The proposed commuter rail line between Ann Arbor and Howell looks like it might take an important step forward at the end of June when a feasibility study is released.
The new study conducted by RL Banks & Associates will detail many aspects of the project, including needed capital improvements, ridership projections, schedule, coordinating bus routes and station locations. It will also include a time line for establishing the service along the U.S. 23 corridor.
The project, close to becoming the first rapid transit system in Metro Detroit in decades, has enjoyed near unanimous support from federal, state and local officials. The Michigan Department of Transportation pledged $1.4 million on top of the $375,000 it has already committed to the project. Other local governments are pledging money ranging from the $150,000 from Washtenaw County to $10,000 from Northfield Township.
Leaders from the Ann Arbor area started pushing for a commuter rail line north of the city along U.S. 23 into Livingston County last year to help deal with construction improvements along the highway. Although it didn't work out that way, leaders from all over the area are now pushing to make the line permanent with stops in Ann Arbor, Whitmore Lake, Hamburg Township, Genoa Township and Howell.
The idea is to help relieve congestion along U.S. 23. Rush hour traffic often goes beyond the highway's capacity, turning the four-lane highway into a parking lot.
A three-car passenger train would make six trips during the morning rush hour and another six trips in the afternoon/evening rush hour. Each stainless steel bi-level car could carry between 500 to 600 people per trip. A train would take about 20 minutes one way, saving commuters about 45 minutes in transport time, officials say.
It is estimated the cost to passengers could be kept in line with what they pay for gas. The city also has an enthusiastic partner in Great Lakes Central Railroad, also known as the Tuscola and Saginaw Bay Railway, which is willing to set up the service and provide the trains.
Great Lakes Central is also interested extending the line as far north as Traverse City and as far south as Milan in the long term if the initial project proves successful.
Source: Terri Blackmore, executive direct of the Washtenaw Area Transportation Study
Writer: Jon Zemke
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