Northstar line's fare discounts roll out on Wednesday

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Northstar line's fare discounts roll out on Wednesday

Article by: Star Tribune
Updated: July 30, 2012 - 8:10 PM

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Conductor Vincent Roberts checked before closing the doors on the northbound train leaving the Target Field station.

Photo: Kyndell Harkness, Star Tribune

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The effort to boost ridership on the Northstar commuter rail line with lower fares begins Wednesday.

$1 DISCOUNT

Rides between Minneapolis and the Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka and Coon Rapids/Riverdale stations.

25-CENT DISCOUNT

Rides between Minneapolis and Fridley, and rides from one station to another.

HOW MUCH?

This leaves fares ranging from $3 to $6.

HOW LONG?

The discounts will remain in effect through April. The Metropolitan Council, which oversees rail and transit, could make them permanent.

WHY?

"Surveys show that once commuters try Northstar, they value it and keep riding," said General Manager Brian Lamb, whose Metro Transit operates the line from Big Lake to Minneapolis. "However, surveys also show that nonriders perceive fares to be too high. "

Ridership declined 2.8 percent through May of this year and is lagging even behind expectations for 2012.