Detroit, Michigan, October 16, 2025
Michigan Governor announced a $40 million initiative to convert the historic Michigan Central Station area into a modern intercity rail hub. The funding will cover engineering and environmental work ahead of construction, with a new multimodal facility to serve intercity buses and passenger trains and replace the Howard Street bus terminal and an aging Amtrak station. Plans include extending Amtrak service through an underwater tunnel toward Canada, and the hub is expected to draw roughly 66,000 riders annually. The project dovetails with broader Corktown revitalization and ongoing private investment at the restored Michigan Central Station campus.
Detroit’s $40 Million Initiative to Revitalize Michigan Central Station as Intercity Rail Hub
Detroit, Michigan – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled a $40 million plan aimed at transforming the historic Michigan Central Station into a modern intercity rail hub. This initiative is designed to enhance transportation infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and reconnect communities through innovative engineering and public-private partnerships.
Key Details of the Project
- Investment and Timeline: The funding will support engineering and environmental assessments, with construction set to begin in late 2025. The expected opening date for the new transit hub is December 31, 2028.
- Transportation Services: The facility will support intercity bus services from Greyhound, Indian Trails, and SMART, along with passenger train services. Notably, there are plans to extend Amtrak’s Chicago-Detroit Wolverine line through an underwater tunnel to facilitate travel to Canada and Toronto.
- Location and Design: The new multimodal hub will be positioned adjacent to the Michigan Central Station in the Corktown neighborhood, replacing the existing Howard Street bus terminal and the older Amtrak station in the New Center area. The design will provide modern amenities and enhance accessibility for travelers.
- Projected Ridership: Preliminary estimates anticipate around 66,000 riders annually, indicating a robust demand for improved transportation options in the region.
Background Context
The Michigan Central Station was historically a symbol of Detroit’s decline, but it has undergone substantial transformation. After Ford Motor Company acquired the station in 2018 for $90 million, it reopened in June 2024 following a $740 million renovation. It now serves as a pivotal part of Ford’s Corktown mobility innovation campus and hosts diverse tenants, including Google’s Code Next Detroit program. The introduction of the new transit hub is strategically aligned with efforts to better integrate the station into the city’s broader transportation network and encourage economic revitalization.
Impact on the Community
This development is expected to strengthen regional connections, particularly between Detroit and surrounding cities, while attracting businesses to the Corktown neighborhood. By offering a state-of-the-art facility for bus and train services, the project aims to elevate the travel experience and contribute to Detroit’s ongoing resurgence.
Related Developments
- Hotel Development: A partnership between Ford and NoMad Hotels is set to introduce a 180-room hotel within the Michigan Central Station by 2027 as part of the initiative to create a vibrant global innovation hub.
- Community Engagement: A mural located near the station pays tribute to longtime residents of the Corktown, North Corktown, and Hubbard Richard neighborhoods, celebrating multi-generational families that have shaped the area’s historical and cultural identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the $40 million initiative announced by Governor Whitmer?
The $40 million initiative is a plan to transform the historic Michigan Central Station into a modern intercity rail hub, aiming to enhance transportation infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in Detroit.
What transportation services will the new transit hub provide?
The facility will accommodate intercity bus services, including those operated by Greyhound, Indian Trails, and SMART, as well as passenger train services. Plans include extending Amtrak’s Chicago-Detroit Wolverine line through an underwater tunnel to Canada, allowing passengers to continue to Toronto.
When is the new transit hub expected to open?
The new transit hub is expected to open by December 31, 2028.
What is the projected annual ridership for the new transit hub?
Early estimates project approximately 66,000 riders annually, indicating strong demand for improved transportation options in the region.
How does this project fit into the broader revitalization efforts in Detroit?
This development is expected to strengthen regional connections, particularly between Detroit and neighboring cities, and attract businesses to the Corktown neighborhood. By providing a state-of-the-art facility for both bus and train services, the project aims to enhance the travel experience and contribute to the ongoing resurgence of Detroit.
Key Features of the Michigan Central Station Revitalization Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investment | $40 million allocated for engineering and environmental assessments, with construction beginning in late 2025 and completion by December 31, 2028. |
| Transportation Services | Intercity bus services (Greyhound, Indian Trails, SMART) and passenger train services, including an extension of Amtrak’s Chicago-Detroit Wolverine line through an underwater tunnel to Canada, allowing passengers to continue to Toronto. |
| Location | Adjacent to the Michigan Central Station in the Corktown neighborhood, replacing the existing Howard Street bus terminal and the aging Amtrak station in the New Center area. |
| Projected Ridership | Approximately 66,000 riders annually, indicating strong demand for improved transportation options in the region. |
| Background | The Michigan Central Station, purchased by Ford Motor Company in 2018 for $90 million, reopened in June 2024 after a $740 million renovation. It now serves as the centerpiece of Ford’s Corktown mobility innovation campus, housing various tenants, including Google’s Code Next Detroit program. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Detroit’s Transit Developments Amid Financial Challenges
Virgin Group Competes with Eurostar in Rail Travel
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.