Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2010
OVERNIGHT PARKING NOW OK AT NORTHSTAR STATIONS
MINNEAPOLIS – (Jan. 12) – Overnight parking is now permitted in lots adjacent to the five suburban Northstar rail stations, Metro Transit announced today.
“Some Northstar customers – and potential customers – have been requesting this option since we opened for service in mid-November,” said Brian Lamb, Metro Transit general manager.
Metro Transit does not permit overnight parking at its other park-and-ride lots in the metro area. Those facilities are used exclusively by day commuters.
During a six-month pilot program, Metro Transit has designated up to 10 spaces each at Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids and Fridley stations as available only for overnight parking with each car permitted to occupy a space for no longer than seven days at a time. Signs have been installed to mark the overnight parking spots.
During the pilot program, Metro Transit will assess usage rates, snow removal issues, vandalism, liability, security and enforcement.
“Assuming these issues are manageable, the overnight parking will be continued until such time as, on a station-by-station basis, the overnight parking spaces are needed by Northstar’s prime customers – daily commuters,” Lamb said.
The $317 million Northstar rail project was delivered on time and under budget through collaborative efforts of the Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit, Northstar Corridor Development Authority and Minnesota Department of Transportation. The Counties Transit Improvement Board and Sherburne County assist with operating funds.
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(Editors: For information, contact Bob Gibbons, director of customer services, 612-349-7509 or robert.gibbons@metc.state.mn.us.)
