ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF AMTRAK INTERCITY PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE IN MICHIGAN: COMMUNITY-LEVEL ANALYSIS

摘要

Amtrak operates three routes in Michigan: the Wolverine, the Blue Water and the PereMarquette. Using the methodology established in the 2009 Michigan Passenger Rail StationCommunity Benefits Study, this paper reports the economic impacts of Michigan Amtrak servicein the 22 communities served by these routes. Results from the 2009 study are updated to reflectcurrent ridership and ticket revenue data, as well as findings from passenger surveys conductedin spring 2011. Considering individual traveler savings, passenger spending at local businesses,and Amtrak-related expenditures, Amtrak service generated an estimated economic impact to theState of Michigan in excess of $45.8 million in 2011. The average economic impact (excludingAmtrak expenditures) was $37.87 per passenger. Every $1.00 invested by the State of Michiganfor operations of the Blue Water and Pere Marquette routes returned $1.84 in economic impactto local communities and travelers along these routes. The findings of this analysis contribute toa small but growing body of literature that quantifies the economic impacts of existing Amtrakpassenger rail service and have several applications for passenger rail planning, policydevelopment, and outreach activities.