2025 MOW Spending Report: Passenger-rail programs
Gardner steps down as Amtrak CEO
Guest comment: Oliver Wyman’s David Hunt
Women of Influence in Rail eBook
Newsletter Sign Up
Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry
Stay updated on news, articles and information for the rail industry
railPrime
RAIL EMPLOYMENT & NOTICES
Rail News Home
High-Speed Rail
Rail News: High-Speed Rail
5/9/2012
Rail News: High-Speed Rail
STB: Michigan DOT does not need approval to acquire NS line
advertisement
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will not need Surface Transportation Board (STB) approval to acquire a portion of a southern Michigan Norfolk Southern Railway line for high-speed passenger-rail service, the STB announced today.
MDOT officials have argued that their proposal to acquire and make capital improvements on the southern Michigan line should not require STB approval because MDOT would not become a common carrier, or a freight railroad offering its transportation services to the public, as a result of the transaction. In March, MDOT requested the STB to expedite its review of MDOT’s proposal
Now, MDOT can proceed with plans to upgrade the line so Amtrak can operate Wolverine service at speeds up to 110 mph along the corridor, while NS continues to provide freight service.
MDOT officials have argued that their proposal to acquire and make capital improvements on the southern Michigan line should not require STB approval because MDOT would not become a common carrier, or a freight railroad offering its transportation services to the public, as a result of the transaction. In March, MDOT requested the STB to expedite its review of MDOT’s proposal
Now, MDOT can proceed with plans to upgrade the line so Amtrak can operate Wolverine service at speeds up to 110 mph along the corridor, while NS continues to provide freight service.
