Groundwork Launches Community Survey and New Website for the North+South Rail Project

TRAVERSE CITY, MI — Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities has launched a public input survey for the North+South Rail project, inviting residents, commuters, and stakeholders to help shape the future of passenger rail in northern Michigan. The survey is now live on the project’s newly unveiled standalone website (northsouthrail.org).

The North+South Rail initiative, which would connect southeast Michigan, mid-Michigan and the northwest Lower Peninsula, is currently undergoing a major planning study to evaluate passenger service between key communities throughout the state. The study is examining things like travel patterns, the proposed route, ridership demand, infrastructure needs, and costs. 

Community insight is essential at this stage and will help ensure that the proposed service reflects real-world travel needs and local priorities, and the survey will provide valuable information to planners.

“We want to hear directly from the people who would use this service,” said Carolyn Ulstad, Transportation Program Manager at Groundwork. “Your feedback will guide our planning decisions and help us design a rail service that serves the region effectively.”

New Website Now Live

The newly launched North+South Rail website provides a dedicated home for all project materials. In addition to the rail survey form, visitors will find:

• An overview of the rail project and its goals
• Details on the ongoing planning study
• Maps and documents
• Community engagement opportunities and news updates

The standalone site is designed to evolve in step with the project, serving as the central hub for information, progress updates, and public involvement.

Take the Survey

Groundwork encourages everyone who lives, works, or travels in the region to participate. To learn more about the project and take the survey, head to northsouthrail.org.