Mass transit massing up

More talk, and more talk, and more talk. The private backers of the mystery transit line up Woodward are meeting with the public organizers of the transit line (currently being studied) that will run from Hart plaza to the State Fairgrounds.

Talking is the first step in getting Detroit's mass transit up and running. Then there's the money. But it seems as if it's closer and a bit more serious more now than in years past.

The Woodward tract to the State Fairgrounds is estimated to carry 11,100 riders a day, with an operating cost of about $7.4 million annually. Construction for this line could begain as early as 2011.

Unfortunately, the privately funded line doesn't have as many details, and it's still a little hazy on what exactly is taking place.

Excerpt:

Organizers of a $371 million project to build a light-rail line along Woodward Avenue from downtown Detroit to the State Fairgrounds were to begin meeting Monday with the backers of a privately funded plan with similar goals.

Norman White, the city of Detroit’s CFO, said Monday he’ll meet with unnamed business leaders who want to spend $103 million to construct a light rail line from Hart Plaza to Grand Boulevard. The backers of that plan, believed to be among the region’s most influential business leaders, have remained anonymous and details of the proposal, first reported Feb. 25 in Crain’s Detroit Business, remain secret.

Read the entire article here.
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