Passenger rail between Detroit and Grand Rapids could be coming

A passenger-rail connection between Detroit and Grand Rapids hasn’t existed since 1971, but that could change in about five years, depending on the outcome of a study. Three possible routes are being considered for the “Coast to Coast” rail service, and all of them would include stops in Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids and Holland. Also being discussed are possible stops in Ann Arbor, Howell and Jackson. The study is being funded by a federal grant and a public match contributed to 11 organizations around the state. Earlier this month, the Michigan Environmental Council’s “Michigan By Rail” committee began hosting Round One in a series of 16 public meetings along the proposed rail corridor.followed by a forum in Detroit on Thursday night. That meeting will get underway at 6 o’clock in the University of Michigan Detroit Center on Woodward Avenue. Rounds 2 and 3 of public meetings will take place in July and September.