Passenger rail could knit together Michigan’s largest population centers and reconnect our coasts, providing residents a low-stress and sustainable way to travel our state for work and recreation.
The Environmental Council has been a leading voice advocating for the restoration of passenger train service, focusing on a coast-to-coast route that connects Detroit to Lansing and Grand Rapids, ultimately reaching Lake Michigan in Holland.
We received a federal grant to explore ridership potential and costs associated with operating a passenger rail service between three major cities: Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids. In partnership with MEC member group Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, we worked with local governments, chambers of commerce, and other institutions along the potential rail corridors to determine the economic impact. We also gathered feedback from hundreds of residents and businesses. We ultimately found widespread support for expanding passenger rail service.
We continue to advocate for expanded passenger rail funding from our state and federal governments and support specific rail projects, like the A2TC Railway Project co-led by member group Groundwork Center.