One way to put pressure on passenger rail efforts in Ohio is to take a look around and embrace the progress of our surrounding states—even to the “State Up North,” as Ohio State University fans reference the University of Michigan, their biggest rival. But all jokes aside, a connected Midwest through passenger rail means supporting progress beyond Ohio’s borders, too. 

Transportation non-profit in Michigan ushers a proposal 

Back in March, The Michigan Daily reported on the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities proposal a North + South Passenger Rail on existing freight rail lines. While the southern half of Michigan is currently supported with several Amtrak routes, the proposed new rail lines would connect distant cities like Ann Arbor and Traverse City, Petoskey and Detroit, smaller communities like Owosso and Kalkaska, and many more across the expansive state.

Currently, long hours on one Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) bus (or several) is one of the limited options Michiganders have to travel corner to corner via public transit. This 300-mile route could cut travel time and make many pockets of the state more accessible.

From visitors exploring the state to Michiganders commuting to work, these proposed routes will provide notable economic opportunity and job accessibility to the state.  

An expanded Michigan

Ridership is already a huge success for Amtrak in Michigan, and the proposed route could see a substantial rise in passengers boarding or alighting across the state. In Amtrak’s Fiscal Year (FY) data for 2025, they identified more than 713,000 rides on three state-supported routes: Blue Water, Père Marquette, and Wolverine. There are 22 intercity Amtrak stations located throughout southern Michigan. 

As a quick comparison, Ohio’s three state-supported routes are the Cardinal, Floridian and Lake Shore Limited which saw more than 152,000 rides throughout 2025 according to Amtrak. 

Imagine how these ridership numbers could continue to climb across both states. Picture how multi-state partnerships like the proposed Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit route can expand the Lake Shore Limited or even Floridian routes to connect Michigan and Ohio for travelers in ways we haven’t seen in years.

More is more! When we have more options to ride and an ever-expanding list of destinations along routes, we can expect Midwesterners are going to take the train–especially when it’s easy and convenient to cross state lines. 

Support is in the survey results

A new survey conducted by the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities shows results from 21,786 Michigan residents representing every county in the state. According to The Sun Times News, the results show Traverse City, Petoskey, Ann Arbor, and Detroit are the most sought after for rail service. 

Respondents also noted leisure travel is important to them, with 67% saying they would primarily use the proposed routes for occasional trips and 28% would use the train for occasional travel and commuting if it fit their needs. 

The statewide survey results are clear: Midwesterners want more access to passenger rail.

We all benefit from a better-connected Midwest

Ohio can gain a lot from the proposed North + South Passenger Rail routes in Michigan, too. Here’s how:

• Added pressure to make Ohio a modern, accessible home through our own passenger rail routes. Like Michigan, we also have great interest in connecting our large state to attract residents, talent and companies to place their roots here. Additionally, increasing efforts to become a Midwest travel destination. 

• Ohioans traveling to Michigan for work, play, and education can also take advantage of the transit and see first-hand what passenger rail can add to our lives. 

The proposed routes in Michigan can create better, smoother travel capabilities—all for a more connected Midwest! We’ll continue to follow this proposal and what it could mean for a more connected Midwest, including future opportunities for Ohio.

To explore more details about the North + South Passenger Rail route project from Groundworks, visit northsouthrail.org.

Cover Photo by OHFalcon72 (flickr)