Michigan Passenger Rail Future E-Newsletter Issue 01

Welcome to the first edition of MDOT’s Michigan Passenger Rail Future e-newsletter. These newsletters are designed to inform you about the program, the ongoing progress and future developments.

The Michigan Passenger Rail Future program was developed when the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced that the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) received three separate grants from the FRA's Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program to create service development plans (SDPs) to improve on-time performance and increase the frequency of its three existing intercity passenger rail services. SDPs outline the strategies and steps needed to develop and improve the rail service and demonstrate the proposed service's operational and financial feasibility and value. The funding will allow MDOT to enhance transportation options statewide, aligning with the Michigan Mobility 2045 Plan, which guides transit and rail decisions for the next 25 years to create a more connected and accessible Michigan.

To read MDOT's Corridor ID Applications and see what other corridors were selected in the country, visit our News and Resources page, where you will find different resources and news articles.

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MDOT is undertaking four SDPs as part of its efforts to enhance passenger rail services in Michigan, aiming to offer more diverse travel options and elevate overall service experience, making rail travel a preferred choice for Michigan's residents and visitors.

Click the button to visit our website to learn more about Michigan Passenger Rail Future!

An Amtrak train passing through a station.

Michigan.gov/MIPassengerRailFuture

What is the Corridor ID Program?

The FRA’s Corridor ID Program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), focuses on identifying key transportation corridors that require development or improvement to facilitate economic growth, improve mobility and enhance overall quality of life. Under the Corridor ID Program, corridor developments and improvements will occur in three sequential steps. The MDOT Corridor ID program is currently in Step 1.

Corridor ID Timeline showing the current and future phases. The current phase consists of three steps. Step 1 is Scoping and Program Initiation and consists of developing the scope schedule and cost estimate for preparing a Service Development Plan. Step 2 is Service Development Planning and will consist of preparing the Service Development Plan. Step 3 is Project Development and will consist of completing preliminary engineering and NEPA activities. The future phases consist of the Final Design followed by Construction and last is Operation. Currently the program is going through Step 1.

For more information on SDPs and the Corridor ID Program, check out our website and FAQ section at the bottom of the homepage for answers to frequently asked questions.

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Michigan's Existing Passenger Rail Services

Blue Water: Port Huron - Chicago Corridor
Pere Marquette: Grand Rapids - Chicago Corridor
Wolverine: Detroit/Pontiac - Chicago Corridor

*with proposed expansion to Windsor/Toronto

Consideration for a New Passenger Rail Connection

The Michigan Passenger Rail Future program will also consider the feasibility of an additional east-west intrastate passenger rail route connecting Holland, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor and Detroit. MDOT plans to complete the planning for this potential new service per FRA’s Corridor ID requirements and intends to pursue it under a future Corridor ID opportunity.

Coast-to-Coast Passenger Rail (Potential):

Holland - Grand Rapids - Lansing - Ann Arbor - Detroit

Explore the map below, including each of the corridors and stations, and the corridor pages for detailed information on each service corridor and the goals through the Corridor ID Program.

Overview map of Michigan and the surrounding states that outlines each of the four corridors and stations on each route. The map also includes the nearby selected corridor ID corridors, the Windsor to Toronto corridor that may potentially be an extension of the Wolverine corridor, and the North-South Passenger Rail Study that is not part of the 4 MDOT corridors. To learn more about the corridors and station stops, visit the website.

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An Amtrack train stopped at one of the Michigan stations.

There will be numerous opportunities for engagement throughout the program. Share your thoughts and comments on the four service corridors through our website as we prepare the SDPs and continue to plan the future of passenger rail in Michigan. We would love to hear from you!

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For general input or questions about the program, contact us through our online form!

Visit Michigan.gov/MIPassengerRailFuture

If you have questions, please contact MDOT-RailDev@Michigan.gov.