MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – In an attempt to get more people riding public transit, Metro Transit officials said Monday the rates to ride the Northstar Commuter Rail Line will be lowered on Aug. 1.

The NCRL has stations in Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids and Fridley, serving commuters heading into Minneapolis. Officials said fares between Big Lake, Elk River, Anoka and Coon Rapids down to Target Field in Minneapolis will be lowered $1. Fares between the suburban stations and from Fridley to Minneapolis will be $.25 cheaper.

Current customers that use the Metropass program, which is about 33,000, can also take advantage of the reduced fee.

Officials said weekend rates will not change at this time. The trial fares will be in effect from Wednesday until April 13, 2013.

The goals of the fare reduction promotion are to build long-term ridership and maximize the regional investment in the NCRL, officials said.

The new fares are as follows:
Big Lake: $6
Elk River: $4.50
Anoka: $3
Coon Rapids-Riverdale: $3
Fridley: $3
Station-to-Station: $3