Transit Planners Put Ann Arbor-Detroit Commuter Rail in Motion

A long-stalled, but partially built-out, commuter rail line has achieved institutional legitimacy with the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan. Novembers will have a chance to decide on the idea in November.

1 minute read

May 24, 2016, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Detroit People Mover

With the QLine already on the way, Detroit's People Mover could get even more rail transit company. | Steve Pepple / Shutterstock

"The Regional Transit Authority wants to give life to a long-stalled Ann Arbor to Detroit commuter rail line that would connect the cities’ downtowns," reports Leonard N Fleming.

"The 38-mile line has been discussed for more than a decade but was in need of a funding source. The RTA plans to solve that issue by folding the cost of the service, which would use existing Amtrak lines, into its November millage request," adds Fleming.

According to Fleming, the proposal grew out of the Michigan Avenue Corridor Study, recently approved by the RTA board. The study also included the possibility of bus-rapid transit and a connection to the QLine (formerly known as the M-1 streetcar). Paul Hillegonds, RTA board chair, is on the record in article talking about how the existing infrastructure for the proposed Ann Arbor-Detroit connector makes the cost for the line competitive with bus-rapid transit.

Friday, May 20, 2016 in The Detroit News

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