Northstar into OT for Vikes

The Northstar commuter train ran later than usual Sunday to accommodate Vikings fans leaving the afternoon game at the Metrodome.

"We don't have to worry about having a few cocktails and driving," said Karen Carpenter of Elk River. She and her husband, Kevin, climbed aboard the train that was set to leave at 7:20 p.m. from downtown Minneapolis. Typically, the last scheduled Sunday departure is 4:45 p.m.

Carpenter said the ride to the game took about 35 minutes, less time than it used to take to drive and park at a Vikings game.

The final train Sunday was even a tad later than expected: It was held until 7:24 p.m. for passengers from a connecting light-rail train.

PAT DOYLE