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Detroit Intermodal Facility

Detroit Intermodal Facility

During 2020-2021, MDOT pursued a goal of combining intercity bus and Amtrak passenger rail service in one station located in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood. To further study and develop the proposed project, MDOT began a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) in 2022. NEPA applies to any federally funded project or any federal approvals needed for a project. 

Throughout the NEPA process, MDOT evaluated environmental, traffic and community impacts while working closely with the City of Detroit, community stakeholders and the public to refine the design of the proposed project station. 

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Current project information

After extensive engagement activities, MDOT determined that alternative locations for the intermodal facility should be explored.

As a result, MDOT is partnering with the City of Detroit and the private sector to identify alternatives to the New Center location. Discussions on an alternate location are just beginning.  MDOT remains committed to identifying options to replace the Howard Street station. The condition of the bus station requires immediate action to identify a solution that best provides for passengers and service providers alike.

Plans for replacing the Amtrak station in New Center are on hold until MDOT and its partners complete discussions on the future of intercity transportation in Detroit. 

Purpose and need

Overdue facility updates
The current Amtrak train station and Howard Street intercity bus station are expensive to maintain due to their age and are not up to standards for accessibility and safety.

Limited access to opportunity
New Center residents, and Detroit residents in general, have limited access to cars, increasing the need for other mobility options.

Disconnected transportation options
Passenger rail and intercity bus services are currently located at two separate facilities that do not connect to each other.

Previously studied information

Features

  • A renovated train station and place to buy tickets, handle baggage, and wait for both trains and buses on the north side of the train tracks.
  • An upgraded train platform with improved safety and faster onboarding/offboarding.
  • A new bus station on the south side of the train tracks connected to the train station by a passenger tunnel.
  • A drop-off/pick-up area for taxis, Uber/Lyft, and personal cars on the south side of the train tracks.
  • Connections to DDOT, SMART, and the QLine.
  • Bikeshare, scooters, carshare, and public parking (including electric vehicle parking) available on-site.

Goals and objectives

  • Restore essential transportation facilities to a state of good repair.
  • Establish a regional transportation hub providing multimodal access and convenient connectivity with a focus on meeting the needs of disadvantaged communities.
  • Provide high-quality passenger amenities and public space improvements to enhance the customer and pedestrian experience in the Project area.
  • Invest in opportunities to drive transit-oriented development in the local area while offsetting facility capital and operating costs.

Timeline

NCIF schedule showing progress and stages from public input in 2022 to open to public use in 2026.

2022 Newsletters

Resources