At its heart, the North+South Passenger Rail project is about connection, about stitching together the communities, people, and opportunities that make Michigan great. The proposed North + South Passenger Rail isn’t just about moving from point A to point B, it’s about reimagining how we move about and creating a future where traveling is easier, more sustainable, and more enjoyable. This bold initiative asks us to think differently about what it means to live, work, and explore in Michigan and to imagine the freedom and the ease of stepping onto a train that connects us all.

Over the past several months, the Groundwork team hit the road, often wishing we could take the train instead, to visit with 12 communities across the state to meet with a wide range of community representatives: think city and county officials, Downtown Development Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, Disability Networks, transit agencies, universities, tourism groups, and economic development organizations. The purpose was to update each community on what is happening with the major rail study now underway and to learn from stakeholders about local needs and potential barriers to a new train service.

The meetings were incredibly valuable to us. Each one offered new insights and helped us better understand what communities value most. We also heard heartfelt reflections about people’s love for their towns and their hopes for the future. While every community had its own unique qualities, the feedback about the train was strikingly consistent, and a number of core themes emerged.

Economic

• Stimulate local economic growth and attract employers and talent
• Strengthen downtowns and main streets
• Improve tourism, but that’s only one part of a much bigger picture of needs
• Support regional commuting (frequency is important)
• Make Michigan more livable and more competitive in attracting and keeping residents
• Create a new way connect to cultural activities and events

People Oriented

• Benefit residents and visitors alike
• Provide great value to Michigan’s aging population
• Bring together families who live a distance apart
• Benefit universities and their students along the line

Access

• Provide access to specialized medical care
• Enhance accessibility, especially for those who cannot or do not drive for various reasons

Safety & Sustainability

• Offer a convenient travel option that is safer than driving and would reduce traffic
• Provide a travel option during emergency or natural disaster if key roads became unavailable
• Expand sustainable carbon-conscience travel in Michigan

Many local leaders appreciated that a train could be a catalyst for growth, drawing more people to their communities and linking Michigan more tightly to the broader regional rail network.

Of course, there are challenges ahead. Communities raised important questions about identifying suitable station properties, local needs of long-term parking, and how passengers will get from the station to their final destinations.

There’s recognition that a project of this scale will require strong state support, clear governance and funding structures, and compelling public messaging to position rail as a statewide investment.

Other barriers that stakeholders mentioned include navigating the complexities of busier rail corridors in southeast Michigan and making the rail line work for both long distance travel and shorter distance commuting. Additionally, some emphasized the need for a cultural shift, essentially earning the confidence of those who’ve never traveled by train before.

Despite these hurdles, one thing stood out everywhere we went: enthusiasm. People want options. They want connection. And they want a prosperous future for the Michigan they love–and they felt passenger rail could help make that future real.

With those key meetings behind us, looking forward, the team is targeting November for the launch of a public survey to gather even more feedback and the study consultants are expected to complete their analysis this winter.

With collaboration, creativity, and commitment, we can do big things for Michigan.

Carolyn Ulstad is Groundwork’s Transportation Program Manager. carolyn.ulstad@groundworkcenter.org