tod in the twin cities

The Northstar Corridor is a commuter rail line that connects the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities region to Downtown Minneapolis. The Northstar line also connects directly to the Hiawatha Line, which has service to the airport and the Mall of America. When the Central Corridor opens in 2014, commuters on the Northstar line will also be connected by rail to Downtown St. Paul. Currently the Northstar runs for 40 miles from downtown Minneapolis to Big Lake, MN. Trains operating costs are below budget, and Northstar responds to special events like Twins and Vikings games by providing specially-timed service.

According to an independent analysis prepared for the Federal Transit Administration, Northstar will save commuters nearly 900,000 hours in travel time every year, compared to the next best alternative of bus transit. Service began in late 2009, and 2010 the Metropolitan Council estimates that on an average weekday about 3,400 riders used the rail line.

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o Learn more about the Northstar (news updates and schedules) here.

Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD, is typically defined as more compact development within easy walking distance of transit stations (typically a half mile) that contains a mix of uses such as housing, jobs, shops, restaurants and entertainment. TOD is about creating walkable, sustainable communities for people of all ages and incomes and providing more transportation and housing choices. These neighborhoods provide for a lifestyle that's convenient, affordable and active, and create places where our children can play and our parents can grow old comfortably.