City officials held a public discussion at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Frenchies in Ypsilanti, Michigan's Depot Town regarding a proposed passenger rail station. Officials discussed the necessary steps to secure a Ypsilanti stop along the Amtrak Wolverine Service corridor.
City and Regional officials have been working for decades to obtain the support of Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments' (SEMCOG) for having an Amtrak Wolverine Service stop in Ypsilanti.
MDOT was recently informed that Amtrak’s updated analysis concludes favorable results to provide intercity passenger rail service in Ypsilanti.
In order to make the train stop a reality, the City will partner with MDOT to ensure additional safety, service, and time-saving measures are met. The City also must design and get approved a platform for the stop that meets the standards of all of the agencies who provide freight and passenger rail services along the corridor. Safety and accessibility are of the utmost importance of any platform design.
A start date for this service has not been established. The next step in this process is for the City to approve a contract with OHM Advisors for the design of an accessible platform at the appropriate location. This platform will need to meet the specifications outlined by MDOT, Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, and the FRA. Also, cost estimates will be created and a final budget prepared for approval by City Council. The City has committed funding to make this stop a reality and is looking forward to public input on the project.
With the strong support of our partners, the City Council, staff and its citizens, we will work tirelessly to achieve its #1 priority goal until it is accomplished.
If you would like to provide public comment on a proposed Amtrak station stop in the Depot Town area, feel free to attend a City Council meeting on the 1st or 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. or contact the Community and Economic Development Director, Beth Ernat, at (734) 483-9646.