City leaders in Sterling Heights are examining an idea that once seemed far off: a passenger train connecting the city directly to downtown Detroit.

City Manager Mark Vanderpool said the mayor and City Council have directed him to study whether passenger service could be added to a 26-mile rail line that already exists and is currently used for manufacturing purposes. Because portions of that line are now being taken apart, officials say the need to act has become more pressing.

"This could be an opportunity whose window will start closing over the ensuing years, and we certainly don't want that to happen. I think that would be negligent," Vanderpool said.

The current concept is centered on downtown Detroit, with commuters and eventgoers in mind, but it could eventually extend further. Vanderpool said a route to the airport, or connections to Chicago through the existing Amtrak line, are also possibilities. He stressed that any plan would depend on cooperation with other cities, counties and transit organizations. "The ingredients are here, and we want to bring people to the table," he said.

Residents in Sterling Heights and neighboring Warren have responded enthusiastically, saying they believe ridership would be strong. "I think a lot of people would use it," said Tahmid Ahad, a Sterling Heights resident, adding that he expects the trains would be crowded with passengers.

Warren resident David Rosseel agreed, pointing to sporting events as one obvious draw. "I think that going down to a Lions game, not having to drive and to park and worry about how many beers I'm going to drink that day is a fantastic thing for everybody," Rosseel said.

Rosseel also argued that better regional connections would help the entire area, saying the lack of public transit has long been a problem for metro Detroit and that visitors from out of town often find it difficult to get around without knowing exactly where they are going.

For now, concrete plans, cost estimates and funding sources remain unknown, and the project is still years away from becoming reality. City leaders hope to begin a feasibility study in the coming months and want to secure funding for that study within the next 6 to 12 months.

"We believe that this is the next phase to prosperity. Not only for our city, but for the region," Vanderpool said.