Will Commuter Rail Happen In Southeast Michigan?

In order to alleviate congestion and auto-dependency, mass transportation proponents are working diligently to develop southeast Michigan's first commuter rail line.

1 minute read

February 10, 2007, 5:00 AM PST

By Mike Lydon


"There is no rapid transit system connecting to Metro Airport, unlike most major airports in the world. Most of them utilize light-rail, commuter-rail or bus-rapid-transit lines. Only two SMART bus lines stop at the airport. The one bus line that directly connects downtown Detroit to Metro Airport snakes through a number of downriver communities. That's more than Ann Arbor Transportation Authority offers. The furthest point east its bus lines stretch is to the edge of Belleville, several miles west of Metro.

'That's one thing we are sorely missing is a way to get to the airport,' says State Rep. Marie Donigan, D-Royal Oak, a leading advocate for improving mass transit in Metro Detroit.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007 in Model D

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

White bike symbol painted on green bike lane.

OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes

The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.

March 21 - Oklahoma City Free Press

Aerial view of downtown Houston, Texas skyline with low-rise housing in foreground.

Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’

Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.

March 21 - Urban Edge

Small tree in bloom with pink flowers in front of home in Toronto, Canada.

The Most Popular Tree on Google?

Meet Rodney: the Toronto tree getting rave reviews.

March 21 - Toronto Star