On:
In: Echo, transportation

By Clara Lincolnhol   

The Michigan Department of Transportation is developing a plan to potentially construct the state’s fourth passenger rail route. The proposed east-west route would carry passengers across the Lower Peninsula, connecting Holland and Grand Rapids with Detroit.

The post New passenger train route between Holland and Detroit to be explored first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/10/03/new-passenger-train-route-between-holland-and-detroit-to-be-explored/

Clara Lincolnhol

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In: Echo, transportation

By Eric Freedman
Motorcycles and deer don’t mix. And motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to injury or death when they do, according to a recent study of a decade’s worth of crashes in Michigan.

The post Study finds high risk of injury or death in motorcycle-deer collisions  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/27/study-finds-high-risk-of-injury-or-death-in-motorcycle-deer-collisions/

Eric Freedman

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In: Echo, transportation

By Eric Freedman 

The iconic Blue Water Bridge has received a clean bill of operational health from the Michigan Auditor General’s Office. Based on its preliminary survey of procurement, fleet vehicles, employee training and toll transactions, the office said it saw no need to do a full performance audit of the bridge’s effectiveness and efficiency.

The post Busy Blue Water Bridge gets positive auditor general report  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/23/busy-blue-water-bridge-gets-positive-auditor-general-report/

Eric Freedman

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In: Echo, transportation

By Emilio Perez Ibarguen

The popularity of groups like Wednesday Night Ride, Black Girls Do Bike and Soul Roll is an indicator that Detroit, long known for its ties to the auto industry, is making strides in becoming a cycling destination.  However, Detroit streets remain unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians compared to other cities.

The post Biking booms in the Motor City: More lanes, fun rides — and high fatalities first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/09/08/biking-booms-in-the-motor-city-more-lanes-fun-rides-and-high-fatalities/

Great Lakes Echo

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In: Echo, transportation

By Clara Lincolnhol 
On a cool and cloudy summer day, Michigan high school students recently drove the car they’d been engineering for months around the block and parked it in front of the state Capitol. The three wheeled, sharply angled, gray, white and black camo-print car seats two people and is powered by solar-charged batteries.

The post Michigan high schoolers take statewide road trip in solar-powered car   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

https://greatlakesecho.org/2025/08/21/michigan-high-schoolers-take-statewide-road-trip-in-solar-powered-car/

Clara Lincolnhol

On:
In: Authors, bike infrastructure, Biking, Chicago, Detroit, Feature Homepage, Illinois, Latest News, Michigan, News, Ontario, Recreation and Tourism, Sean Ericson, Toronto, transportation
Why we don’t bike like the Dutch — yet

How did you get to work today?

Maybe, like 14% of Americans, you didn’t have to go anywhere because you work from home. But most people do need some form of transportation to earn a living. By far the biggest group is the 69% of people who drive to work alone.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2025/07/why-we-dont-bike-like-the-dutch-yet/

Sean Ericson, Great Lakes Now

On:
In: Land, transportation

By Donté Smith As the crisp autumn air settles over Michigan, the gentle chug of steam engines echoes through Coldwater. The Little River Railroad, a historic steam railway, invites passengers to step back in time for a ride filled with charm and nostalgia. It’s one of 55 steam locomotives in the state, 15 of them still […]

The post Steam railroad takes passengers on journey through time first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/10/23/steam-railroad-takes-passengers-on-journey-through-time/

Donte Smith

On:
In: transportation

By Donté Smith Capital News Service Detroit’s streets are becoming a testing ground for future transportation, with automated shuttles like Accessibili-D and Connect AV offering mobility solutions. These shuttles, which started operating this year, help residents, particularly those with limited transportation, access essential destinations such as doctors’ offices and grocery stores. The Connect AV shuttle provides fully […]

The post Automated shuttles provide new mobility options, but coverage concerns remain first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/10/15/automated-shuttles-provide-new-mobility-options-but-coverage-concerns-remain/

Donte Smith

On:
In: Energy, transportation

By Donté Smith The surge in electric bike (e-bike) sales has been nothing short of “obvious,” according to Rick Teranes, the co-owner of Bikes Blades & Boards in Grosse Pointe, Michigan “Sales of e-bikes have multiplied in recent years,” Teranes said, highlighting the significant shift in Metro Detroit’s cycling landscape driven by their growing popularity. […]

The post E-bike surge sparks safety concerns amid policy changes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/09/20/e-bike-surge-sparks-safety-concerns-amid-policy-changes/

Donte Smith

On:
In: transportation

Winters keep the Ohio Department of Transportation so busy, they have a well-circulated joke about it: “If we’re not plowing, we’re patching,” said Matt Bruning, press secretary for the department. 

The state maintains more than 43,000 miles of highway pavement that forms potholes as winter temperatures quickly rise and drop.

The post Ohio roads reflect tumultuous winter weather first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/03/08/ohio-roads-reflect-tumultuous-winter-weather/

Elinor Epperson

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In: transportation

In a medical emergency, people generally want whichever emergency service they call to get to the scene fast, but ambulances in rural areas face special challenges to help residents. 

