The battle over transportation spending is on in Congress. We need your help. Congress is currently working on two bills that will determine how much the U.S. invests in passenger rail over the near term. Both bills fail to create the growing passenger-rail network...
Design the Wolverine for Success
The Wolverine corridor connects a chain of sizable, closely-spaced cities between Chicago and Detroit – a dense travel market and a perfect fit for hourly regional rail.
The Federal Railroad Administration’s Midwest Regional Rail Plan calls for just that, proposing a range of 16 to 25 daily roundtrips.
But the Michigan Department of Transportation will take five years to plan for just six daily round trips. It’s time to think bigger.
You can push MDOT to:
- Begin running more trains now between Kalamazoo and Detroit
- Design for hourly departures by 2036
Wolverine Snapshot
Existing Service
- Only 3 daily round-trips Chicago-Detroit-Pontiac
- High demand, often sold out
Status
- MDOT planning 6 daily roundtrips
Our Proposal
- More trains today Kalamazoo-Detroit
- Hourly trains by 2036
Ideal for Hourly Regional Rail
Major employers, universities, and innovation hubs create constant demand along the corridor.
With fast hourly trains, Kalamazoo to Battle Creek becomes a quick lunch meeting, Albion to Jackson an easy commute, and Ann Arbor-Dearborn-Detroit a seamless connection between the University of Michigan, Ford, and the Michigan Central innovation hub.
The demand is already there: The Wolverine already runs near capacity and frequently sells out.
Hourly Departures Are Essential
With hourly service, you go when you want.
Travel happens all day.
Business travelers leave early; commuters travel at peak hours; and students, shoppers, and leisure travelers move throughout the day.
If a meeting runs long, a concert has an encore, or dinner goes late, another train is coming, with early and late departures acting as a safety net. Frequent departures let trains serve them all.
Current Status: Moving Too Slowly
- Accepted into the Federal Railroad Administration Corridor Identification and Development Program in December 2023
- Step 2 begins in 2026: service plan, phasing plan, preliminary environmental and engineering work
- MDOT says it will take five years just to create the plan
Previous Work Sets the Stage
Public ownership gives the state great freedom.
Together, Amtrak and MDOT own and control more than two-thirds of the corridor. Those 235 miles between Porter, IN and Dearborn, MI are ready for 110 mph.
The state continues to invest in better stations, bridges, and other improvements.
This is the foundation for building a great corridor. The state should seize it.
Planning Work Is Underway
A few cost-effective projects are essential to making hourly service on the Wolverine possible. Tell Lansing to make these investments.
Double Track
Most of the corridor is single track. For effective hourly service, it will have to be double-tracked. Indeed, it was for much of its history, meaning building a second mainline would have little environmental impact. The corridor should be electrified, but can function well with diesel power.
A New Detroit Station
Michigan Central is designing a new Detroit station on its site. It should be designed for success and growth, not hemmed in by small expectations. New tracks and a flyover may be needed to reach it.
Wayne Junction Flyover
The Wolverine corridor crosses a CSX mainline roughly halfway between Dearborn and Ann Arbor. A flyover similar to the Englewood Flyover in Chicago (pictured) will be needed here.
The Battle Creek Bypass
MDOT has long talked about a bypass around a short section of CN-owned track. It’s time to get it done.
“South-of-the-Lake”
Adding capacity between Chicago and Porter, IN will be difficult. The Federal Railroad Administration and the Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan departments of transportation are working on a plan to add a few more daily trains. They need to plan for success in this foundational segment.
Early Wins Can Build Momentum
Michigan doesn’t have to wait years to begin improving the Wolverine corridor. By adding more trains now and starting targeted infrastructure upgrades, the state can relieve sold-out trains, show immediate progress, and build momentum toward a more ambitious future.
Phase 1: Detroit – Ann Arbor
The more densely-populated eastern end of the corridor offers the clearest opportunity for an early win. Hourly service linking Michigan Central, Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor would connect three of the state’s most important innovation and employment centers and demonstrate the value of frequent rail service.
Phase 2: Ann Arbor – Kalamazoo
The next step would extend frequent service west to Kalamazoo with targeted infrastructure work—such as the Battle Creek bypass—to improve reliability and reduce freight delays.
Phase 3: Kalamazoo – Chicago
The final phase would extend frequent service to Chicago. This segment depends on developing a passenger-focused route. Chicago is the biggest market on the corridor—where ridership gains from hourly service will be greatest.
The Need to Get Engaged Now
We must push for a system designed around how people actually travel—starting with hourly departures and a faster planning timeline.
The Wolverine has the market and foundation to succeed. You can help ensure it is built to a standard that can deliver real transformation.
The window to set the right ambition is open—but not for long.
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