providing significantly higher ridership capacity than the commuter coach, and offering service for the entire corridor.”

In other action, the NCDA Board also appointed representatives to a working group on Northstar commuter rail mandated by the 2003 Legislature.  Prior to the 2004 legislative session, the NCDA and MnDOT are required to update technical and financial data on the Northstar commuter rail project.

About the Northstar Corridor rail project

The Northstar Corridor, an 82-mile stretch along highways 10 and 47 from St. Cloud/Rice to Minneapolis, is the fastest growing area in Minnesota.  The NCDA is a joint powers board of 30 counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities along the corridor.  For more information about the Northstar Corridor commuter rail project, please visit the NCDA web site at www.mn-GetOnBoard.com.

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