A new innovation lab dedicated to solving the world’s most pressing transportation problems is opening soon in Detroit — the first phase of Ford Motor’s ambitious research hub, Michigan Central.

Why it matters: The driving principle behind Michigan Central, a vision of Ford executive chair Bill Ford, is that improved transportation leads to better economic mobility — equitable access to jobs, health care, education and more.

Driving the news: Newlab, an inventor community launched in New York’s Brooklyn Navy Yard, is partnering with Michigan Central to develop a mobility innovation ecosystem centered at Detroit’s historic Book Depository building, set to reopen this spring, Axios is first to report.