Ridership up 13.7% on Northstar rail line

Article by: Paul Levy , Star Tribune
Updated: March 17, 2013 - 11:43 AM

With the new station in the city of Ramsey continuing to exceed initial projections of 100 riders per day, the Northstar commuter rail line has experienced a spike in ridership. The 41-mile line runs between Minneapolis and Big Lake, in Sherburne County.

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dsquareddMar. 16, 13 5:30 PM

If there were 6,369 more rides than in February 2012, then a year ago there were 46,505 rides. An increase of 6,369 rides starting from 46,505 is an increase of 13.7%, not 3.7%.

elkriverscottMar. 17, 13 9:33 AM

Another article will not change the actual cost of ridership vs what the customers pay. I've heard about 30 bucks per person, one way. If this were true then the European thinking pro train crowd would be irresponsible and the rail would be a foolish waste of money. No numbers. Go figure.

antisuburbsMar. 17, 1310:32 AM

@elkriverscott if every person actually payed the real cost, what would it cost to drive from Big Lake to Minneapolis on the highway? probably a few bucks per mile. So yes, the train loses money, but not nearly as much as roads do.

YellowDog2Mar. 18, 1312:08 PM

Commuter trains are so much more convenient the more there are, and this is just the start of them here in the Midwest. All one has to do is spend a week or two on the East Coast and ride them there to see the potential of them for the future. Most of Europe is way ahead of us and has long ago realized the many advantages. We are still living in the last century when it comes to commuter trains here in the Midwest.