Michigan by Rail to host public meetings for proposed passenger service

Today, Michigan by Rail will kick off a series of public meetings to gather input on the proposed "Coast-to-Coast" passenger-rail service from Detroit to Holland, Mich.

The group, which comprises a team of organizations working to expand the state's passenger-rail network, is holding the events in advance of a study of the line's ridership and costs, which is expected to be released in December.

The first session takes place today, with additional meetings scheduled until June 22.

The Michigan Environmental Council, the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority and the Michigan Department of Transportation are managing the study, which is funded by a federal grant along with a public match provided by 11 organizations along the potential corridor.

Transportation Economics & Management Systems Inc has been hired to complete the study's technical analysis, according to Michigan by Rail.