Ann Arbor–Detroit Regional Rail
|} SEMCOG Commuter Rail (also known as MiTrain) is a planned regional rail link along Amtrak's Wolverine route between the cities of Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan—a total length of 38.5 miles (62.0 km)—with stops at new or existing stations in Ann Arbor, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Ypsilanti, Dearborn, and New Center.[1] The project would connect with the proposed Detroit bus rapid transit service and a potential privately funded Woodward Avenue Light Rail line.[2] SEMCOG would lease the rail cars from the Great Lakes Central Railroad.[3][4]
History
Detroit previously had commuter rail service. Until 1983, SEMTA operated Grand Trunk Western Railroad's former service between downtown Detroit, and Pontiac, Michigan. Amtrak continued Penn Central Detroit–Ann Arbor commuter service as the Michigan Executive until 1984.
In May 2009 SEMCOG commissioned a $200,000 study to determine whether commuter trains could operate along the same corridor as Amtrak intercity passenger trains and freight trains.[5] As of November 2012[update] limited service for special events in Detroit was scheduled to begin in early 2013, while regular commuter service was scheduled for 2014, after further track upgrades are completed.[6] As of October 2013[update] no operating funds had been identified and service was at least two years out.[7]
From November 12 to 14, 2012, testing of the railcar fleet by an Amtrak GE Dash 8-32BWH locomotive took place between Pontiac and Jackson; while service will only initially operate between Ann Arbor and Detroit, testing the fleet on additional trackage eases the process required for future expansion to Jackson and Pontiac.[6] The locomotives have not yet been tested.
Service
The service is proposed to operate four round-trips during each weekday between Detroit and Ann Arbor and three daily round-trips on weekends.[8] An end-to-end ride would take about 50 minutes, and there would be stops at Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Dearborn and the New Center area in Detroit.[8]
Rolling stock
SEMCOG Commuter Rail's rolling stock are all ex-Metra Budd bi-level gallery-type cars as the passenger cars and the locomotives are ex-GO Transit EMD F59PH units currently owned by RB Railway Leasing.[9] SEMCOG has painted its rolling stock. Like on Metra cab cars, SEMCOG's cab cars have red and white warning stripes at the front. They have plates that say "MiTrain" on the sides.
See also
References
- ^ "All cities on new Ann Arbor to Detroit rail line pining for new depots". Press & Guide. December 17, 2008.
- ^ Bing, Dave (December 18, 2011). "Dave Bing: Rapid bus system is a win for metro Detroit". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2011-12-27.
{{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Delaney, Sean (December 15, 2009). "There's a train a-comin' – soon". Press & Guide. Retrieved 2009-12-16.
{{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Southeast Michigan Council of Governments. "Ann Arbor – Detroit Regional Rail Project Update: October 2009" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-12-16.
- ^ Stolarz, Christina (May 21, 2009). "SEMCOG to spend $200K on Ann Arbor-Detroit rail study". Detroit News. Retrieved 2009-05-21.
{{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)[dead link] - ^ a b "Michigan tests cars for future commuter service". Trains Magazine. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 19 November 2012.(subscription required)
- ^ Regional Transit: Where Does Ann Arbor Fit?
- ^ a b "Ann Arbor to Detroit rail could be running by year-end, officials say". AnnArbor.com. 31 January 2010. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
- ^ Ann Arbor-Downtown Detroit Transit Study: Detailed Screening of Alternatives
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