You can be a part of the Odyssey

Government officials and transit advocates are focusing on transportation initiatives to help move Michigan forward.

To accelerate that conversation, Transportation for Michigan will host the Michigan Transportation Odyssey, in which participants set off on a three-day voyage from Detroit Metro Airport to Traverse City using only Michigan’s transit systems and statewide passenger train service. The Transportation Odyssey gets under way on Wednesday, March 21.

The Odyssey begins with a speaker event presented by the Michigan Environmental Council and Metromode, at 5:30 p.m. at The Reserve in Birmingham, located at 375 South Eton Street. More information, including how to RSVP for the event, is available here.  

Come hear experts explore questions and topics related to Michigan placemaking, the future of a Regional Transit Authority, and economic growth and prosperity during a panel discussion, "Linking Regions in Prosperity."

Speakers:
+Birmingham Mayor Mark Nickita will welcome Odyssey travelers to his city and describe the promise that a regional transit authority holds.
+Keynote speaker Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff will discuss the importance of a coordinated regional transit system to southeast Michigan.
+Dave Potts, Oakland County Commissioner has been invited to address the group on how investment in transportation and infrastructure is essential to the region's economic future.
+Troy Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Hodges will outline how a complete, well-functioning transportation system is critical to keeping existing businesses and attracting new business to our region.
+Kresge Foundation’s Benjamin Kennedy, Program Officer for Detroit Community Development will bring the perspective of how vibrant, livable areas essential to achieving economically sustainable and equitable patterns of global development.

Grand Rapids Event
If you're not able to make it to the above event, don't fret. The Odyssey will make its way to Grand Rapids the following day and will host a speaking event with Rapid Growth Media at the Rapid's Central Station, 300 Ellsworth Avenue, at 5:30 p.m. More information will be available soon on Rapid Growth's website.

Speakers:
+Grand Rapids mayor George Heartwell
+Keynote speaker Tom Carper of Amtrak.
+Special guest speaker Rick Chapala of The Right Place, Inc.

Traverse City Reception
The Odyssey will come to a conclusion starting at 8:45 p.m. when the Michigan Environmental Council hosts a reception at North Peak Brewing in Traverse City, located at 400 West Front Street.

Joining the Odyssey
Fellow travelers are welcome to take part in a small piece or, if they prefer, the entire journey! All of the Michigan Transportation Odyssey events are free and open to the public. You can find out more by visiting the Odyssey website, Facebook page or follow their tweets.