Light rail poised to connect city and suburbs once and for all

In the last few weeks, there’s been an increase in discussion, and finally, approval for a light rail system along Woodward Avenue in Detroit, with the plans tentatively having service from downtown to 8 Mile Rd. Several factions, including M-1 Rail and DTOGS

(Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study) have brought forth plans, secured funding and expect construction to begin next year. If all goes as planned, the system would be fully operational by 2016.

The current blueprints, which serve the city of Detroit from downtown to 8 Mile, represent an incredible step forward for a community with a longstanding lack of expansive mass transit options.

Such a system could also help alleviate parking challenges often experienced by those traveling to the city from the suburbs. (Not a problem, by the way for Lofts at Merchants Row residents who enjoy a valet service parking garage). Our highway system has used a park-and-ride system for years, where commuters meet at a central location and carpool to their destination. Why not follow a similar format for light rail? The old fair grounds parking lot at 8 Mile and Woodward, for example, could serve a similar function, where those going downtown for sporting events, casinos or to dinner.

The project, funded privately for now, according to the Detroit News, hopes to attract government funding, with the federal government already pledging to conduct the necessary environmental impact study prior to breaking ground.

With the recent overwhelming passage of the SMART initiative in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, we know the metro area supports the idea of and need for public transportation. Hopefully with a light rail system in place in a few years, they’ll all come out and show that same support.

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