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Commuter rail cars to be tested between Pontiac and Jackson

MDOT

Some refurbished commuter rail cars will start test runs in southeast Michigan today.

The stainless steel, bi-level cars will run on tracks between Pontiac and Jackson.

State officials hope the cars will eventually be used for separate commuter rail lines connecting Detroit and Ann Arbor, and Ann Arbor and Livingston County.

Janet Foran is with the Michigan Department of Transportation.

“It’s simply a test of the equipment. But if you do see this along the rail line, we want folks to know what it was all about, and following successful testing, the commuter rail cars could be used for special events,” Foran said.

She said those “special events” could include service for Detroit Tigers’ games next spring.

Members of various state transit agencies are still trying to cobble together agreements and funding for the two proposed commuter rail lines.

Sarah Cwiek joined Michigan Public in October 2009. As our Detroit reporter, she is helping us expand our coverage of the economy, politics, and culture in and around the city of Detroit.
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