Audio Listen to Dan Olson's interview with Hiawatha Line spokesman Josh Collins and Metro Transit's Bob Gibbons Photos Nicollet Station Nicollet Station (artist) Metrodome stop View full slideshow (9 images) More from MPR Traffic and livability questions surround light rail station (06/10/2003) Light rail pulls into the Mall of America station (04/09/2003) Digging the light-rail tunnel (08/16/2001) Resources Hiawatha Light Rail Project Web site Your Voice Join the conversation with other MPR listeners in the News Forum.

	E-mail this page			Print this page

The nuts and bolts of life with light rail
by Dan Olson, Minnesota Public Radio
June 11, 2003

Progress on the Stone Arch Bridge replica that is being built in partnership with MCDA and Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission (Hiawatha Project Office)

Minneapolis, Minn. — The Hiawatha line is still 10 months away (April 2004) from starting service. Even so, anticipation is building as commuters and neighborhood residents watch the station construction.

Hiawatha Line spokesman Josh Collins and Metro Transit's Bob Gibbons talked with MPR's Dan Olson on a visit to the nearly-completed Cedar Riverside light rail station.

In the photo section, see a glimpse of the line's first rail car on a test run. The vehicle is still being checked out by its manufacturer, Bombardier. There'll be up to 23 more cars, costing $3 million each. During rush hours they'll run every seven-and-a-half minutes.

The single 11.6-mile line from downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America in Bloomington will be a shadow of the once extensive Twin Cities trolley system. The newest development is agreement by Mall of America owners to allow the line to pick up and drop off passengers at the MOA's transit center.

The initial plan was for a light rail station across the street from the Mall. The change will add up to $45 million of expense to the $675 million project . Most of the additional money will come from the federal government. It'll be used to buy land for additional right of way and a big park and ride lot.

Boosters predict the Hiawatha light rail service will create a clamor for additional lines. So far, the only other proposal is for the Central Corridor. Light rail would run down the middle of University Avenue between Minneapolis and St. Paul. However, there's no firm plan or funding in place.

Select the audio link to hear Dan Olson's interview with Hiawatha Line spokesman Josh Collins and Metro Transit's Bob Gibbons.

News Headlines

Related Subjects