A2TC Rail Plan; From Ann Arbor to Traverse City

In 2015, the Michigan Land Use Institute launched a campaign to bring the rail route from Ann Arbor north to Traverse City back into service. Tracking already exists for the route, but repairs and safety maintenance will have to be done on preexisting rail. Consequently amounting to a $40 million price for the project in upfront capital costs for a 60mph service. Trains reaching speeds of 110mph would require upgrades being priced closer to $1 billion, but would 1 1/2 hours off travel times. 

Most of all though, it’s an investment for the state of Michigan to make that has been projected to generate $100 million annually by 2040. It’s an investment in sustainable rail transit and public infrastructure. If implemented correctly, this project could be the first step to getting passenger rail travel connections north to the Upper Peninsula.