Ann Arbor to Detroit Regional Rail Project

Ann Arbor to Detroit Regional Rail Project

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Southest
• Michigan
• Ann
• Arbor
• Detroit
• SEMCOG
• Rail
• Regional
• Train

[brad3378]

I'm really excited about this project and what it will do for my community here in West Dearborn!!

Will there be a public entrance to the Greenfield Villiage depot in West Dearborn? Or will we need to purchase a ticket to the museum?

[semcog]

Thank you for your support of the project. The initial Dearborn stop will be located at the existing Amtrak station near the performing arts center. Once the new station has been built, there will be a public entrance from Michigan Ave.

[Pleasanter1]

The initial focus on commuters may make practical sense, but it differs substantially from how this project is being sold.. Having a couple runs during commuter hours has little relevance to sports/theater/museum travelers, airport travelers, hospital travelers, or workers with non-standard hours. Those other groups need more frequent, more flexible travel options. I fear we're focusing too much on costly rail when modern busses are far more practical.

[semcog]

The project is being sold as a "demonstration" project to establish higher level transit ridership in the region. In addition to the basic commuter service, the project team is seeking to utilize the train to serve specific events that occur in the corridor. The team is working with the Detroit Visitors and Convention Bureau to determine which events would best accommodate rail transit between Ann Arbor and Detroit.

[nssd70m2]

Is their going a demonstration train running this fall?

[semcog]

No, there will not be a demonstration train running this fall. We're working on procuring vehicles and have contracted with Great Lakes Central Railroad to lease/refurbish the rail cars. The first set is expected to be delivered in early 2010 with the remainder being delivered by the end of the year for both Ann Arbor to Detroit and the WALLY commuter rail services. The process for procuring rail cars is underway for delivery by July 2010. The initial service should be operating by October 2010.

[desalvo66]

well don't stop there should go a little deeper into the suburbs so i don't have to take the car to the airport..

[lexmarks567]

seeing how there is no more news on this IM going to say this project has been cancelled here it is the middle of august and nothing more has been said. stupid other states are expanding there rails we can't even get this stupid thing up and running

[lexmarks567]

The last update was april and here it is going on july any update? will this thing be running this year.

[cynicalbluewhale]

@lexmarks567 The whole train system is refurbished GO transit trains, which is fine with me, I love GO transit trains, I just wish they weren't so pricey, I pay over $300 for a monthly pass from Hamilton to Union on GO transit.... Just a heads up for Ann Arbor, once this is operational expect a huge growth spike, when this sort of service was added to Hamilton it's population almost doubled (despite the old signs still being up) in a few years. The region around it now is 1 million people.

[IrishInColumbus]

Any updates?

[lexmarks567]

@semcog

well here it is January and no service

[lexmarks567]

This stupid project is taking forever to get up a running stupid government why can't they see that rail is better then building 12 lane freeways and adding the rush hour congestion. Not all of us have the luxury of a private jet.

[stevefisher123]

i really hope this project follows through..as well as the woodward light rail project. despite all the crime and stuff in and around detroit, ive been going there almost monthly and it truly is a beautiful city with so much potential. please..for the community make this happen! thank you so much!

[DmityandEmmaandSasha]

@tyu3456 I don't think they know when it will be up and running but if the state purchases the line from Dearborn to Kalamazoo then service could start soon after,

[tyu3456]

any updates on when this will be up and running? there's no mention of it yet on the website