Beginning September 10, 2012, the Blue Water and Wolverine Service will operate according to new schedules to accommodate Amtrak trains operating at higher speeds of 110 mph along an 80-mile stretch of Amtrak-owned track in Michigan and Indiana.

The schedules below replace those shown in Amtrak printed timetables. CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE.

Please note: Tickets issued prior to the schedule change date may not reflect the adjusted departure times. Amtrak said that it makes every effort to notify passengers about schedule changes, passengers are encouraged to confirm their departure times prior to travel.  The most up-to-date schedule and train status information is available on Amtrak.com, the free Amtrak iPhone app and at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Effective through October 31, 2012

Train 371, which operates over tracks owned by CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway, has been experiencing delays of up to 60 minutes due to freight train interference, speed restrictions imposed by the host railroads and other operating conditions.

We are working to reduce delays whenever possible and provide our passengers with more reliable service. On certain days, the train may operate according to the published schedule, or with minimal delays.

Passengers should plan for the possibility of a delay, and contact Amtrak before heading to the station. The most up-to-date arrival and departure times are available on Amtrak.com, our free iPhone app and at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Thank you for traveling with Amtrak. We appreciate your patronage and apologize for any inconvenience.

Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on twitter.com/Amtrak.

PSN 0812-126

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Alert_C&pagename=am%2FAM_Alert_C%2FAlerts_Popup&p=1237608345018&cid=1251622568261

Government, business, and economic development leaders are urged to attend Northwest Ohio Passenger Rail Association and TMACOG Public Transit & Passenger Rail Committee:

Passenger Rail Forum
Monday, October 22, 2012
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The Toledo Club
Fourth Floor
235 14th Street, Toledo, Ohio

Keynote speaker:

Thomas C. Carper, Chairman of the Board, Amtrak

“Amtrak and Economic Development in the Midwest”

Remarks: Don Yerks, Chairman, NOPRA

Moderator: Tina Skeldon Wozniak, Commissioner, Lucas County

Registration: $25 NOPRA members, $30 non-members, $18 students

Luncheon buffet included

For a registration form:

http://www.tmacog.org/info_events.htm

http://www.tmacog.org/TransportationMeetings/Passenger%20Rail%20Forum/2012/Flier_pdf.pdf

On October 26, 2011 Governor Snyder delivered a special message titled, “Reinventing Michigan’s Infrastructure: Better Roads Drive Better Jobs”. In this message, he introduced his proposed plans for the future of transportation and infrastructure.

In this midst of his speech, Gov. Snyder stated, “I fully recognize that solving this decades-long challenge will not be easy, but I am convinced that starting the conversation and debate now is absolutely necessary for the future of our economy and our quality of life. I look forward to working with the legislature, our local communities and our citizens over the next several months to develop a plan and the political will to implement it.”

When the Trans4M Coalition convened for its Meeting of the Whole on November 11, 2011 there was a clear consensus that Trans4M would make a concerted effort to hold Governor Snyder accountable for his words by creating public “conversation and debate” throughout the state. Thus, Trans4M will hold a series of Community Forums throughout Michigan in which the citizens, non-profits, and businesses will work together to create a shared transportation vision for the state.

Tuesday, September 11 – Kalamazoo 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, 346 West Michigan Ave., Ste. 100, Kalamazoo, MI Sponsored by Disability Network of Southwest Michigan, Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Transit for Kalamazoo County, Kalamazoo Environmental Council, League of Women Voters Kalamazoo Area, Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority, and ISAAC

Wednesday, September 12 – Port Huron 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Donald Dodge Auditorium, 200 Grand River, Port Huron, MI

Tuesday, September 18 – Grand Rapids 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm The Rapid Central Station, 2nd Floor Community Room, 250 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI Sponsored by Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers, Disability Advocates of Kent County

Tuesday, September 25 – St. Joseph Location + Time TBD

More information: http://trans4m.org/events/community-forums/

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has initiated a program to evaluate passenger rail improvements for the Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac passenger rail corridor. The program is being prepared in partnership with the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and in association with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

The purpose of the program is to improve intercity mobility by providing an improved passenger rail service that would be a competitive transportation alternative to automobile, bus and air service between Chicago and Detroit/Pontiac, Mich. The program will provide sufficient information for the FRA to potentially support future decisions to fund and implement a major investment in the passenger rail corridor.

This website is being provided to keep you informed about the program and to provide opportunities for you to give input.

Meeting Schedule

The public is welcome to come anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. to review the displays and talk with staff. A presentation will be given at 4:30 p.m. and repeated at 6 p.m. The same information will be presented at each meeting.

Illinois
Wednesday, September 12,  4 to 7 p.m.
Chicago Union Station
Union Gallery Room (off the Great Hall)
500 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL

Indiana
Thursday, September 13, 4 to 7 p.m.
Michigan City/City Hall             100 E. Michigan Blvd., Michigan City, IN

Michigan
Wednesday, September 26, 4 to 7 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel
5801 Southfield Expressway, Dearborn, MI

Thursday, September 27, 4 to 7 p.m.
Radisson Plaza Hotel
100 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI
(Parking validation will be provided for the Radisson parking garage.)

More information: http://www.greatlakesrail.org/