11/1/12 - WALLY, the commuter rail project otherwise known as the Washtenaw and Livingston Line, is on the move and with a new grant to back it up, is picking up speed. The railroad, anticipated to run from Howell and Brighton to Ann Arbor, has received a federally funded grant to aid in the estimated remaining cost of $18.9 million. Michael Benham, strategic planner at the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, says the startup of the project is dependent on funding and support from the community. In a recent survey done by the Transportation Authority, more than half of Washtenaw and Livingston county residents were aware of the project and about 3/4ths approve. Benham tells WHMI that the success of the transit system has a lot to do with location.Benham says that 30% of operation costs would be covered by fares as the project would cost $7.1 million annually. The University of Michigan is also willing to do some funding by covering the fares of their own employees who use the system in order to promote it. The standard locomotive will be made up of double-decker pulled rail cars, 23 of which are undergoing rehabilitation. Benham says there are many benefits to WALLY which include an increase in jobs and property values and a decrease in energy use and air pollution. (DK)
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