A record number of people are riding the Northstar Link Commuter Bus travelling on the Highway 10 corridor between St. Cloud and Minneapolis. Ridership numbers from January and February were up an average of 30 percent over 2011.

Since service began in November 2009, the numbers have been on the rise from a total of 26,263 in 2010 to 46,437 in 2011. According to the chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority Leigh Lenzemeier, the top three reasons people use the Link are cost savings, stress-free travel and convenience.

The Link meets most Northstar trains in Big Lake, seven days a week. The train schedule serves commuters during rush hour, plus events such as Twins baseball games. Fares can range from $1.25 to $5.50 one way. Information on fares and schedules can be found here.