Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements, Meetings

Learn about 30-year transportation plan at MARP’s April meeting

MARP Membership Meeting
Saturday, April 6, 2019
10 a.m. – Noon
John D. Dingell Transit Center (Amtrak Station)
21201 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124

MAP & Directions

 The April 6 MARP membership meeting will be a unique opportunity to make our voices heard as Michigan embarks on a 2-year transportation planning process dubbed Michigan Mobility 2045. The Michigan State Long Range Transportation Plan (SLRTP) that will result from the MM2045 process will establish priorities to guide development of the state’s transportation network over the next three decades. This is best time for us to let MDOT know what mobility means to us: more trains and transit as part of an interconnected network that includes all modes and is accessible to all regardless of age, physical ability, or income level.

Our featured speaker will be Brad Sharlow, the project manager for Michigan Mobility 2045. He will explain the process and goals of a new approach that will roll planning for all movement of people and goods into a single document. The resulting plan, as envisioned by MDOT, “will be a multi-modal effort that integrates all transportation modes, operators, and users.” Sharlow’s presentation will allow ample time for Q & A as well as brainstorming that will be recorded to become part of the official record of public and stakeholder input.

 Please make plans now to attend this important membership meeting. If you would like to arrange carpooling with someone in your area, please send an email to us at marprail@yahoo.com and we will do our best to find you a ride.

Announcements, Meetings

MARP meets in St. Johns on Jan. 26, 2019

MARP Member Meeting
Saturday, January 26, 2019
10:00 am – Noon
Historic Grand Trunk Depot
(Clinton Northern Railway Museum)
107 East Railroad St., St. Johns MI 48879
Map & Directions

MARP’s first meeting of 2019 will be held on Saturday, January 26, 10:00 AM to Noon, at the former Grand Trunk Depot, 107 E. Railroad Street, St. Johns MI 48879. Our presenter will be Nick Little, Director of the Railway Research and Education program at Michigan State University. He will explore with us the future of passenger rail in Michigan and across the country.  Mr. Little has a wealth of railroading experience, having started his career with British Railways.

We will also have a tour of the depot and the vintage rail cars being restored by volunteers led by Jenny and Gary McCampbell. Their most ambitious project has been the restoration of the “Sault St. Marie”, a 1902 Smith & Barney Sleeper car that probably ran between the Soo and Duluth until service ceased in 1936. Check out the article “An American Treasure Comes to St. Johns”. For more about the work of the museum and its volunteers, visit www.clintonnorthernrailway.org

Plan to join us following the meeting for socializing over lunch (everyone pays for their own lunch).

If you would like to arrange carpooling with someone in your area, please send an email to us at marprail@yahoo.com and we will do our best to find you a ride.

Announcements, Meetings

Register now for MARP’s 2018 Annual Meeting!

REGISTER NOW FOR MARP’S
2018 ANNUAL MEETING

Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers
45th ANNUAL MEETING
O’Kelly Banquet Hall
23663 Park St, Dearborn MI 48124
November 10, 2018
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Make plans now to attend! Our featured speaker is Mr. Paul Larouche, recently retired from Bombardier, where he was Product Manager for High Speed and Commuter Rail passenger vehicles. Other invited speakers will provide updates on developments in the state of Michigan and the Midwest. Officers will be elected for the 2018-2020 term.

The cost to attend is $25 per person and includes a catered luncheon. The registration deadline is Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018.

COST: $25 per person includes a catered lunch

DEADLINE:  Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 is the deadline for registrations.

IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE REGISTER TODAY!
Click the button below to register online using PayPal, a major credit card or a debit card
Or download the mail-in form and send with a personal check payable to MARP, Inc. to:
MARP, Inc.  |  PO BOX 405  |  OKEMOS MI 48805

ACT NOW! The deadline for registration is Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018.



Prefer registration by U.S. mail? Click on the form below, print it, fill it out and mail along with your check

Click here for a PDF version of the registration form
MARP Annual Mtg 2018 – web registration form.
OR CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE AND PRINT

Announcements

MARP Special Event in Grand Rapids Sept. 28, 2018

 

One Bourbon Lounge
608 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5329

Friday, Sept. 28, 2018
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, the only inter-city transportation advocacy group in the state of Michigan, is happy to present Elaine S. Wilson, the creator of “Charting the Wolverine” as a guest speaker in a unique fund raiser and networking event. You can preview Ms. Wilson’s work at https://www.elaineswilson.com/charting-the-wolverine/

This is a unique event bringing together art and the critical issues of our state’s infrastructure. Enjoy the presentation, the lovely One Bourbon Lounge, some of the best cocktails in the city [cash bar], and meeting fellow art enthusiasts, transit wonks, rail fans, and history buffs.

There is no charge for a ticket, but a ticket is required. Please consider a donation of at least $15 with your ticket. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKET.

The MARP event is scheduled during ArtPrize 10, taking place in Grand Rapids Sept. 19 – Oct. 7, 2018. This international art competition last year drew 500,000 visitors and artists from around the world. A unique feature is that one of the two top prizes of $200,000 is awarded entirely on votes by the public. ArtPrize is free and open to the public and takes place in venues—indoors and out-of-doors—all around downtown Grand Rapids. Visit www.ArtPrize.org for complete information on planning your visit.

Announcements, FYI

Pere Marquette: Extra Service for Tulip Festival and Senior PGA Tournament

Effective Saturdays and Sundays, May 5 – 27, 2018

Amtrak is providing extra service between the Chicago area and points in Michigan for the Tulip Festival in Holland and the Senior PGA Golf Tournament in St. Joseph.

Saturdays

  • On May 5 and 12, Trains 374 and 375 will operate an extra round trip between Chicago and Holland to offer service to and from the Tulip Festival.
  • On May 26, Trains 377 and 378 will operate an extra round trip between Chicago and St. Joseph, Michigan for the Senior PGA Golf Tournament, stopping at Graham Road, which is walking distance to the golf course.
  • These extra trains will make an additional stop at Hammond-Whiting on the above dates to accommodate passengers attending both events.

Sundays May 6, 13 and 27

Train 371 will make an extra station stop at Hammond-Whiting to accommodate passengers wishing to stay overnight after the events and return to the Chicago area the next day.

 

PSN 0418-88