Airport Authority Unveils Plans

[rbdetsport]

http://www.detnews.com/2005/metro/0507/31/B01-263046.htm

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?newsId=6526

This is a great development for the airport and the whole region. I wish they could include the train/tram that they have at the Midfield Terminal in with the new north terminal so that there would be a link between the airport terminals. Could the planned Ann Arbor to Detroit Commuter Rail be connected with the airport light rail so Detroit can even better be connected with the airport?

[wolverine]

http://www.detnews.com/2005/metro/0507/31/B01-263046.htm

http://www.crainsdetroit.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?newsId=6526

This is a great development for the airport and the whole region. I wish they could include the train/tram that they have at the Midfield Terminal in with the new north terminal so that there would be a link between the airport terminals. Could the planned Ann Arbor to Detroit Commuter Rail be connected with the airport light rail so Detroit can even better be connected with the airport?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

First off, I agree that this is great news for the region. Detroit Metro region definitely has an airport to brag about. As far as the Detroit to Ann Arbor commuter link, I'm not sure if that's possible unless there is a seperate spur linking to the main Amtrak passanger lines. Don't forget that the plan for the commuter line would use the existing railway. You can already take a train back and forth between Ann Arbor and Detroit for about $18 round trip. But the trains don't go near the airport. Perhaps this could change. It would seem like a smart thing to do.

[Detroit_Luveur]

First off, I agree that this is great news for the region.  Detroit Metro region definitely has an airport to brag about.  As far as the Detroit to Ann Arbor commuter link, I'm not sure if that's possible unless there is a seperate spur linking to the main Amtrak passanger lines.  Don't forget that the plan for the commuter line would use the existing railway.  You can already take a train back and forth between Ann Arbor and Detroit for about $18 round trip.  But the trains don't go near the airport.  Perhaps this could change. It would seem like a smart thing to do.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Plans are to connect the line somehow to the airport, maybe an extention or something. It'd really be a waste of opportunity not to.

[jsmyers]

The study is currently looking at what alternatives are available. There is a rail line that is on the edge of the airport property.

This transit might use that ROW. There might also be a shuttle bus that runs up the road to a stop on the current line.

See this link:

http://www.annarbordetroitrapidtransitstudy.com/

Specifically:

http://www.annarbordetroitrapidtransitstud...eis_2005_03.pdf

[rbdetsport]

I like all of those alternatives expecially the light rail option to go from Metro Airport to New Center then through Midtown and Downtown. I think if the Ann Arbor to Detroit Rail is complete, eventually a light rail option will come in to play. People just need to ride the commuter rail so it shows there is a demand for light rail and other better transit options.

[statedude3]

I think everyone is so used to saying that development beings "downtown" and spreads from there, but maybe if the rails come from the 'burbs and outlying areas such as A2 or the airport then maybe working from the outside-->in would work as well, if not better.

Beyond a general knowledge, I'm no expert on the metro area transportation issues, but I am positive that if the population flight can be slowed then the region will be due for a system such as light rail or something.

[Ramcharger]

I certainly hope there are plans to build some type of

[okinawatyphoon]

I can't wait for this new terminal. LC smith is so old. Does anyone think this new north terminal looks like the McNamara terminal? They look very similar (albeit the new North Terminal will be smaller) IMO.

[Zissou]

Actually there was an article today on the terminals. The new terminal will not be as flashy as the McNamara terminal and is inspired from some of Alber Kahns old automotive factories. The new North terminal will also be on a much tighter budger than McNamara was.

[RustTown]

I'm surprised no one posted the rendering:

Actually, I think it's just as, if not more, flashy on the outside. To me the McNamara Terminal is nice (especially the interior), but unless you're looking at it from far away, it's rather plain at it's entrances. This will present a nice "open" glass front to passengers.

[MJLO]

that is so outstanding! I'm so glad they are tearing down the smith terminal, it's an embarassment to Detroit. It looks like the 1950's took a big poo, and they said, hey let's put an airport terminal here.

[WBG4]

Pix of the smith terminal plzthx.

[wolverine]

^ You don't want to see it. It will be hard to find pics since it's so ugly, who would take photos of it.

[Ramcharger]

Here's an old post card of what it looked like 45 years ago. The problem is that it still looks like this.