Amtrak - The National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Amtrak is a federally owned railroad which provides national passenger train service in the United States. Amtrak was created in 1971 to relieve most railroads from being required to continue to provide passenger service. In return, the railroads agreed to allow Amtrak to use its tracks.
In Michigan, Amtrak provides passenger service on three lines. It operates three round trips each day between Pontiac via Detroit to Chicago, Illinois (CN/Conrail/Amtrak/NS). The second route has a single round trip each day between Port Huron and Chicago, via Battle Creek (CN/Amtrak/NS). The third route has a single round trip each day between Grand Rapids and Chicago via Porter, Indiana (CSX/NS).
Amtrak operates on two sections of track which are not owned by freight railroads. Amtrak itself purchased former Conrail trackage between Kalamazoo and Porter, Indiana. In 2013, the State of Michigan purchased former Norfolk Southern trackage between Dearborn and Kalamazoo. The first line offered trains that exceed 80 m.p.h. in a section which uses advanced positive train control. High speed operation is also planned for the Dearborn to Kalamazoo route as well. Norfolk Southern continues to provide freight service on both of these lines through trackage rights.
Amtrak has stations in Albion, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, Birmingham, Dearborn, Detroit, Dowagiac, Durand, Flint, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Lapeer, Michigan City, Niles, and Pontiac in Michigan.
Website: Amtrak
Photo: Amtrak 427 is eastbound at the Battle Creek station. 2006 [Dale Berry photo]
News Feed from Google: Amtrak
News Feed - Amtrak
15 March 2025
- Amtrak Just Responded to Southwest Airlines’ Unpopular Change and It’s Brilliant - Inc.
- Amtrak Doesn't Understand Why Elon Musk Wants To Privatize Amtrak After It Broke Ridership And Revenue Records In 2024 - Yahoo Autos
- Amtrak mobile app now allows seat selection - TRAINS Magazine
- State House Approves Bill Mapping Out Amtrak Cascades Upgrades - The Urbanist
- Centralia man killed when struck by Amtrak Train in downtown Centralia is identified (TOPS) - WJBD News - Salem, Illinois
- Amtrak’s revamped app makes it easier to find your train status - The Verge
- Amtrak trolls Southwest Airlines: Your bags are still free here - Quartz
- Fire damages Davis Amtrak station - Davis Enterprise
- Amtrak boasts free baggage for passengers after Southwest Airlines announces end to popular perk - Fox Business
- 1 dead, 1 hospitalized after vehicle and Amtrak train collide in Moncks Corner - WCBD News 2
- Amtrak Enhances Mobile App to Improve the Travel Experience - Amtrak Media
- Things to Know Before Long Train Rides From Rider Who Did 77-Hour Trip - Business Insider
- Trump nominates Robert Gleason for Amtrak board seat - TRAINS Magazine
- Amtrak App Upgrade Boosts Travel Experience - Железнодорожный журнал «Railway Supply»
- Amtrak train collides with motorcyclist allegedly fleeing from police in Roanoke - WFXRtv.com