Last week, Amtrak was awarded federal grants to expand service, including key connections from Detroit. The Wolverine line, which connects Chicago and Detroit, will also add a stop in Windsor.
Expanding to Windsor would give riders a much easier way to connect to Canada's extensive rail system.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) also received grants for plans to improve the Chicago lines to Port Huron and Grand Rapids.
A new rail line would also connect Detroit and Pontiac to Cleveland, with a stop in Toledo and an added stop at Detroit Metro Airport, according to Crain's. This planning grant, up to $500,000, is through Amtrak's Corridor ID program, which is, "designed to help guide intercity passenger rail development throughout the United States and create a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects ready for implementation."
This connection would be huge for Metro Detroit, as there are limited ways to get to and from the airport.
These lines could take a while to come to fruition since they are largely for planning.
“By investing in development of new and improved passenger rail service, we have an opportunity to transform how Michiganders travel across our state and region,” said Senator Gary Peters. “I advocated for each of these MDOT projects because this funding will make rail transportation a more available and reliable option for travelers while spurring economic development.”
In total, the Federal Railroad Administration announced $8.2 billion in grants to support improved passenger rail service and planning across the country.