The biggest obstacle for fire and rescue stations in rural areas is the distance between someone in need and the station. 

The post Rural communities face challenges in providing ambulance services first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/02/22/rural-communities-face-challenges-in-providing-ambulance-services/

Guest Contributor

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In: transportation

Lacking access to transportation is a significant barrier to employment, especially in rural areas and small towns.

Buses are often late because of construction or traffic, and Keson said the Ludington authority is trying to secure more funding for new dispatch technology.

The post Limited public transit options hinder employment opportunities first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/02/06/limited-public-transit-options-hinder-employment-opportunities/

Guest Contributor

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In: transportation

Michigan may have a sustainable answer to the contentious issue of fixing its roads: asphalt made from recycled rubber tires.

A partnership between state regulators, Michigan Technological University and county road commissions has been looking for ways to reduce the piles of used tires around Michigan

The post Thousands of tires hitting Michigan roads may someday be in them first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/02/02/thousands-of-tires-hitting-michigan-roads-may-someday-be-in-them/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: transportation

A bike ride is meant to be a relaxing and fun way to engage in physical activity. For other riders, bicycling is an essential form of transportation. All bicyclists want to feel safe. 

The post Bicycle accidents increase drastically in Michigan, study says first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2024/01/29/bicycle-accidents-increase-drastically-in-michigan-study-says/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: transportation

A charter captain faces prison and a fine when he is sentenced early next year for violating a Coast Guard order to stop commercial operation of his unlicensed boat on Lake St. Clair.

Benajmin Jones, 39, of Detroit pleaded guilty to a felony charge of deliberately violating a July 2021 Coast Guard order with his 39-foot Sea Ray, PWR TOWER, federal prosecutors said.

The post Charter boat captain faces prison for unlicensed vessel first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/11/27/charter-boat-captain-faces-prison-for-unlicensed-vessel/

Eric Freedman

On:
In: transportation

As the winter season approaches, counties across Michigan are preparing to handle the inevitable dumping of snow, especially on roadways. 

Technology and processes employed have helped plows become more efficient, said Bradley Wieferich, the director of the Department of Transportation. 

The post Reducing salt use on snowy roads proves challenging first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/11/16/reducing-salt-use-on-snowy-roads-proves-challenging/

Guest Contributor

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In: transportation

Public transportation is suffering from a lack of drivers in communities across Michigan. 

Clark Harder, the executive director of the Michigan Public Transit Association, said it’s a statewide problem.

The post Michigan struggles to fill public bus driver positions first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/11/01/michigan-struggles-to-fill-public-bus-driver-positions/

Guest Contributor

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In: transportation

Michigan is set to receive $20.4 million from a federal grant to improve passenger and freight railroads around the state, including a bridge project in Wexford County. 

The Manistee River Train Bridge replacement project is expected to begin in 2025 and be completed in 2027, according to MDOT.

The post Rail link upgrade expected to help northern Michigan businesses first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/10/30/rail-link-upgrade-expected-to-help-northern-michigan-businesses/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Echo, transportation, Travel

Other proposals that the state Department of Transportation and legislators are looking into include converting some highways into toll roads.

The post Mileage-based road tax ideas could stall out over privacy concerns first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/04/13/mileage-based-road-tax-ideas-could-stall-out-over-privacy-concerns/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: solutions, transportation

People are happy to pay for such services, even if the cost is higher than a regular bus ride.

The post More transit agencies add door-to-door services and ‘mobility wallets’ first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/04/03/more-transit-agencies-add-door-to-door-services-and-mobility-wallets/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: podcast, podcasts, solutions, transportation

  By Elaine Mallon This is the second story in a 3-part Great Lakes Echo series on sustainable transport in the region With plans for an all-electric bus fleet by 2035, the University of Michigan will introduce its first four electric buses come next June. The $3.64 million purchase of the four electric buses falls […]

The post Four electric buses will hit University of Michigan’s campus next summer first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/02/22/four-electric-buses-will-hit-university-of-michigans-campus-next-summer/

Guest Contributor

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In: solutions, transportation

The Center for Community Transportation launched a new bikeshare service in November, Ithaca Bikeshare.

The post New bikeshare in Ithaca, New York hops on community biking trend first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2023/02/21/new-bikeshare-in-ithaca-new-york-hops-on-community-biking-trend/

Guest Contributor

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In: Echo, transportation

An aerospace engineering team at the University of Michigan is researching hybrid-electric aircraft to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. The U-M aviation program will follow a design similar to the way hybrid-electric cars use batteries.

The post The future of sustainable aviation could be electric first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/15/the-future-of-sustainable-aviation-could-be-electric/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: Capital News Service, Michigan, transportation

Public transit agencies in Michigan are facing post-pandemic ridership and staffing shortages. The Michigan Public Transit Association launched ad campaigns in February to address those needs and has seen many great responses, especially on social media, but the association's members still face hardships, and no one knows if they’ll get all of their riders back.

The post Ridership, staffing challenges face local bus systems first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/08/ridership-staffing-challenges-face-local-bus-systems/

Guest Contributor

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In: Capital News Service, transportation

A recently launched bridge bundling program by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is expected to repair up to 78 locally owned bridges that are in serious or critical condition. The repaired bridges could last up to 50 years before needing to be fixed again and could potentially last even longer with maintenance project.

