Michigan Central Multimodal Facility Project

The goals of the MCMF are to position the region for greater multimodal connectivity; create a transformational gateway to Detroit, the region, and the State of Michigan; and advance innovation within all modalities, cementing Michigan as a destination for ongoing talent attraction and outside investment.

Connecting Detroit's Transportation Future

The Detroit Transportation Corporation (DTC), in partnership with Michigan Central Innovation District LLC (Michigan Central), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the City of Detroit, and other public and private stakeholders, is advancing planning for the Michigan Central Multimodal Facility (MCMF). As the project sponsor, DTC is responsible for coordinating project development activities and working with public and private partners on planning and implementation of the facility.

The MCMF is envisioned as a transportation hub adjacent to Michigan Central Station in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood that would bring together multiple transportation options in a single location. The project is intended to improve mobility, create more seamless travel connections, and support Detroit's continued growth as a regional transportation center.

The project builds upon the historic transformation of Michigan Central Station into a major center for mobility, innovation, and economic development. By enhancing access to the district and supporting a variety of transportation services, the MCMF would help maximize the benefits of ongoing investment in Corktown and create a welcoming gateway for residents, workers, visitors, and travelers.

Why Is This Project Important?

As Detroit and the surrounding region continue to grow and evolve, opportunities exist to better coordinate transportation services and improve how people move throughout the city, the state, and the broader Great Lakes region.

The MCMF is being planned to support passenger rail, intercity bus service, local and regional transit connections, bicycle facilities, and pedestrian access in a single, integrated location. Bringing these transportation options together can make travel more convenient, improve accessibility, and support future economic growth.

Why Here?

The proposed facility would be located adjacent to Michigan Central Station in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood.

This location provides access to existing transportation infrastructure, supports ongoing investment in the district, and creates an opportunity to concentrate transportation services where people live, work, visit, and travel. Michigan Central’s  emergence in Corktown as a center for innovation, employment, and mobility makes it a natural location for a regional transportation hub.The MCMF is intended not only to improve transportation options, but also to support the continued growth of the Michigan Central district by making the area more accessible to residents, workers, visitors, and businesses.

Supporting Regional and Future Mobility

The MCMF is being planned to meet today's transportation needs while remaining flexible enough to accommodate future opportunities.

Its location and design objectives create the potential to support expanded regional transportation services and, if pursued through separate efforts, future international passenger rail connections. No future transportation services have been finalized, and decisions regarding service providers, routes, and operations would be made through a processes separate from the MCMF project itself.

Investment and Support

The MCMF has attracted support from federal, state, local, and private-sector partners.

The project has been selected to receive a $10 million federal RAISE grant and $3 million federal CRISI grant. In addition, MDOT has committed to supporting the project as it advances through planning and implementation. These investments reflect broad recognition of the project's potential importance to Detroit, the State of Michigan, and the region.

DTC and its partners continue to evaluate additional funding opportunities that may support future phases of implementation.

Project Status

Q3 2026 Update

Led by DTC, the project is actively advancing through its planning and development phase.  In June 2026, the team reached a major milestone by onboarding WSP as the Owner’s Representative. Selected through a competitive bidding process, WSP adds world-class administrative and strategic strength to the MCMF project. They will provide subject-matter expertise, track budgets, keep schedules on time, and streamline multi-agency processes.  This allows a small transit agency like DTC to navigate complex project structures effectively.

Activities underway:

  • Environmental review - MDOT Environmental Services Section is leading regulatory approvals, with DTC via WSP supporting

  • Infrastructure evaluation – DTC

  • Funding analysis – DTC

  • Stakeholder coordination - DTC

  • Procurement and delivery method – DTC is shifting from a Design-Bid-Build method to a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) model. This update means that we will be replacing the planned mid-2026 A&E RFP with a PDB RFP by Q4 2026. This adjustment allows us to achieve two key goals: acceleration of the timeline to ensure we meet the Q3 2027 deadline to secure FTA funds; and maintaining flexibility so the project can adapt smoothly to scope, cost, and funding realities.

Several key elements of the project have already been established. The facility is planned adjacent to Michigan Central Station, multiple transportation modes are planned, federal and state funding support is in the process of being secured, and project planning is actively advancing.

Important decisions remain, including the final facility design, project phasing, construction schedule, long-term operating arrangements, additional funding sources, and others.  Because planning is ongoing, these elements will continue to be refined as additional technical, operational, and financial information becomes available.

 

Project Funding

The project has been selected to receive a $10 million FTA RAISE grant and $3 million FRA CRISI grant to support project development activities. MDOT has committed $30 million. These investments reflect broad recognition of the project's potential.

Ford Motor Company is committed to this project as a critical element in development of the broader area located west of the historic Station, including the DCFC Soccer Stadium, Michigan Avenue Innovation Corridor, and others.

What Happens Next: Project Schedule

Project Partner Roles and Responsibilities

DTC will serve as MCMF Project Lead, responsible for initiation of the public procurement and engagement process. DTC will drive the vision for mobility innovation, via coordination of procurement, public engagement, design, engineering, environmental processes, and construction.

Michigan Central will ensure alignment of the project with the vision of the Michigan Central Innovation District as a global hub for mobility innovation.

MDOT will provide project oversight, leading efforts to secure environmental clearances and unlock additional federal funding.

The City of Detroit will participate in this project as a critical stakeholder and adjacent property owner who views this project as a centerpiece and launching point for future development in the area.

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