I’ve gotten a couple of updates forwarded to me about the two proposed rail projects in this area.  Here’s what I’ve heard recently:

Ann Arbor-Detroit Rail: The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) is still negotiating with the railroads so that the commuter service can use the tracks.  Also, the state ok’d an extension of funding so that SEMCOG and others can create a demonstration commuter line.  Projected date for this train to get moving: 2010.

Howell-Ann Arbor Rail: A group of key players met with Congressman Dingell last week to ask him to help support this project at the Federal Level.  Dingell asked the group to create a more concrete plan as well as develop some sort of Authority that will run the service.  Also, the City is still trying to get Ann Arbor Railroad to allow the service to run all the way into town, rather than just to Barton.

And they’re off!

We’ve already got a number of people who have submitted their entry form for the go!pass dash.

The go!pass dash is a contest happening this week.  All you have to do is use one AATA service (including an AATA bus, the LINK, the NightRide Shuttle, and the a2Cheslea Express) once during the week to be entered into the contest.

If we draw your name, you could win FREE lunch for a week from downtown restaurants!  There are other prizes as well.  Learn more and fill out an entry form here.