© 2024 WEMU
Serving Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, MI
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
0000017d-4e0c-dda1-a7fd-4fde73920000

Ann Arbor Passenger Train To Traverse City Feasbility Study Underway

A2TC
Courtesy Photo
/
groundworkcenter.org

With the unofficial end of the summer travel season, plans are continuing to connect Ann Arbor with Northern Michigan by train.  

A feasibility study is underway to begin passenger train service between Ann Arbor andTraverse CityJim Lively is program director for the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities in Traverse City, which is conducting the study.  He says they are looking at several different aspects including what interested passengers might expect.

"It's roughly a four-hour car ride. Would people accept a five-hour train ride? And how much might they be willing to pay?"

Lively says there are a lot of different questions that need to be answered as part of their study, including what is the market demand and what are the track conditions.  Freight trains currently travel the projected path.  And, ultimately, it would need to be determined who would operate and manage what is being called "A2 TC." Lively says the trip they are planning for would include more than just sitting on a train.

"We see having local food, local beer and wine on this train, as well as local music and entertainment in the cars."

Before they begin regular passenger rail service between Ann Arbor and Traverse City, developers are envisioning special excursion trips that could begin as soon as next fall.

Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU.  You can contact Lisa at734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu

Lisa Barry was a reporter, and host of All Things Considered on 89.1 WEMU.
Related Content