The post Repairs planned to 78 Michigan bridges rated in poor condition first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/05/12/repairs-planned-to-78-michigan-bridges-rated-in-poor-condition/

Guest Contributor

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In: Capital News Service, Michigan, transportation

Although flying cars aren't currently in the sky, they could be very soon. Michigan legislators have introduced bills that would establish an “Advanced Air Mobility Study Committee” to review current laws that affect the aeronautics industry. 

The post Legislature eyes futuristic ‘highway in the sky’ first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/04/15/legislature-eyes-futuristic-highway-in-the-sky/

Guest Contributor

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In: Capital News Service, transportation

By Hope O’Dell Capital News Service In the age of Uber and Lyft, public transportation is still the only viable option for many Michigan residents. “Sometimes on the weekend, or if you catch the right person, you might be able to grab an Uber, but it’s not regular service like that,” said Kelly Getman-Dissette, the […]

The post Dial-a-ride services struggle with driver shortage first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/14/dial-a-ride-services-struggle-with-driver-shortage/

Guest Contributor

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In: Capital News Service, Echo, Michigan, transportation

The Michigan Public Transit Association has launched an information advocacy campaign to fill hiring needs and increase ridership. The advocacy initiative includes television, radio, billboard and social media campaigns and is expected to continue into May.

The post New advocacy campaign boosts public transit first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/02/10/new-advocacy-campaign-boosts-public-transit/

Guest Contributor

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In: transportation

Pedestrian safety in Michigan has taken a hit as fatalities skyrocketed by 17% in 2020, even though fewer drivers were on the road due to COVID-19 lockdowns. 

The post Michigan pedestrian deaths rise, safety laws questioned first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/12/20/michigan-pedestrian-deaths-rise-safety-laws-questioned/

Guest Contributor

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In: electric vehicles, ev, transportation

As electric vehicle demands grow, one focus of concern is how to make them more environmentally sustainable. 

The post Companies team up to support electric vehicle recycling in Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/06/01/companies-team-up-to-support-electric-vehicle-recycling-in-michigan/

Guest Contributor

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In: electric, transportation

Early editions of electric hybrid buses in Michigan proved unreliable. But with the return of the wave of electrification in 2021, has anything changed?

The post Advancements in electric buses making green transit more accessible for rural areas first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/13/advancements-in-electric-buses-making-green-transit-more-accessible-for-rural-areas/

Guest Contributor

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In: transportation

Several thousand miles of hiking, multi-use, equestrian, motorized, fishing access and mountain biking trails across Ohio are mapped in a new app from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

The post Ohioans DETOUR on recreational trails with free app first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/05/10/ohioans-detour-on-recreational-trails-with-free-app/

Guest Contributor

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In: electric vehicles, ev, transportation

The Upper Peninsula Energy Task Force is calling for Michigan to invest in more electric vehicle charging stations. 

The post State promotes more electric car charging stations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/19/state-promotes-more-electric-car-charging-stations-in-michigans-upper-peninsula/

Guest Contributor

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In: electric vehicles, transportation

Michigan is spending $30 million to help public companies and private businesses buy low emission freight trucks, buses, tugboats and cargo handling equipment.

The post Michigan offers funds for alternative energy vehicles first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/04/05/michigan-offers-funds-for-alternative-energy-vehicles/

Guest Contributor

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In: transportation

By Samuel Blatchford Capital News Service Amtrak is trying to get back on track after ridership dropped on Michigan routes over 40% since the pandemic started last March. Amtrak operates three routes in Michigan: The Wolverine, which runs between Detroit and Chicago; the Pere Marquette, which runs between Grand Rapids and Chicago; and the Blue […]

The post Full steam ahead: Amtrak focused on resuming regular service to Michigan routes first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/15/full-steam-ahead-amtrak-focused-on-resuming-regular-service-to-michigan-routes/

Guest Contributor

On:
In: airports, Catch of the Day, transportation

Large airports in Michigan such as those in Detroit and Grand Rapids have seen a loss in revenue and passengers since the pandemic began. Small airports in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are confronting those same problems, but the negative effects are bigger.

The post Small airports suffer big hits amidst pandemic first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/12/small-airports-suffer-big-hits-amidst-pandemic/

Guest Contributor

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In: Great Lakes history, transportation

Causing 154 deaths and numerous shipwrecks, the Great Lakes storm left lasting changes that enhanced shipping safety. 

The post Impact of deadly 1940 Armistice Day Storm still felt today first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/02/impact-of-deadly-1940-armistice-day-storm-still-felt-today/

David Poulson

On:
In: Echo, transportation

Federal funding helped Michigan transit agencies stay in good shape throughout the pandemic. It’s the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1, 2021, that transportation authorities worry about.

The post Michigan transit agencies look to uncertain future as COVID-19 related expenses rise first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2020/12/24/michigan-transit-agencies-look-to-uncertain-future-as-covid-19-related-expenses-rise/

Guest Contributor