INFORMATION #2 05-17-2010.~~~ 1.
~\
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Klinzing
Elk River City Council
INFORMATION
FROM: Annie Deckert, Economic Development Assistant
DATE: 17 May 2010
SUBJECT: Northstar Commuter Train Update
Attachments
• Northstar train schedule (changed April 17, 2010)
• MN Twins Northstar service schedule
• March 2010 ridership numbers (April's not yet released)
• Northstar online marketing survey PowerPoint
• Northstar online marketing survey findings
Background
Elk River celebrated the launch of the first commuter rail service in the state last November.
Staff meets on a consistent basis with the NCDA marketing committee, focusing on
improving service, public education and planning for the potential second phase to St.
Cloud.
2010 ridership projections show a goal of 897,000 trips, averaging a daily goal of 2,460. The
first four month of Northstar logged 199,409. April has shown the greatest ridership thus
far at 61,560 rides.
The train offers service to 53 MN Twins games this season. The train has delivered an
average of 20% of the fans this season, with a goal of 15%
Update
The first Noxthstar educational `How to Ride the Train' event will take place May 22nd, with
a second event planned for August 14; registration available June 1st through Park & Rec.
Participants will learn how to purchase their ticket, board the train and transfer to the light
rail, where they will be dropped off at the Mall of America for the afternoon. Due to the
large response and interest in these events; staff is in the process of planning future events,
particularly an event oriented for seniors.
The NCDA (Northstar Corridor Development Authority) recently completed an
unscientific, online survey and received over 1,700 responses.
Staff meets with the NCDA monthly; any input on the rail or suggestions on how to
improve service can be submitted to staff or by calling 612-373-3333.
Additional information regarding the train can be found at www.ci.elk-river.mn.us/northstar.
MTD through March 31 2010 Northstar Rides by Station
Station
Big Lake
Elk River
Anoka
Coon Rapids
Fridley
Mpls to Fridley
Mpls to Coon Rapids
Mpls Tto Anoka
Mpls to Elk River
Mpls to Big Lake
Rides
6,201
7,489
5,291
5,184
1,658
1,257
4,900
4,995
7,084
5,245
49, 304
Rides
Weekda Sat Sun/Hol if run Total
5,217 553 431 6,201
6,829 413 248 7,489
4,683 385 224 5,291
4,541 396 246 5,184
1,147 277 234 1,658
804 240 214 1,257
4,302 359 239 4,900
4,422 358 215 4,995
6,463 394 227 7,084
4.372 483 390 5.245
42,780 3;856 2,668 49,304.
Avera a Dail Rides
Weekda Sat Sun/Hol if run Total
227 138 108 200
297 103 62 242
204 96 56 171
197 99 62 167
50 69 59 53
35 60 53 41
187 90 60 158
192 89 54 161
281 98 57 229
190 121 97 169
1,860 964 667 1,590
Metro Transit 4/9/2010
Northstar Commuter Rail
Online Marketing Survey Findings
May 10, 2010
1. There is a high level of Northstar Commuter Rail use.
• 64% of respondents have used Northstar since service began.
• 87% of Northstar Link trips are round trips.
2. Some barriers to increased commuter use are beyond our immediate control.
• 42% of non-riders cited the schedule as the primary reason for not using the
Northstar Line.
• 28% of non-riders said that station locations do not meet their needs.
• Other reasons non-riders have not tried Northstar include affordability, need of a
vehicle and convenience of driving.
3. Opportunities exist to attract social riders and increase overall use of the
Northstar Line.
• 81 % of respondents said they would likely use special event trains; of non-riders,
special event trains were cited as the most important factor that would increase
the likelihood of riding.
• 22% of commuters said they would be more likely to ride if a shuttle bus was
available to and from their community and 27% said they would use the shuttle.
• More than 1/3 of current Northstar riders said amenities such as overnight
parking, late evening/weekday buses and Guaranteed Ride Home would make
them more likely to ride.
• Of current Northstar Link riders, nearly 73% said they would use the service if it
ran on weekends between St. Cloud and Big Lake.
• 81 % of Northstar Link commuters expressed interest in using The Link to meet
weekday or weekend special event Northstar trains.
4. Northstar riders consider Northstar safe and convenient.
Among respondents, the strongest agreement exists on the statements "I feel
safe while riding Northstar trains" and "Northstar station and train amenities meet
my needs."
Agreement is also strong regarding Northstar being more convenient than driving
and an affordable option.
Northstar Link riders named cost and low stress as their key motivations to ride.
5. Customers like the convenience of non-cash transactions.
• 53% are aware of the Go-To Card and 20% use it on a regular basis. Credit
cards also are used heavily.
• However, on average, respondents still have difficulty using smart cards.
6. Public support remains strong for commuter rail service to St. Cloud.
• 79% of respondents support government funding to extend rail service.
Results from two unscientific surveys were conducted in early spring 2010. The Northstar Corridor Development
Authority conducted an online survey completed by 1,774 supporters, riders, and members of the public. The second
survey was given to Northstar Link Commuter Coach riders; 48 riders responded.
34
No
64
Yes
2%
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