Will Ann Arbor Get Commuter Rail?

Mayor John Hieftje is in full support and leading the charge for the development of a commuter rail system in the greater Ann Arbor area.

1 minute read

June 19, 2006, 10:00 AM PDT

By Mike Lydon

"He had to use three aging, blue and gold passenger cars that swayed their way slowly from an ad hoc boarding spot at Traver Road in Ann Arbor to Eight Mile Road in Northfield Township.

But with an already existing track, rolling stock and a railroad owner eager to participate, Mayor John Hieftje had a big advantage as he tried to sell his vision for commuter rail service to Ann Arbor.

Hieftje hosted the 90-minute train ride Thursday for about 60 politicians, business people, University of Michigan representatives, transportation experts and other interested people to show that a passenger rail service that could take thousands of cars off US-23 is not just an idle dream.

'We believe this could be a reality in three years,' Hieftje said in an interview during the train ride."

Thanks to Brandon Zwagerman

FULL STORY: Mayor pushes commuter rail Service to Eight Mile Road could be reality in 3 years, he says

Friday, June 16, 2006 in Ann Arbor News

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