That Phase 1 study identified 6 corridors out of the19 corridors evaluated that had the greatest potential for commuter rail service. Based upon a number of performance criteria, this study recommended a staged construction of a commuter rail system, beginning with the line that runs from Elk River to downtown Minneapolis. Parallel to the Phase 2 study, a feasibility study of establishing commuter rail service between St. Cloud and Minneapolis, the Northstar Corridor Study, was being conducted. Between Elk River and Minneapolis, the Northstar follows the same corridor recommended in Phase 2 of the commuter rail study. Commuter rail transit runs primarily on existing freight rail lines, carries longer distance commuters with relatively few stops and runs only during peak commute times.
Light rail operates on special tracks on or along streets and is powered by overhead electric power.
Light rail usually serves shorter commutes and has more frequent stops. After 3 years of fairly rigorous study, this line showed the most ridership potential. This is a heavily traveled corridor that is experiencing very rapid growth and the existing highway facility experiences frequent periods of congestion. This corridor also has a high potential for reverse commute riders, students and workers who travel to St. Cloud on a daily basis. Commuter rail is a key component of the Administration s plans for developing a transportation system in the Twin Cities that provides transit options to the automobile and promotes Smart Growth in the metro area.