Plans For Light Rail System Reportedly Being Scrapped
DETROIT (WWJ) - Word is expected to come on Wednesday that plans for a light rail system along Woodward are being scrapped in favor of a rapid-transit bus system.
More details will be known following a meeting between federal transit officials and members of Michigan's congressional delegation. But, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says Washington is ready to fund a regional transit authority here in the metro-Detroit area once leaders can finalize a plan, and he thinks the city and the suburbs are close to that.
Governor Snyder has wanted a rapid transit bus system that would serve the major corridors between the city and suburbs, including Gratiot, Woodward, and Michigan Avenue, along with an east-west connection on M-59 into Livingston County. And given the city's financial troubles, officials say a regional bus system is far cheaper and would serve more people.
Read more on the long-running debate on the light rail system here.
