Given the amount of lanes [[four) on I-75, I-96, and I-696, a commuter rail line down the far left lane could do wonders for the region. Yes, a line from Ann Arbor to Downtown Detroit along 96/M14 would be great. A line from Novi to Gratiot in Roseville along 696 would be extremely beneficial in reducing the congestion along 696. A line from Pontiac/Auburn Hills or Oakland Mall to Downtown Detroit along 75/375 would be cool, especially for sports fans going to and from Lions and Tigers' games. If the region would make an effort to relocate major office tenants back downtown, such a rail system could be very practical.
BTW, I think it's time that the 75/375 spur at Jefferson be closed so that Jefferson can be narrowed just east of the RenCen so that the area can become pedestrian friendly again. The freeway can be exited and entered at Congress/Larned. The entrance to the freeway along Jefferson, heading north, could simply use left turn lanes, allowing two lanes of traffic to turn on a left-turn arrow. Getting on and off the freeway may take a little longer, but the improved pedestrian access from the east and to the riverfront would be worth it.
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