May 31 2007
Toledo Commuter Rail?
The Toledo Blade had an interesting article on Sunday about possible rail-based commuter lines that could be constructed in Toledo. I’d have to say that these are unlikely at this point, but there is no doubt that public transportation is a big time need in the Toledo-Monroe-Detroit corridor. Check it out…
And here’s the accompanying story about the old interurban lines that used to connect Monroe, Toledo and most of the surrounding communities. I remember the old tracks in Downtown Monroe when I was a kid in the late 70s and early 80s. Even then, I was a little bit bummed when they pulled them up.
This would be such a cool thing, I always want to be able to go to downtown detroit, but never feel it’s worth the drive. It would be awesome if a train could connect Toledo-Detroit, although unlikely, could be a big project for the two cities to go in on
It really is a no brainer. Even if it’s not a train, but a reliable, regular and clean dedicated bus system. Toledo to Detroit is a very short run. It would be nice to get on the bus in Monroe and ride to Fifth/Third Field or Downtown Detroit.
And, really, if our area wants to rejuvenate its downtown areas, this is the way to do it. Just take the Metra lines in Chicago and you see how much a train stop can build up a central area.
But it probably requires a wholesale change in our area’s thought process. Of course, $4 gas is changing some minds already.