The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments might be finished studying the feasibility of the Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter train line, but that doesn't mean it's done figuring out how to make it work.
"We're in implement mode," says Carmine Palombo, director of transportation for SEMCOG, which is quarterbacking the project. "We're not studying to see if this is a good idea."
Right now SEMCOG is at the tail end of figuring out ways to make sure its commuter trains can run smoothly with freight train traffic that already travels the line. Two of the train companies, Canadian National and Northfolk Southern, have already figured this out with SEMCOG.
Palombo also maintains that the project is still set to become operational by the end of next year. Although start times for the commuter rail line have been pushed back several times this decade, the end of 2010 deadline is one that SEMCOG officials have held in recent years. It coincides with the M-1 Rail line (Woodward Avenue light rail) deadline for completion.
The plan calls for creating a commuter rail line between Detroit and Ann Arbor, with stops at Dearborn, Metro Airport and Ypsilanti. Amtrak will provide the trains. It could conceivably be expanded to connect Royal Oak, Ferndale, Troy/Birmingham and Pontiac.
Source: Carmine Palombo, director of transportation for SEMCOG
Writer: Jon Zemke
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.