Detroit light rail link may be only the beginning for mass transit

[marmar]

from the Detroit Free Press:



Detroit light rail link may be only the beginning for mass transit
BY CECIL ANGEL • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • January 4, 2009


Despite the state's economic woes, mass transit advocates saw significant progress in late 2008 toward proposed light rail and mass transit projects in southeast Michigan.

In early December, in a rare show of unity, government leaders in Detroit, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties agreed on a resolution for a mass transit plan for the tri-county area.

The Michigan Legislature passed a bill on Dec. 19 giving the Detroit Regional Mass Transit Authority the go-ahead to establish a governing body that will oversee a planned $10.5-billion tri-county mass transit system consisting of buses and light rail.

The bill also gave the green light for the Detroit Regional Mass Transit Authority to create a tax increment finance authority to privately fund The Regional Area Initial Link (TRAIL), a 3.4-mile-long light rail line that will extend from Hart Plaza to New Center in Detroit. The line also will be supported with fares, but if there is an operating shortfall, the state will cover it, said John Hertel, chief executive officer for the Detroit Regional Mass Transit Authority.

"This line just got a big boost," he said of the lawmakers' action on TRAIL. "This can be built in a matter of two years. No federal dollars." ........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.freep.com/article/20090104/NEWS02/901040435

[nxylas]

1. Nice symbolism there

A mass transit revolution taking place in King Car's capital city.