The transportation strategy outlined in this study will improve the quality of our current transportation system and give businesses and residents much needed alternatives such as commuter rail. The NCDA expects that by 2005 nearly 9,000 trips will be taken on the commuter rail line each day. The Northstar Corridor is one of the fastest growing corridors in the state. The Northstar Corridor commuter rail line is expected to be funded by a combination of federal, state and local dollars. Residents along the congested Northstar Corridor embrace commuter rail.
Commuter rail is an example of smart growth.
It will help move people and goods along the growing Northstar Corridor at a much lower cost than other mass transportation options. Commuter rail differs from light rail systems in that it runs on existing tracks, resulting in significant cost and time savings. It encompasses five counties and nearly 30 communities. The NCDA is a joint powers board made up of counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities along the corridor.