M-1 Rail is posting weekly constructions updates on its website, Facebook page and Twitter feed. There is even an option to receive weekly updates via email. Visit their website at http://m-1rail.com for more information.

M-1 RAIL is a non-profit organization formed in 2007 to lead the design, construction, and future operation of a 3.3-mile circulating streetcar along Woodward Avenue between Congress Street and West Grand Boulevard in Detroit, Michigan.

Once completed, there will be a stop at the Detroit Amtrak station.

M-1 RAIL is an unprecedented public-private partnership and model for regional collaboration Notably, the first major transit project being led and funded by both private businesses, philanthropic organizations, in partnership with local government, the State of Michigan, and U.S. Department of Transportation.

The mission of M-1 RAIL is to create a catalyst for investment, economic development and urban renewal that positively impacts the entire region through the construction of a streetcar circulator system running along and connecting Woodward Avenue from the Riverfront to the New Center and North End neighborhoods

The M-1 RAIL Woodward Avenue Streetcar project is envisioned to be one element of a future modern, world-class regional transit system where all forms of transportation, including rail, bus, vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian, are considered and utilized to build a vibrant, walkable region that includes a thriving Downtown Detroit. This city center is envisioned by supporters of M-1 RAIL to become a foundation for growth and prosperity throughout the surrounding neighborhoods adjacent to the Central Business District, Midtown, New Center and North End.

Amtrak is offering discounts on select routes in Michigan beginning January 5, 2015:

Book your travel now through March 30, 2015, for travel January 5 through March 31, 2015, to save. Your trip could take you to shimmering shores of Lake Michigan or Lake Huron, or bring you as far as Grand Rapids or Detroit.

Travel the following routes, including:

• The Blue Water – which stops in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and the maritime town of Port Huron
• The Pere Marquette – offers a scenic ride that connects Chicago and Grand Rapids.
• The Wolverine – travels east from Chicago all the way to Detroit.

Have a Relaxing or  Adventurous Winter Getaway

Make the most of The Midwest Winter Warm Up Sale and enjoy traveling in comfort with less stress and great amenities. Your winter getaway begins the minute you step onboard. And when you book now through March 30, 2015, for travel January 5 through March 31, 2015, you’ll have even more to enjoy — a savings of 20%.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS: http://www.amtrak.com/travel-to-michigan-and-save-20-percent-this-winter?WT.mc_t=MIWinter2015_EXT&WT.mc_n=MichiganPage&WT.mc_r=365

Valid for 20% off the regular (full) adult rail fare. Valid for sale now through March 30, 2015. Valid for travel January 5 – March 31, 2015. Blackout dates: – February 13, 2015 – February 16, 2015 Advance reservations are required a minimum of one (1) day prior to travel. Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all trains at all times. Up to two (2) children ages 2 – 12 may accompany each adult at half the regular (full) adult rail fare. Children and infants must travel with an adult who is 18 years or older. Valid for travel on the following services: Blue Water, Pere Marquette and Wolverine. Valid for Coach seats. Upgrade to Business Class is available upon full payment of applicable accommodation charges. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Not combinable with any other discount offer. In addition to the discount restrictions, this offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased. Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted. Other restrictions may apply.

Do you want a train from Traverse City to Ann Arbor? 

Learn how rail is taking off in the state and what we can do to make a connection to southern Michigan a reality.

When: Monday, Feb. 16, 2015 at 7 p.m.

Where: State Theatre, Traverse City

What: In 2012, Michigan created its first State Rail Plan, a $10 billion strategy for modernizing the state’s rail system. Since then, Michigan has been accelerating rail projects at a pace it hasn’t seen since the 19th century. And someday, we may see trains to Traverse City.

Join transportation leaders from across the state to learn about new rail projects, including the M-1 Rail project in Detroit, the Washtenaw-Livingston (WALLY) commuter line in Ann Arbor—and plans to explore a passenger train connection to Traverse City.

Stay after the discussion for a free showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Strangers On a Train.”

Email james@mlui.org for more information.

Amtrak is adding 12 additional Wolverine Service trains between Michigan and Chicago to provide expanded December and January holiday travel options. Amtrak will offer an additional eastbound and westbound Wolverine Service train daily between Chicago and Ann Arbor from Dec.26, 2014 through Jan. 4, 2014.

Passengers should book their tickets now for best availability and pricing. Ordinarily, Amtrak and Michigan Department of Transportation provide three daily round-trips between Detroit-area stations and Chicago.

The extra Wolverines (Trains 356 & 359) will operate in addition to regular Wolverines (Trains 350-355) with approval from Norfolk Southern and CN railroads. Please see the attached schedules, which include the Blue Water (Trains 364 & 365), which share the Wolverine route between Battle Creek and Chicago.

The success of extra Amtrak trains during the Thanksgiving period, with more than

35,000 passengers in Michigan, prompted additional Amtrak trains this month and next.

The city of Dearborn is hosting an open house 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, 2014 at the John Dingell Transit Center, 21201 Michigan Ave.

The new 16,000-square-foot facility is the first of many steps to boost intermodal transportation and encourage more people to take the train when they travel.

The transit center was funded entirely with $28.2 million from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. With almost 80,000 travelers in 2014, the old facility located about a mile east of the new station, was one of the busiest train stations in Metro Detroit.

During the open house, visitors can tour the station, see informative displays and talk with people knowledgeable about the future of train travel. A mural created by Dearborn students will also be featured. Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) and his wife, Debbie are expected to be at the open house.