The cars are being tested for eventual use by the proposed Detroit-to-Ann Arbor and Washtenaw and Livingston Railway (WALLY) commuter-rail services, said Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials in a prepared statement.
Amtrak is operating the test train using its locomotive, while Amtrak, Great Lakes Central Railroad, MDOT consultants and the Federal Railroad Administration are conducting the tests.
The cars were purchased from Metra in Chicago and refurbished by Great Lakes Central in Owosso. The cars' new seating was manufactured by American Seating in Grand Rapids.
The cost to refurbish each car totaled $310,000, with funding provided by state and federal sources, MDOT officials said.
Funding for both commuter-rail services is not yet finalized. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments is working on funding for the Ann Arbor-to-Detroit Service, and the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority is seeking funds for the WALLY service between Washtenaw and Livingston counties.
Keywords
Browse articles on Michigan Department of Transportation on Progressive Railroading
More articles
- Railroad safety, rail service the onus of Norfolk Southern's new dual-purpose committees
- Norfolk Southern seeks to improve railroad safety by cultivating a new safety culture
- A new safety culture at Norfolk Southern; RailTrends rescheduled
- Financial reports from Class I railroads in third quarter show resilience in the face of weak markets, soft economy
- Railroads tackle major bridge projects to replace worn-out structures, speed up trains and improve access to rail service
- Railroads rely on lightning protection equipment to protect increasingly sensitive wayside electronics
- Lift systems help railroads service and repair assets
- U.S. infrastructure spending a hot topic for analysis; plus, freight rail traffic data
- Santa, holiday trains deliver cheer, charity
