Commuter Connection is now offering free bicycle education courses to downtown employers.
Our one-hour courses include:
Bicycling as Transportation
This course will cover the basic knowledge and skills that are essential to using your bike as a form of transportation. Topics covered include how to do a quick maintenance check, choosing a route, the Rules of the Road, general bicycle safety, using turn signals, maintaining proper lane positioning when riding in traffic, locking your bike, selecting essential commuting gear and putting your bike on the bus or train. Riders of all skill levels are encouraged to attend.
Basic Bike Maintenance
This course will cover the basics of how to keep a bike running smoothly and safely. Topics covered include how to do a quick maintenance check, keeping your bike clean and lubed, changing a flat tire, adjusting brakes, and tuning derailleurs.
Guided Rides
This course offers on-road guided rides around the city and reinforces what is covered in our Bicycling as Transportation course. Bicycles are provided by the Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassador program for those who do not have a bicycle.
Fill out a request form to schedule a class or request additional information!
Discover everything you need to know about biking in downtown Minneapolis in our new bicycle commuter guide!
Northstar Commuter Rail
Beginning Monday, Nov. 16, the Northstar Commuter Rail Line will offer service from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis
Useful Links:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a Metropass, U Pass & Go-To College Pass on Northstar?
The Metropass, U Pass and Go-To College Pass can all be used to ride the Northstar Commuter Rail but these passes will only cover $3.00 of the fare. Users of these passes will need to add stored value to their passes to cover the additional fare. Fares on the Northstar are distance-based, so the additional fare could range from 25 cents to $4 per one-way trip.
How Do I Add Value to a Metropass, U Pass or Go-To College Pass?
- At a Transit Store
Commuter Connection is conveniently located in downtown Minneapolis on the skyway level of US Bank Plaza.
Or click here to locate a transit pass vendor near you!
If your employer offers both Metropass and Super Saver stored value cards, you can purchase Super Saver cards using pre-tax dollars and transfer the value to a Metropass at any Metro Transit Store location. You cannot use Super Saver cards to pay for Northstar fare on a rail platform - you need to transfer the value to a Metropass or Go-To card.
Ticket Kiosk
- At a Station Ticket Kiosk
1. Press the F button.
2. Touch your pass to the Go-To Circle below the screen.
3. Select Add Stored Value then choose an amount.
4. Insert cash or swipe credit card.
5. YOU MUST touch your pass to the Go-To circle one more time for the value to be added to your card.
- Online
Click here to add value online.
This site only references Go-To Cards, but riders can also use it to add value to Metropasses, U Passes and Go-To College passes.
It takes three to five days for the fare to appear on your pass, so if you want to use your pass immediately, you'll need to add value at a ticket kiosk or at a transit store.
Our quarterly Commuter Connection newsletter covers news, programs and issues related to commuting to Downtown Minneapolis. Whether you walk, bike, pool, bus, take the train or drive - we've got information to keep moving!
Start out your week in the know. Check out our calendar of transportation-related events around town - Lunch & Learn Workshops, Commuter Challenge Events, Bike Walk Week, Carpool Week, Commuter Choice Awards and more!
