Spring 2011 stories include:

• Signs of Spring – Travelers choose the railroad over the roadway.

• Time to Celebrate – Amtrak to celebrate 40th Anniversary.

• Michigan By Rail – Michiganders gather to discuss the future of passenger rail.

• Not So Fast – Michigan not on list to receive additional high-speed rail funding.

• Firearms Allowed – Passengers allowed to bring handguns aboard Amtrak trains.

• Expanding the Fleet – Next generation of passenger rail cars and locomotives to be built.

• Sold – Grand Rapids sells land for Amtrak rail spur.

• Plans Underway – Clare depot to be moved.

• Blizzard of ‘11 – Snow storm disrupts Amtrak service.

• Breaking Ground – Pontiac to build new train station.

• Back on Track – Amtrak ridership makes a strong comeback in 2010.

• Michigan Northern Arrow – Traveling to Northwestern Michigan in Style.

• Turning back the clock . . . – MARP looks back at Michigan‘s past passenger rail operations.

• Passing Through

• Renovation

• Changing of the Guard – A new era begins for MARP’s Executive Committee.

• Fun Day

• 37^th Annual Membership Meeting

• Wait a Minute . . . – Notes from MARP‘s Membership Meetings.

• Chairman’s Corner – “Easin’ on Down the Track“.

• All Aboard

Summer 2010 stories include:  

•  Improving Service –  Amtrak adds two more trains to New Buffalo.
•  Pere Marquette Sabotaged – FBI investigates Amtrak train fire.
• The Diners are Back! – Full dining car service returns to Amtrak‘s Lake Shore Limited.
• More Trains? – Michigan seeks another Amtrak train.
• Where’s Wally? – Proposed commuter rail line could become a reality in 2011.
•  Stressing the Importance of Rail – State, federal and transportation officials meet to discuss rail projects.
• Where’s the Beef? – Amtrak tests first biodiesel train, using beef by-products.
• Improving Safety – Amtrak begins screening carry-on bags.
• Workin’ on the Railroad – Amtrak to improve reliability and safety in the nation‘s rail hub.
• Promising Jobs – New rail tunnel planned under Detroit River. 
• Rediscovering the Railway – Michigan celebrates National Train Day.
• Traveling in Style
• Turning back the clock…. – MARP looks back at Michigan‘s past passenger rail operations.
• RAIL! RAIL! RAIL!
• Stepping Up – Tischbein named new Outreach Coordinator.
• Time for a Change – MARP elections are coming up.
• Wait a Minute . . . – Notes from MARP‘s Membership Meetings.
• Chairman’s Corner – “It‘s Always Something”.
• Widget – Web feature boosts an increase in passenger rail ridership.

Copies of the publication can be found at every Amtrak station in the state of Michigan as well as locations having interest in passenger rail such as local libraries, hobby stores and city halls.  

To receive this publication at your home or business, you must become a member of MARP. Join by filling out the application in the About MARP section of this website.  

Click here to read a synopsis of past issues of The Michigan Passenger.

Spring 2010 stories include:

• We‘re In The Money – Michigan receives funding for high-speed rail projects.
• Spared for Now – Legislators restore full funding to the Blue Water and Pere Marquette.
• Delayed Indefinitely – Shortage of funds delays proposed Ann Arbor-to-Detroit rail line.
• Getting a Push – Woodward light-rail project receives federal funds.
• My Black Journey – Amtrak launches website aimed at African-American travelers.
• New Equipment for Amtrak? – Amtrak seeks to replace aging rolling stock.
• Voicing their Concerns – Amtrak and TRAINS Magazine host Town Hall meeting.
• Detouring through the Great Lakes State – Derailment detours Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited through Michigan.
• Turning back the clock…. – MARP looks back at Michigan‘s past passenger rail operations.
• Winter Park Bound
• Ray Hamacher – Grand Rapids‘ great volunteer for Amtrak.
• Jack Schramm – 1924-2010. 
• Vice Chair Found – Whittier named new Vice Chair.
• Wait a Minute . . . – Notes from MARP‘s Membership Meetings.
• Chairman’s Corner – New Crystal Ball Needed.
• Passing Through 

Copies of the publication can be found at every Amtrak station in the state of Michigan as well as locations having interest in passenger rail such as local libraries, hobby stores and city halls.

To receive this publication at your home or business, you must become a member of MARP. Join by filling out the application in the About MARP section of this website.

Click here to read a synopsis of past issues of The Michigan Passenger.

Winter 2010 stories include:

• Passengers locked in boxes? – President signs bill mandating gun-slinging train passengers to be locked in boxes.
• Snowbound
• New Look, New Features – Amtrak launches improved website.
• Ridership Falls – Amtrak ridership drops for first time since 2002.
• Beating the Economy – Indian Trails takes steps to expand service.
• Halfway There – Proposed transit center receives additional funds from federal government.
• Michigan Celebrates 35 years of Connecting Communities – 35^th Anniversary of Amtrak’s Blue Water.
• Workin’ on the Railroad
• Covered Wagons visit Michigan
• Ridership Summary
• Wait a Minute . . . – Notes from MARP‘s Membership Meetings.
• Chairman’s Corner – Stations Benefit Communities.

Published quarterly, The Michigan Passenger serves as the official publication of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers. Copies of the publication can be found at every Amtrak station in the state of Michigan as well as locations having interest in passenger rail such as local libraries, hobby stores and city halls. To receive this publication at your home or business, you must become a member of MARP. Join by filling out the application in the About MARP section of this website.

Autumn 2009 stories include:

 • A New Beginning – New Buffalo’s new Amtrak station opens.
• Michigan legislators fund Amtrak up to 2010
• Robbing Amtrak – Rail supporters rally to restore Amtrak funding.
• Creating Jobs – Michigan looking to bring high-speed rail.
• Stick ’Em Up!!! – Congress votes to allow guns on Amtrak trains.
• Making Progress – Proposed Ann Arbor-to-Detroit commuter rail on track for 2010.
• Open for Business – St. Ignace Transportation Facility opens.
• Extreme Makeover – East Lansing looking to renovate Amtrak station.
• Silver Anniversary – Amtrak’s Pere Marquette celebrates 25 years of service.
• Cheetahs on the Run – Trackside sculpture leaps along Amtrak tracks.
• Remarkable Odds – Niles depot receives new historical marker.
• Top of the World
• Bah, Humbug”
• 36th Annual Membership Meeting
• Notes from Membership Meetings
• MARP Members at Work
• Chairman’s Corner – The Guv Gets on Board.
• TRAIN FESTIVAL 2009: Tracking the Daylight – Southern Pacific steam locomotive comes to Michigan.

Published quarterly, The Michigan Passenger serves as the official publication of the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers. Copies of the publication can be found at every Amtrak station in the state of Michigan as well as locations having interest in passenger rail such as local libraries, hobby stores and city halls. To receive this publication at your home or business, you must become a member of MARP. Join by filling out the application in the About MARP section of this website.