The cost of riding the new Northstar commuter rail line when it opens later this year will be discussed at three public meetings, starting tomorrow.

The route will run between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis -- with four stations in between.

The Metropolitan Council's weekday one-way proposed fares to downtown Minneapolis are:

• Big Lake – $8
• Elk River – $6
• Anoka – $4
• Coon Rapids – $4
• Fridley – $3.25

For customers not traveling downtown, the proposed one-way fare between stations is $3.25.

Higher fares, of up to $10 one way, were anticipated when gas prices rose last summer, but the current proposal -- $8 tops -- came after reviewing lower gas prices, officials said.

The meetings to comment on the rates are:

• Wednesday, April 8, noon-1 p.m.
  Minneapolis Central Library Doty Room
  300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
• Wednesday, April 8, 7-8 p.m.
  Sherburne County Government Center Board Room
  13880 Highway 10 (13880 Business Center Drive), Elk River
• Tuesday, April 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  Anoka County Government Center Board Room (7th floor)
  2100 Third Ave., Anoka