Ready to roll, train officials say

Last update: November 15, 2009 - 11:01 PM

Northstar officials planned to have extra personnel at all six commuter stations this morning to direct passengers, explain ticket-buying procedures and to answer scheduling questions, the director of the commuter rail said Sunday.

The Fridley station, the last station to be added to the 41-mile line from Big Lake to the new Target Field station in Minneapolis, was completed more than a week ago and is ready to go, said Edward Byers, the commuter rail director. Northstar's next addition could be a sixth locomotive, with negotiations for one ongoing with the Utah Transit Authority, said Bob Gibbons, spokesman for the Metropolitan Council.

Saturday's grand-opening trial run went smoothly, with every seat filled, Byers said.

"People were genuinely excited," Byers said. "Things were great."

Northstar officials on Saturday handed out 300 more free tickets for future weekend rides, Byers said.

PAUL LEVY

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