Abstract
Amtrak operates three trains on routes in Michigan: the Wolverine, the Blue Water, and the Pere Marquette. Using the methodology established in the 2009 Michigan Passenger Rail Station Community Benefits Study, this study considered the economic impacts of Michigan Amtrak service in the 22 communities served by these routes. Results from the 2009 study were updated to reflect current ridership and ticket revenue data, as well as findings from passenger surveys conducted in spring 2011. Considering individual traveler savings, passenger spending at local businesses, and Amtrak-related expenditures, Amtrak service generated an estimated economic impact to the state of Michigan in excess of $45.8 million in 2011. The average economic impact (excluding Amtrak expenditures) was $37.87 per passenger. Every $1.00 invested by the state of Michigan for operations of the Blue Water and Pere Marquette routes returned $1.84 in economic impact to local communities and travelers along these routes. The findings of this analysis contribute to a small but growing body of literature that quantifies the economic impacts of existing Amtrak passenger rail service and have several applications for passenger rail planning, policy development, and outreach activities.
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Schedule a callMore From: Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
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