Michigan Accelerated Rail Service Passenger & Freight Director Kirk T. Steudle, P.E. Michigan Department of Transportation Faster, Better, Cheaper, Safer, Smarter February 29, 2012
Michigan Accelerated Rail Service Our commitment What we are doing –Faster –Better –Cheaper –Safer –Smarter Other Midwest projects
Michigan’s Current System FY 2011 Ridership Blue Water187,065 Pere Marquette106,662 Wolverine503,290 TOTAL797,017 Revenue Blue Water$ 5.8M Pere Marquette$ 3.2M Wolverine$18.8M TOTAL$27.8M
Federal Commitment Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac Corridor Federal Investment –Infrastructure $593.2M –Stations$ 44.1M –Future Corridor Planning$ 3.2M TOTAL$640.5M Midwest Next Generation Train Equipment ( MI Share TBD )$268.2M
Passenger & Freight Success for Michigan is growth in both areas Passenger service –Additional frequencies –Increased ridership / additional revenue Freight service –Expand customers –Increased volume – growing economy
Faster Rail Service Reduce trip times MPH maximum passenger service Dedicated passenger alignment between Chicago Union Station and Porter, IN Passenger focused ownership between Porter, IN and Dearborn (Nearly 80% of the corridor) High performance high horse power locomotives Freight will benefit from capacity improvements
Better Rail Service New modern equipment –Larger windows –Modern comfortable seats Better reliability –Arrive and depart on schedule –Longer term more frequencies Station –Renovations –New construction
Cheaper Rail Service Increased ridership will increase revenue & reduce operating cost Increase corridor length to address PRIIA Sec 209 Increased freight traffic will help Michigan economy & provide more revenue to maintain the railroad
Safer Rail Service New technology will improve safety at grade crossings and along the railroad New passenger equipment will meet today's safety standards Moving more freight by rail is safer than moving it on the highways
Smarter Rail Service New train control technology (ITCS) Wi-Fi service will be available on board
Other Midwest Projects
Thank you!