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COVID puts plans for test of new Michigan train line on hold

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MICHIGAN — The coronavirus pandemic has forced supporters of a new passenger train service to northern Michigan to put off plans for test rides on the proposed 240-mile line.

The Detroit Free Press cites backers of the Ann Arbor-to-Traverse City route as saying those test runs were slated for 2021.

They are now on hold.

The deputy director of a nonprofit organization leading the push for the new line, James Bruckbauer, says test runs are part of a multistep process that will also include deciding on an operating structure.

But he says organizers aren't sure when they'll be able to do them “because of COVID-19 concerns.”

Advocates say the service would give people along the line flexibility in commuting to jobs.