Top 10 Stories: # 4 Northstar Rail and Link
by Terry Lee, WJON.com

ST. CLOUD -- For many Central Minnesota travelers the trip to the Twin Cities got a little easier this year as the Northstar Commuter Rail began service in mid-November. The Northstar Link and Rail Line is our # 4 local story for 2009.

After more than a dozen years of talk, planning and funding the Northstar Commuter Train began it's daily 40-mile runs between Big Lake and Minneapolis.

During the first month, Northstar officials say the train averaged more than 2,200 people a day.

The reality of the commuter train brings the St. Cloud metro area's dream of a complete 82-mile transportation corridor a little closer. Phase One of the Northstar Rail Line went as far as Big Lake. Phase Two would extend the rail service to Rice with stops in St. Cloud, and Becker. But with an estimated price tag of $150 million that dream may be further down the line.

So, St. Cloud Metro Bus stepped up to meet the commuter rail service half-way, in order to prove to public officials the importance of the extension. On the same day the service began, so did the Northstar Link park-n-ride bus service. Riders from St. Cloud to Big Lake and back, are averaging around 78 people a day. One in four riders are coming to the St. Cloud metro area.

The Northstar Commuter Rail Line runs along one of the fastest growing corridors in the state. Commerce and retail development are popping up along Interstate 94.

The Phase 2 extension to Rice and other related Northstar projects are already beginning to receive millions from the federal government under a new onmibus spending bill for the Department of Transportation.