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
08 September 2024
- Amtrak breaks ground on Connecticut River Bridge - TRAINS Magazine
- Construction for Amtrak's new Connecticut River Bridge set to begin this fall - NBC Connecticut
- More than 200 sign petition to keep unsanctioned homeless camp near Amtrak station open; opponents argue conditions are inhumane - Lawrence Journal-World
- Amtrak secures $64 million grant for Texas high-speed rail project; possible depot in Brazos Valley - KBTX
- Amtrak and partners break ground on new Connecticut River Bridge - Mass Transit Magazine
- Trains to NC State Fair, Lexington Barbecue Festival depart Charlotte at these times - WCNC.com
- Rail News - Amtrak breaks ground on $1.3B Connecticut River Bridge project. For Railroad Career Professionals - Progressive Rail Roading
- Connecticut River Bridge project begins - theday.com
- Amtrak Breaks Ground on $1.3B Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project - RailwayAge Magazine
- ‘Adirondack’ resumes Monday with Canadian trackwork incomplete - TRAINS Magazine
- Amtrak and Partners Break Ground on New Connecticut River Bridge - Amtrak Media
- North Carolina Amtrak train hits D.H. Griffin forklift in deadly crash in Greensboro - WXII12 Winston-Salem
- Seeing America by train - The Washington Post
- Amtrak’s significant delays on several key routes in August 2024: What new updates you need to know? - Travel And Tour World
- Houston to Dallas High-Speed Rail Corridor receives $63.9 million federal grant - Houston Public Media