There's good news and, err… not so good news about the proposed commuter rail line connecting Detroit, Ann Arbor and Metro Airport.
The good news is negotiations between the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and the railroads that control the tracks that connect Ann Arbor, Detroit and Metro Airport have progessed to the point of signing a contract to conduct a capacity study beginning in October. The six-month study is a key element to developing the logistics necessary to get the commuter train up and running.
The err… not so good news is that the line isn’t expected to take on its first passengers until late 2009 or early 2010 because SEMCOG and the railroads need to sort out logistical issues.
"There is an awful lot of work to do to make sure we are running both passenger and freight trains safely on the same track," says Carmine Palombo, director of transportation for SEMCOG.
The immediate issue is conducting the capacity study. Norfolk Southern Railway, which controls most of the tracks between Detroit and Ann Arbor, and SEMCOG officials require the study to determine the infrastructure needs along the route and how passenger trains would impact freight train traffic. It will also provide an estimate on needed capital costs.
SEMCOG also expects to enter into a contract with Amtrak to perform a ridership and fare study, which will give officials an estimate for the line's operating costs.
The commuter rail line would utilize existing tracks with stops at Metro Airport, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Dearborn. It’s possible it could also be expanded to connect Royal Oak, Troy/Birmingham and Pontiac.
Source: Carmine Palombo, director of transportation for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
Writer: Jon Zemke
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