Imagine this: You’re traveling for work, visiting family, or setting off on a weekend trip. But rather than battling traffic and the general stress of driving, you’re comfortably seated on a passenger train—reading, working, or simply taking in the view.
This year—and even starting right now—you will have an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas to bring this vision to fruition in a way that’s most convenient and useful for you and other Michiganders.
A new passenger rail line connecting Michigan’s Lower Peninsula from north to south has the power to transform how we get around, making travel more convenient, affordable and—my favorite part—enjoyable! But beyond comfort and convenience, a rail service could be a positive game-changer for local economies, be better for Michigan’s environment, and make travel safer.
We have a historic opportunity to shape the future of transportation in Michigan, and we need your input.
Right now, a year-long study is underway to explore how to make Michigan north-south passenger rail service a reality. The consulting team is busy gathering data to analyze important business plan details, such as ridership potential, infrastructure needs, and operating costs. And here at Groundwork, we’ve been working closely with members of the project’s Advisory Group, which is made up of transit agencies and cities along the proposed route.
We have a historic opportunity to shape the future of transportation in Michigan, and we need your input. What would make rail work for you? What destinations, schedules, and amenities would make the biggest difference in your life? Share your thoughts here!
Local community support is vital. If you live along the line, chances are your city manager, planner, or transit director is on the project’s Advisory Group and they would love to hear what you think about a train. Reach out to them.
Over the course of the year, there will be even more opportunities to engage with the study, including public meetings and additional chances to provide feedback. Stay tuned for more ways to get involved! 
Carolyn Ulstad, Groundwork Transportation Program Manager.
carolyn.ulstad@groundworkcenter.org
