Plans for the proposed U.S. 23 commuter train line has taken a major step forward now that the University of Michigan has committed that at least 1,200 of its employees or students will ride the line, which could be up and running by June.
The coalition estimates it will need 1,700 to 1,800 riders per day to make the project successful. Members from the coalition are currently asking Ann Arbor’s top employers for commitments.
"There has been a massive amount of support from the public and private sectors," said Mike Cicchella, Northfield Township Supervisor and member of the Coalition for Mass Transit.
Leaders from the Ann Arbor area are pushing for a commuter rail line north of the city along U.S. 23 into Livingston County while large portions of the expressway are shut down this summer for construction. The Michigan Department of Transportation has pledged several hundred thousand dollars to make improvements to the track and the Coalition for Mass Transit, the group behind the proposal, is applying for up to $1 million in federal funding. Fares are expected to offset the rest of the cost for $1.5-million project.
"One of the big issues was insurance and I think we’re over that hurdle," Cicchella said. "Now we’re focusing on the grant." He expects to know whether the project will receive it by May or June.
MDOT has started closing down sections of U.S. 23 to repair bridges between Brighton and Ann Arbor. That project is expected to last until late this summer and create massive amounts of congestion.
The short commuter rail route would utilize existing tracks between the Ann Arbor’s north side and the Livingston County border just south of Brighton. A temporary station would be set up with near a large parking lot near Livingston County’s border with Washtenaw County.
Another temporary station is planned for Plymouth Road in Ann Arbor with buses that would take passengers to several points throughout the city, such as downtown and the University of Michigan Hospital. A third station on Chilson Road in Howell is also being considered.
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, which is willing to set up the service and provide the trains.
Source: Mike Cicchella, Northfield Township Supervisor and member of the Coalition for Mass Transit
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.