This year’s rail conference with the theme Pivot to the Future brought together industry professionals, government officials, and transportation advocates to discuss the future of rail in Michigan. From workforce development to ambitious goals for expanding service and our own presentation on Michigan’s North+South Passenger Rail project, here are our top takeaways from the event:
1. Building the Future: NURail Students
One big focus at the conference was the growing need to educate more students on the rail industry to address the looming workforce gap. As seasoned workers retire, there’s a pressing need for new talent with the technical skills needed to work in rail.
A number of students at the conference are taking part in programs put on by the National University Rail (NURail) Center, which is a consortium of seven partner colleges that offer specialized programs that align with industry needs. One of the universities, Michigan Tech located in the Upper Peninsula, offers courses and out-of-classroom experiences that are helping to prepare the next generation of rail workers. Between 2012 and 2020, the program overall organized 250 rail-related internships and an impressive 196 students secured full-time positions in rail and transit jobs. By investing in education today, the industry is ensuring it will have a bright tomorrow!
Catwalks within the QLINE maintenance facililty provide technicians with easy access to the top of streetcars when examining components and servicing them.
2. Record Ridership for the QLine: A Sign of Growing Demand
The Penske Tech Center, home to the headquarters of the QLINE—Detroit’s streetcar system that opened in 2017—was one of the stops on the conference’s Friday field trip that Michael attended. During the tour, he learned that the line had its highest ridership ever in 2023, with more than 1 million boardings; which is higher than its pre-Covid record of 801,332! Even more exciting, numbers for 2024 look like they could shatter last year’s record, as the streetcars saw extraordinary amounts of use during the NFL Draft and word of mouth about their utility continues to spread. This sustained surge in ridership can partially be attributed to investments and policy changes that made the service free for all passengers, a transit-only lane being implemented along part of the route, and the procurement of a dedicated tow truck to clear vehicles that block the tracks. When cities support and act to develop accessible and dependable transportation, people respond enthusiastically.
3. Michigan’s Ambitious Plan: Doubling Train Frequencies
Perhaps the most significant announcement came from Michigan’s Office of Rail whose presenter said that through the Federal Railroad Administration’s new Corridor ID program, they will be working on a plan to double the frequency of passenger trains in Michigan. Currently there are only five trains operating in the state (one on the Pere Marquette, one on the Blue Water, and three on the Wolverine). The goal is to double each line’s frequency, making rail a more attractive and convenient option for travelers. Doubling service could better position rail as a true competitor to car travel. With these expansions, rail service in Michigan could better boost economic development, enhance regional mobility, and reduce carbon emissions. That’s the kind of future we can get behind!
Looking Ahead
The rail conference left us feeling that Michigan’s rail future can be bright. Driven by smart partnerships, growing demand, and bold visions for expansion like our own plan to create a service that connects Michigan north to south, the state has an opportunity to grow its reputation for being innovated and future focused. 
Carolyn Ulstad, Groundwork Transportation Program Manager
carolyn.ulstad@groundworkcenter.org
Michael Goldman Brown Jr., Groundwork Transportation Specialist
michael.goldmanbrown@groundworkcenter.org
