Metropolitan Council Seeks Public Feedback On Northstar Commuter Rail Transition To Bus Service In Coon Rapids And Fridley

Metropolitan Council Seeks Public Feedback On Northstar Commuter Rail Transition To Bus Service In Coon Rapids And Fridley

Source: Facebook / City of Coon Rapids, MN - Local Government

The Metropolitan Council is actively canvassing opinions from those who regularly ride the Northstar Commuter Rail. With an eye to adapt to the evolving needs of post-pandemic transportation, they are pondering a pivot from the current commuter rail system to a more versatile offering of bus services. This shift is aimed solely at tailoring transit to better fit the new patterns of travel that have emerged in recent times.

The City of Coon Rapids, MN - Local Government, outlined the Council's initiative on its public Facebook page. The call is out for both existing rail users and prospective transit customers to voice their needs and preferences. The feedback gathered will directly influence how Metro Transit will configure bus services along the Northstar corridor. It seems they desire to better align with our new normal - a landscape where the rigid schedules of a commuter rail may no longer serve the daily rhythms of the community.

Anyone looking to contribute to the future of the region's public transit has several avenues to do so. A survey is readily available online, and for those who prefer a face-to-face exchange, two meetings are scheduled. The first opportunity to weigh in will be an onboard session during the northbound Northstar trip exiting Target Field Station at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7. The second meeting will be hosted at the Mississippi Library in Fridley on the following evening, Thursday, May 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

City of Coon Rapids, MN - Local Government's Post

City of Coon Rapids, MN - Local Government

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The Metropolitan Council is actively seeking feedback from current Northstar Commuter Rail riders and potential transit users as they advance plans to transition from commuter rail to more flexible bus service options along the Northstar corridor.

This change will allow Metro Transit to provide bus service designed to meet diverse travel needs that better match post-pandemic travel patterns.

Please take the survey below by Sunday, May 11 or attend an upcoming meeting:

Wednesday, May 7 – Onboard northbound Northstar trip leaving Target Field Station at 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 8 – 5 to 6:30 p.m., Mississippi Library, 410 Mississippi Street NE, Fridley, MN 55432

Take the survey here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/northstar-commuter-rail

City of Coon Rapids, MN - Local Government

City Hall

As public input is pivotal in shaping these changes, Metro Transit encourages all stakeholders to engage in this process. Participating in the survey or attending the meetings will provide the Metropolitan Council with the insights outlined by the City of Coon Rapids. Residents are urged to take the survey.