(print on letterhead if possible)

 

Carmine Polombo, Director of Transportation Programs

Southeast Michigan Council of Governments

535 Griswold, Suite 300

Detroit, MI  48226-3602

 

 

Dear SEMCOG,

 

On behalf of x-organization, representing y-# of people in southeast Michigan, I express support for the comments submitted by Transportation Riders United on the Ann Arbor to Detroit Rapid Transit study.  A combination of commuter rail from Ann Arbor to Detroit and light rail from Dearborn to downtown Detroit and up Woodward to McNichols Road would provide the best transportation option. Benefits of this option are as follows:

 

  • Commuter rail is the preferred alternative because it offers the fastest service - a trip time similar to travel by automobile – that would help ensure the success of the line. 

 

  • A light rail feeder system from Dearborn to northern Detroit solves the biggest challenge of commuter rail, few people near the stations. 

 

  • This hybrid option would also be a strong base for a regional rapid transit system as described in SEMCOG’s 2001 Framework for Action to Improve Transit in Southeast Michigan.  Although we understand that the analysis area for this study ends at McNichols (6 Mile) Road, this project could coordinate very well with a Woodward light rail line as considered by the Detroit Transportation Corporation’s 2000 study.

 

  • At Metro Airport, a timed transfer shuttle can ensure quick and convenient access to all airport terminals.  Although a direct line to each terminal door would be ideal, it is not realistic with the given construction of the airport. Shuttles timed to be waiting when the train arrives at the nearby station will offer travelers less wait and no more inconvenience than parking lot shuttles to the terminals.

 

  • This option offers strong economic development and job creation benefits as well.  The permanence of commuter rail and light rail both encourage more transit-oriented development of residences, shops and businesses at transit stops than bus rapid transit.  Studies have shown that light rail provides significantly more economic and job benefits overall than BRT.

 

Given these clear and strong benefits of the hybrid commuter rail – light rail option supported by TRU, we urge you to support this option as the locally preferred alternative.  Thank you for your careful consideration of our input. 

 

                                                                        Sincerely,

 

 

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