DTC
Project lead responsible for initiating public procurement and engagement. DTC coordinates the mobility innovation vision, procurement, public engagement, design, engineering, environmental processes, and construction.
Michigan Central Multimodal Hub
A planned transportation hub adjacent to Michigan Central Station in Corktown.
Project Overview
Detroit Transportation Corporation (DTC), in partnership with Michigan Central Innovation District LLC, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the City of Detroit, and other public and private stakeholders, is advancing the Michigan Central Multimodal Facility (MCMF). DTC is the project sponsor and lead agency, coordinating development, planning, and implementation with its partners.
The proposed transportation hub would sit adjacent to Michigan Central Station in Corktown. It would bring several transportation options into one location, make transfers easier, and support Detroit's growth as a regional transportation center.
Project Goals
- Improve multimodal connections across the region.
- Create a gateway to Detroit, the region, and the State of Michigan.
- Advance innovation across transportation modes and help Michigan attract talent and outside investment.
Why This Project Matters
As Detroit and the surrounding region grow, the project offers an opportunity to coordinate transportation services and improve travel within the city, across Michigan, and throughout the Great Lakes region. Bringing services together can make travel more convenient, improve accessibility, and support economic growth.
The facility is being planned to accommodate:
- Passenger rail.
- Intercity bus service.
- Local and regional transit connections.
- Bicycle facilities.
- Pedestrian access.
Why Michigan Central?
The location provides access to existing transportation infrastructure and builds on Michigan Central Station's transformation into a center for mobility, innovation, employment, and economic development. Concentrating services here supports investment in Corktown and the innovation district, making the area easier to reach for residents, workers, visitors, travelers, and businesses.
Regional And Future Mobility
The facility is being planned for today's needs while allowing flexibility for future transportation opportunities. Its location and design could support expanded regional services and, through separate efforts, future international passenger rail connections. No future services have been finalized. Decisions about providers, routes, and operations will be made through processes separate from the facility project.
Funding & Partners
Federal, state, local, and private-sector partners support the project. MCMF has been selected to receive a $10 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) RAISE grant and a $3 million Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) CRISI grant for project development. MDOT has committed $30 million and will support planning and implementation. DTC and its partners are evaluating additional funding opportunities for future phases.
- FTA RAISE grant selection
- $10M
- FRA CRISI grant selection
- $3M
- MDOT commitment
- $30M
MDOT
Provides project oversight, leads environmental clearances through its Environmental Services Section, and works to unlock additional federal funding.
Michigan Central
Ensures the facility aligns with the Michigan Central Innovation District's vision as a global center for mobility innovation.
City Of Detroit
Participates as a critical stakeholder and adjacent property owner, viewing the project as a centerpiece and starting point for future development in the area.
Project Status
Planning and development are underway under DTC's leadership. In June 2026, WSP joined as the owner's representative following a competitive bidding process. WSP supplies technical expertise, administrative and strategic support, budget tracking, schedule management, and coordination across agencies, helping DTC manage the project's complex delivery structure.
Activities Underway
- Environmental review: MDOT's Environmental Services Section leads regulatory approvals, supported by DTC through WSP.
- Infrastructure evaluation: Led by DTC.
- Funding analysis: Led by DTC.
- Stakeholder coordination: Led by DTC.
- Procurement and delivery: DTC is changing from design-bid-build to progressive design-build (PDB). A PDB request for proposals is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026, replacing the architecture and engineering RFP previously planned for mid-2026.
The delivery change is intended to accelerate the schedule toward the third-quarter 2027 deadline for securing FTA funds while retaining flexibility as scope, costs, and funding develop.
Decisions Still Ahead
The location next to Michigan Central Station and the multimodal approach are established, planning is advancing, and federal and state funding support is being secured. Final facility design, project phasing, the construction schedule, long-term operating arrangements, and additional funding sources remain under development. These decisions will be refined as technical, operational, and financial information becomes available.
Project Schedule
Planned milestones, with public engagement beginning in Q4 2026:
- Q3 2026–Q1 2027
- Environmental review period.
- Q4 2026
- Public engagement begins.
- Q4 2026
- Progressive design-build request for proposals issued.
- Q2 2027
- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance secured.
- Q2–Q3 2027
- FTA RAISE grant secured.
District Context
Ford Motor Company is committed to the MCMF project as an important part of development west of the historic station, including the Detroit City FC soccer stadium, Michigan Avenue Innovation Corridor, and other investment. The facility is intended to make the most of that investment and create a welcoming gateway to the district.
