From Detroit to Traverse City By Train? -Passenger Rail Project Moves to Next Phase with Fed Support

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Groundwork is laid for a transformative rail project linking Southeast and Northwestern Michigan.

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan's ambitious Northern Michigan Passenger Rail project is gaining momentum, with recent federal support ensuring the next steps toward improving transportation infrastructure. Awarded a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant in 2022, the project aims to create a much-needed passenger rail service connecting Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other key regions in Southeast Michigan to the Northwestern parts of the state. The rail corridor, stretching 240 miles, will provide a vital alternative to car travel, especially to the underserved northern region.

The proposed rail expansion is poised to address Michigan's transportation equity, offering greater access to Amtrak’s national network, boosting economic development, and improving travel safety. The project, already included in the state's Michigan Mobility 2045 plan and State's Rail Plan, reflects broad public support for rail-based solutions to Michigan’s growing transportation demands.

RAIL Project Receives Major Federal Investment for Further Studies

The RAISE grant will fund crucial studies needed to move the project forward, focusing on operational specifics and service development planning. Once complete, the rail line will not only make Michigan more connected but also integrate into the broader U.S. passenger rail system, which has seen a resurgence in investment.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 allocated $66 billion over five years to fund passenger rail projects nationwide, placing Michigan's rail expansion in an opportune position. The new rail service will also play a central role in Michigan’s long-term vision of clean mobility, helping to reduce transportation barriers and support sustainable infrastructure.

As the Northern Michigan Passenger Rail project moves ahead, it stands as a model for future transportation initiatives, reinforcing Michigan’s commitment to clean energy, infrastructure, and transportation equity.

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