Michigan’s Transportation Odyssey kicks off this week

Across the state, people are focusing on transportation initiatives to help move Michigan toward a vibrant, connected future.

To accelerate that conversation, Transportation for Michigan will host the Michigan Transportation Odyssey, in which participants set off on a three-day voyage from Detroit Metro Airport to Traverse City using only Michigan’s transit systems and statewide passenger train service. The Transportation Odyssey gets under way on Wednesday, March 21.

The Odyssey begins with a speaker event presented by the Michigan Environmental Council and Metromode.

When:       Wednesday, March 21, 5:30 p.m. 
Where:      The Reserve  in Birmingham (375 South Eton Street)
Who:         Open to the public. RSVP below please.

Come hear experts explore questions and topics related to Michigan placemaking, the future of a Regional Transit Authority, and economic growth and prosperity during a panel discussion, “Linking Regions in Prosperity.”

Speakers:
• Birmingham Mayor Mark Nickita will welcome Odyssey travelers to his city and describe the promise that a regional transit authority holds.
• Keynote speaker Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff will discuss the importance of a coordinated regional transit system to southeast Michigan.
• Dave Potts, Oakland County Commissioner has been invited to address the group on how investment in transportation and infrastructure is essential to the region’s economic future.
• Troy Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Hodges will outline how a complete, well-functioning transportation system is critical to keeping existing businesses and attracting new business to our region.
• Kresge Foundation’s Benjamin Kennedy, Program Officer for Detroit Community Development will bring the perspective of how vibrant, livable areas essential to achieving economically sustainable and equitable patterns of global development.

 Doors open at 5 p.m. at The Reserve.

A cocktail and hors d’oeuvre hour will be 5:30-6:30 p.m. with the speaker program kicking off at 6:45 p.m..

We will host an afterglow at Big Rock Chophouse, a converted historical landmark formerly the Birmingham Grand Trunk and Western Railroad Depot. Big Rock Chophouse is conveniently adjoined to The Reserve and features a 1,950-square-foot brew house producing four signature beers.

Joining the Odyssey

Fellow travelers are welcome for part or all of the journey! The Michigan Transportation Odyssey is free and open to the public.

Register here.

Check it out the project on Facebook and follow along on Twitter, hashtag: #miodyssey.