![Amtrak 427 is eastbound at Battle Creek. 2006 [Dale Berry photo]](/images/MIRR/AmtrakWolverine(427)EBAtBattleCreekMI042106-7[DaleBerry].jpg "Amtrak 427 is eastbound at Battle Creek. 2006 [Dale Berry photo]")
Amtrak - The National Railroad Passenger Corporation
Amtrak is a federally owned railroad which provides national passenger train service in the United States. Amtrak was created in 1971 to relieve most railroads from being required to continue to provide passenger service. In return, the railroads agreed to allow Amtrak to use its tracks.
In Michigan, Amtrak provides passenger service on three lines. It operates three round trips each day between Pontiac via Detroit to Chicago, Illinois (CN/Conrail/Amtrak/NS). The second route has a single round trip each day between Port Huron and Chicago, via Battle Creek (CN/Amtrak/NS). The third route has a single round trip each day between Grand Rapids and Chicago via Porter, Indiana (CSX/NS).
Amtrak operates on two sections of track which are not owned by freight railroads. Amtrak itself purchased former Conrail trackage between Kalamazoo and Porter, Indiana. In 2013, the State of Michigan purchased former Norfolk Southern trackage between Dearborn and Kalamazoo. The first line offered trains that exceed 80 m.p.h. in a section which uses advanced positive train control. High speed operation is also planned for the Dearborn to Kalamazoo route as well. Norfolk Southern continues to provide freight service on both of these lines through trackage rights.
Amtrak has stations in Albion, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, Birmingham, Dearborn, Detroit, Dowagiac, Durand, Flint, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Lapeer, Michigan City, Niles, and Pontiac in Michigan.
Website: Amtrak
Photo: Amtrak 427 is eastbound at the Battle Creek station. 2006 [Dale Berry photo]
News Feed from Google: Amtrak
News Feed - Amtrak
25 April 2025
- I spent 15 hours on an Amtrak train, and 7 surprises made it worth the $400 price tag - Business Insider
- Amtrak route to connect New Orleans and Mobile starting this summer - WWLTV.com
- How the restoration of Philly’s historic 30th St. Station became a corruption bonanza - Philadelphia local news, sports, jobs, cars, homes
- Amtrak Airo Trains: Speed, Comfort, and Sustainability of the Future - Railway Supply
- 8 Most Scenic Amtrak Routes in America - AFAR
- FRA, Amtrak revise plans for rehabilitation of Dock Bridge - trains.com
- Gov. Youngkin breaks ground on New River Valley Rail project - WSLS
- Plans for Greensburg Amtrak station include new doors, restrooms for handicapped access - TribLIVE.com
- Low-Flying Helicopter Tied To Amtrak Inspections - LevittownNow.com
- A Brand New Amtrak Service Is Coming to This Stretch of Summer Tourist Hotspots - Men's Journal
- Introducing Amtrak Mardi Gras Service twice daily between New Orleans and Mobile via Coastal Mississippi - Amtrak Media
- Mobile’s tourism chief lays out possible fares for new Amtrak service - fox10tv.com
- Amtrak ‘Mardi Gras’ Service to Begin This Summer - Railfan & Railroad Magazine
- All aboard: Amtrak announces start of 'Mardi Gras Service' running between New Orleans and Mobile - Magnolia Tribune
- Amtrak bringing the Mardi Gras spirit to travelers with new service - WAPT
