Michigan Could Soon Have A Coast-to-Coast Passenger Train

Michigan is the 22nd-largest state by area, but getting from one end to the other can be a bit of a hassle. The only reliable way to get from Grand Rapids to Detroit is a three-hour drive or a very short, but pricey, plane ride. As someone who frequently goes back and forth for concerts, it would be really nice to have an alternate way home.

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It turns out I'm not the only one who feels that way, because the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has been conducting an in-depth study analyzing potential passenger train routes connecting Michigan's two largest cities to the state capital via a brand-new east-west trail.

Proposed Coast-to-Coast Rail

The potential connection, known as the Coast-to-Coast Corridor, would be between Holland, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Detroit. With research originally conducted way back in 2016, the rail is assessing two potential routes. Holland-Grand Rapids-Lansing and Ann Arbor-Detroit will be the same on either proposed route.

The difference lies between Lansing and Ann Arbor, with MDOT considering routing the route south to Jackson to connect with Ann Arbor (Route 1), or continuing East through Howell before dipping south to Ann Arbor (Route 2). MDOT believes that Route 1 would have the higher ridership, while Route 2 would generate more money.

READ MORE: You Could Soon Own Michigan’s Most Iconic Train In LEGO Form

On top of ROI vs Ridership, MDOT is also considering which version of train to use: conventional trains at 79 MPH (and are cheaper), or two locomotives (110 MPH), or utilize a more modern tilting train with high-speed diesel engines (110 MPH). Faster trains mean more potential trips, but cost more to maintain.

MDOT is seeking community feedback on this proposal. You can view the summarized report here or check out the entire study.

Take A Train Up North?

This isn't the only major new route that MDOT is considering. Currently, Michigan has only three passenger train routes (the Wolverine Service, Blue Water, and Pere Marquette Lines), but all run east to west. But soon there could be a trail that will bring you up North. It would convert a pre-existing freight route known as the Great Lakes Central Railroad

This route is still in its early planning stages, and estimates put its completion at 2030, but you could soon take a train to Traverse City or Petoskey to enjoy those autumn leaves. Both of these routes could make a huge impact on how Michiganders get around the state.