TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities has launched a public input survey for the North+South Rail project, inviting residents, commuters and stakeholders to help shape the future of passenger rail in Northern Michigan.
Per a Jan. 7 news release, the survey is now live on the project’s standalone website, northsouthrail.org.
The North+South Rail initiative would connect southeast Michigan, mid-Michigan and the northwest Lower Peninsula. The project is undergoing a major planning study to evaluate passenger rail service between key communities throughout the state.
The study is examining travel patterns, the proposed route, ridership demand, infrastructure needs and costs, according to Groundwork.
Groundwork said community insight is essential at this stage and will help ensure the proposed service reflects real-world travel needs and local priorities. The survey is expected to provide information to planners as the planning study continues.
“We want to hear directly from the people who would use this service,” said Carolyn Ulstad, transportation program manager at Groundwork. “Your feedback will guide our planning decisions and help us design a rail service that serves the region effectively.”
Groundwork also unveiled a dedicated North+South Rail website intended to serve as a central hub for project information, materials and public involvement. In addition to the survey, Groundwork said visitors can find an overview of the rail project and its goals, details on the ongoing planning study, maps and documents and community engagement opportunities and news updates.
The standalone site is designed to evolve alongside the project, Groundwork said, providing progress updates and ways for the public to participate.