Rail improvements would increase daily trips

DEARBORN, Mich. - Proposed passenger rail improvements could boost train service between Detroit and Chicago from three to 10 daily trips and cut travel time by up to two hours, according to an environmental impact review released last month.

Residents discussed the proposal Tuesday in Dearborn at the first of three public hearings on the review, the Detroit Free Press reported. The report shows the train service through parts of Michigan, Illinois and Indiana would reach speeds of 110 mph and reduce the 5-hour, 38-minute trip between Detroit and Chicago by 2035.

Some residents raised concerns that the proposal doesn't include a stop at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

"We're trying to improve the route not just between Chicago and Detroit. We're supposed to be improving the transportation system in all of Southeast Michigan," said Barbara Adams, 62, of Dearborn. "We're missing an opportunity . Why don't we have that connection?"

Mary Jo Durivage, 65, of Dearborn opts to take public transportation to her job in Detroit and would like to see more stops along the route.

The project would include the construction of at least four new stations in Michigan and one in Indiana.

Mohammed Alghurabi, senior project manager for the Michigan Department of Transportation, said the future of the project, which is expected to cost more than $2.3 billion, will rely on funding.

"There's a lot of public interest to see the project move forward," Alghurabi said. "The good news is you have the three states - Illinois, Indiana and Michigan - working together . toward a common goal."

Hearings are also scheduled this week at Chicago Union Station and the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. Officials hope to make a decision by spring of 2015.