Jocelyn Benson wants to bring high-speed rail to Michigan. What would it take?

February 21, 2026

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, running for governor, has proposed developing a statewide high-speed rail system to connect major cities and boost economic growth. The plan, which remains in development, aims to reduce travel times between cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing while attracting young talent who prefer walkable communities with transit options. Michigan currently has only three Amtrak passenger lines running to Chicago, with infrequent service on freight-owned tracks.

Who is affected

Jocelyn Benson (Michigan Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate)
Michigan residents, particularly those without cars or who cannot afford car insurance
Younger generations seeking walkable communities with transit options
Kalamazoo-area business and government officials
Workers and businesses in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and other Michigan cities
Upper Peninsula residents
Local transit authorities across the state
State Rep. Matt Maddock (Republican opponent of the plan)
Rep. Jason Morgan (Democratic chair of bipartisan public transit caucus)
Chris Swanson (Genesee County Sheriff, competing for Democratic gubernatorial nomination)
Freight companies like CSX Transportation that own Michigan's railways
Amtrak (current operator of Michigan's three passenger rail lines)

What action is being taken

Benson is developing and ironing out details of her rail plans
The state Department of Transportation is studying the feasibility of a Detroit-Lansing-Grand Rapids passenger line
Momentum has been building since 2009 for a north-south rail line between Ann Arbor and Traverse City
Michigan lawmakers have formed a bipartisan public transit caucus in 2025 with over 50 members
Planning is underway in other states like Texas (Houston-Dallas bullet train) and Florida (Brightline expansion proposals)

Why it matters

The proposal represents a significant shift for Michigan, a state that has historically centered its identity and transportation policy around automobiles. Rail infrastructure could address multiple critical issues: reversing population stagnation, expanding workforce mobility, boosting tourism and business partnerships, and providing transportation access to residents who cannot afford car ownership or insurance. For younger generations who increasingly prefer walkable communities with diverse transit options, improved rail service could make Michigan more attractive for talent retention and recruitment. The success or failure of this initiative could fundamentally transform Michigan's economic development trajectory and set precedent for how the state balances traditional automotive legacy with modern transportation needs.

What's next

Benson will continue developing her rail plan, including identifying optimal routes and determining whether to pursue true high-speed rail or upgraded conventional service
She will evaluate existing tracks across the state and assess what's possible for building high-speed rail on those routes
Benson plans to explore public-private partnerships and international or multi-state funding partnerships to finance the project
Rep. Jason Morgan stated work is beginning now to ensure rail plans are implementable during a potential Benson gubernatorial term
Benson is competing in the Democratic primary against Chris Swanson, with the winner facing the GOP primary victor in the general election

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com