DETROIT (WWJ) - The head of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation says he supports the idea of extending a light rail system planned for Detroit beyond 8 Mile Road.

While he knows some Detroiters may disagree with him on this, DEGC President George Jackson says he’s a big advocate of a regional system.

When questioned during an appearance at the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce this week, Jackson was asked if he thinks there are enough riders to make the project work.

“I don’t know of any transit system that actually turns a profit in the country, really. But, I think that it is something, something you do as a utility, that is a public service. It’s something that is a quality of life issue as well a transportation issue that we feel is just good for the community.”

Jackson said no matter what, the Detroit Light Rail project must be done in a cost-effective manner.

Read more about the Detroit Light Rail project, here.