The Great Lakes State is ready to lead a rail revolution
Imagine a Michigan where fast, hourly trains connect our biggest towns and cities, fueling economic growth and revitalizing communities.
An integrated network of affordable trains, regional buses, and local transit can become the backbone of a thriving state economy.
Michigan – already ahead with its established passenger rail program – has a chance to lead the nation by embracing this modern, sustainable transportation model. Acting now will position Michigan as a trailblazer in the shift to cleaner, smarter mobility.
“MDOT should work with passenger rail providers to support the development of a more robust passenger rail system focused on connecting Michigan’s regional population centers.”
Growing Michigan Together Council, December 14, 2023
Building Blocks for Game-Changing Passenger Rail
Regional Rail
High-speed Rail
Integrated Network
State Planning and Funding
Regional Rail is the Foundation
Fast, comfortable, and affordable trains with convenient departures throughout the day.
From the moment you step on board to the moment you arrive, trains give you the freedom to walk around, use the restroom, or visit the café car. There are no restrictions on using your phone, tablet or laptop.
When well coordinated with connecting buses and local transit, Regional Rail becomes a great choice for all kinds of trips.
Building on the Wolverine’s Success
The lower half of the Lower Peninsula is home to 8 million people – 80% of Michigan’s Population.
The State is investing in the Chicago – Detroit Wolverine. The line hosts just three daily trains in each direction. They are usually crowded and often sold out.
There is strong demand for linking Michigan’s biggest cities with hourly regional rail and regional bus service.
A Statewide Vision
Coordinated trains and buses will make it practical and affordable to travel to every corner of the state.
Several new and expanded routes are under study.
The State of Michigan needs to develop a comprehensive plan and commit to dedicated, consistent funding for the network.
Current Service
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) purchases Amtrak service on three routes.
- The Detroit – Chicago Wolverine offers 3 daily departures in each direction. MDOT has steadily upgraded the line for 110 mph speeds.
- The Port Huron – Chicago Blue Water is a branch of the Wolverine that offers 1 daily departure each way.
- The Grand Rapids – Chicago Pere Marquette offers just one daily departure each way.
MDOT has begun studies to double daily service. They should be thinking much bigger.
Key Michigan Railway Corridors
Wolverine
Pere Marquette + Coast-to-Coast
Northern Michigan
North – South Rail Link to Traverse City; Bay City service; and a Upper Peninsula link.
Detroit - Toledo - Cleveland
The State of Ohio is leading a Corridor ID study of Cleveland–Toledo–Detroit passenger service.
High-Speed Rail to Detroit
While the lower half of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is ideal for hourly regional trains, bullet trains might take a different path.
High-speed trains need to operate in a sealed corridor with long, straight tracks and very gradual curves. They cross above or below roads and other railroads – never at grade. Re-engineering the Wolverine corridor for 220mph trains could mean having to bypass city centers of places like Kalamazoo and Battle Creek and building new stations outside of town, ignoring the advantages of centrally-located train stations.
A better route for high-speed rail to Detroit could be through Fort Wayne and Toledo. It is much straighter and passes through a few small towns. Very fast, convenient travel from Detroit to Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, and beyond could help elevate the economic dynamic of the region.
Other Key Components
Regional Bus
Michigan Central Station
Michigan Central is a perfect fit for trains, especially for high-speed rail.
Access to Chicago
There is a lot that Michigan can and should do on its own – within state borders. But a new, passenger-dedicated pathway into Chicago is needed to maximize the return on those investments.
New Trainsets
New trains are operating on state routes, but there are enough to meet current demand.
An order for new trains should be placed now.
Ask Governor Whitmer and your legislators to make regional rail a priority
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