Spring 2008 stories include:

• Resurrection of the Trolley – Detroit plans for light-rail on Woodward Avenue
• More light-rail for Michigan? – Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids considering streetcar systems
• National Train Day – Amtrak to celebrate event promoting railroads
• What’s next for Amtrak? – Bush Administration proposes $800 million for Amtrak; FRA proposes electrified line from Maine to Florida
• Stepping Up Security – Amtrak screens passengers before boarding trains
• Connecting the U.P. – Amtrak and Indian Trails connect Wisconsin with Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
• Coming to a Halt – Lake Central Rail Tours cancels excursions in Northern Michigan
• Cabbage all the Way – Push-pull operation returns to Amtrak’s Pere Marquette
• Turning back the clock . . . . MARP looks back at Michigan’s past passenger rail operations
• Looks like NYC – Restored private cars make way through Michigan
• A Rail Merger of a Different Kind – Couple Tues the Knot aboard Amtrak’s Wolverine
• Chairman’s Corner – Stepping Down, Stepping Up
• When is a rail project not a rail project? – New railroad tunnel being considered under Detroit River
• Remembering Lake Central – MARP looks back at the excursion operations of Lake Central Rail Tours in Central and Northern Michigan over the years

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.

Winter 2008 stories include:

• Michigan Central Rejected – What does the future hold for Amtrak’s Michigan services after STB rejects NS and Watco for Michigan Central Railway
• Plans approved – New Buffalo developer receives approval to construct platform for new train station
• Pulling Out? – Livingston County reconsiders on WALLY project
• Ridership soars – Michigan Amtrak trains see another strong increase of passengers
• Taking Action – MARP takes action on Canadian National’s purchase of Elgin, Joliet & Eastern
• Studyng Intermodal Transportation – Dearborn studies new transportation center and high speed rail service
• Back on Track – Renovation of Jackson’s historic Amtrak Station resumes
• Transportation Riders United – MARP’s Urban Partner

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 2007 stories include:

• Board delays decision – Surface Transportation Board to make final decision on Michigan Central in December
• MARP asks for oversight from Surface Transportation Board
• Expanding Holland – Local bus transit system moves offices to former Pere Marquette station
• Senate approves big spending for Amtrak – Passenger rail could be a solution for global warming
• Funding denied – Coalition to proceed despite loss of federal grant for WALLY
• Delayed again – Ann Arbor to Detroit regional rail project suffers another delay
• Build it and they will come – Study to build transit center would include light rail and street car systems
• Burkhardt’s School – Michigan State University to offer railway operations course
• Welcome Center Opens – Former Michigan Central depot opens as travel center
• Tickets please – Michigan receives new ticketing kiosks
• Return of the Arrow – Northern Arrow returns to Michigan
• Commuting to railroad days – Hamburg residents test proposed WALLY commuter rail train
• Passenger Rail Vision
• All aboard the Pizza Express – Former Santa Fe coach calls Fennville home

  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.

Summer 2007 stories include:

• Seeking Authority – Ann Arbor-to-Howell commuter rail service could be operational by autumn
• Regional rail project delayed – Ann Arbor-to-Detroit commuter rail service slated for 2008
• Transit Center moves closer to reality – Troy-Birmingham Regional Transit Center to move forward in designs
• Benefiting Michigan’s Economy – Rail service could bring $719 million in investment to Michigan
• Big Boost for Amtrak – Senate Democrats propose $1.78 billion for Amtrak in 2008
• Equipment shortage could slow expansion – Lack of existing rail car companies slow expansion plans for Amtrak
• Promoting Federal Funds – Amtrak president meets with Michigan legislators and MARP officers
• Michigan Day in Chicago – Tourism officials take it to Chicago residents promoting direct travel to Michigan using Amtrak
• Thoroughbred’s of a Different Kind – Norfolk Southern acquires F-units for business train use
• Traveling in Style – Restored private cars make appearance on Michigan Amtrak trains
• The Long View: Making “Clear Progress
• Norfolk Southern selling Michigan line? – Possible rail sale worries Michigan officials

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.

Spring 2007 stories include:

• Record Ridership – Amtrak ridership in Michigan reaches all-time high
• Amtrak Contract Renewed –Increased ridership and revenues from 2006 decreases funding for Fiscal Year 2007
• Commuter Rail Idea Still Alive – Funding becomes major issue for proposed commuter rail service north of Ann Arbor
• New Passenger Service on Hold –Federal railroad rule stalls development of New Buffalo’s new train depot
• Administration Cuts Amtrak Funding –Amtrak recommends $1.59 billion for Fiscal Year 2008
• Commuter Rail Project Gets Support – Detroit-to-Ann Arbor demonstration rail project may hold key to future rail transit
• Ridership Soars – Michigan Amtrak stations see a strong increase of passengers in 2006
• New Schedule for Two Wolverine Trains – Departures tie better to Milwaukee and allow for earlier travel
• Traveling Rare Mileage – Freight congestion detours Capitol and Lake Shore Limited through Michigan
• The Need for “MORE” High Speed – Amtrak trains to increase speeds in southwestern Michigan this fall
• Remembering Michigan’s President – 38th President Gerald R. Ford 1913-2006
• MARP Members at Work
• Chairman’s Corner – Member volunteers make a difference
• The Long View: What will it take?
• From Fall Colors to Winter Wonderland –MARP members encounter strange weather aboard the MARP Fun Train

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.