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U. of Mich. exploring light rail system to connect 2 campuses

Named the Connector, the light-rail system would have nine stops between the northeast and south side of Ann Arbor, with electric-powered vehicles traveling on standard railroad tracks.

February 25, 2016
U. of Mich. exploring light rail system to connect 2 campuses

 

1 min to read


ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan and the City of Ann Arbor are considering constructing a 4.78-mile light rail system to transport students and other passengers between downtown and the university’s central, medical and north campuses, The Detroit News reports.

Named the Connector, the light-rail system would have nine stops between the northeast and south side of Ann Arbor, with electric-powered vehicles traveling on standard railroad tracks. A draft study estimates the project would cost between $560 million and $680 million and produce a transit system that would carry a weekday average of 31,600 riders by 2040. For the full story, click here.

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