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The street is more often referred to by its name than its highway number, especially in the QLINE's service area
Undid revision 1252115441 by 2601:405:8601:B970:8D51:3055:9DD2:F0BC (talk); they self-describe as a streetcar
 
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{{Short description|Streetcar system in Detroit, Michigan}}
{{Short description|Streetcar system in Detroit, Michigan}}
{{for|the New York City subway service|Q (New York City Subway service)}}
{{for|the New York City subway service|Q (New York City Subway service)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date = July 2017}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox rail line
{{Infobox rail line
| name = QLine
| name = QLine
| logo = QLINE Logo.svg
| logo = QLINE Logo.svg
| logo_width = 150px
| logo_width = 150px
| image = Detroit July 2018 (QLine).jpg
| image = QLINE 289.jpg
| image_width = 300px
| image_width = 300px
| caption = Car in front of the [[Detroit Historical Museum]] in July 2018
| caption = QLine in Campus Martius
| type = [[Streetcar]]
| type = [[Tram|Streetcar]]
| system =
| system =
| locale = [[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]]
| locale = [[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]]
| start = {{stn|Grand Boulevard}}
| start = {{stn|Grand Boulevard}}
| end = {{stn|Congress Street}}
| end = {{stn|Congress Street}}
| stations = 20 stops (12 locations)
| stations = 20 stops (12 locations)
| website = {{URL|qlinedetroit.com}}
| routes =
| routes =
| status =
| status =
| planopen =
| planopen =
| open = {{start date|May 12, 2017}}<ref name="freepress-2017may12"/>
| open = {{start date|May 12, 2017}}<ref name="freepress-2017may12"/>
| close =
| close =
| owner = M-1 Rail
| owner = [[Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan|RTA]]
| operator = [[Transdev]]
| operator = [[Transdev]] (2017–2021)<br>Directly operated (2021–present)<ref>{{Cite web |title=QLine streetcars on track to resume service in late summer |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2021/02/15/qline-track-resume-service-late-summer/6753754002/ |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref>
| character =
| character =
| stock = 6 [[Brookville Liberty Modern Streetcar]]s
| stock = 6 [[Brookville Liberty Modern Streetcar]]s
| linelength = {{convert|3.3|mi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="freepress-2017may12"/>
| linelength = {{convert|3.3|mi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="freepress-2017may12"/>
| tracklength =
| tracklength =
| tracks =
| tracks =
| gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|al=on|allk=on|first=imp}}
| gauge = {{RailGauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| daily_ridership = 3,280 (2018)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pratt Dawsey |first1=Chastity |date = April 1, 2019 |title=QLine Well Short of Ridership Goals and Plagued by Delays in Detroit |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/detroit-journalism-cooperative/qline-well-short-ridership-goals-and-plagued-delays-detroit |website= [[Bridge Magazine]] |publisher=Center for Michigan |access-date= April 3, 2019}}</ref>
| daily_ridership = 2,629 (2023, Jan. - Aug.)<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2023/09/28/qline-ridership-report-2023/70986357007/ |title=QLINE ridership up in 2023: What annual report showed |publisher=Detroit Free Press |author=Eric D. Lawrence |date=28 September 2023 }}</ref><ref name="Ridership">{{cite web |last1 = Guillen |first1 = Joe |title = QLINE ridership rebounds |url = https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/10/24/qline-rebounds-pandemic-shutdown-detroit |website = [[Axios (website)|Axios Detroit]] |date = October 24, 2022 |publisher = Cox Enterprises |access-date = October 26, 2022 }}</ref>
| electrification = 750 [[Volt|V]] [[Direct current|DC]] from either [[overhead line|overhead catenary]] or onboard energy storage system (OESS) with [[lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]] in [[battery pack]]s
| electrification = [[Overhead line]] or onboard [[lithium-ion battery|lithium-ion batteries]], {{750 V DC}}
| speed = {{cvt|30|mph|km/h}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://qlinedetroit.com/ride-guide/faq/ |title=FAQ |publisher = M-1 Rail |access-date=May 13, 2017}}</ref>
| speed = {{cvt|30|mph|km/h}}<ref>{{cite web |url = https://qlinedetroit.com/ride-guide/faq/ |title = FAQ |publisher = M-1 Rail |access-date = May 13, 2017 }}</ref>
| map_state = show
| map = {{QLine}}
| map = {{switcher
| {{maplink-road|from=QLine.map}} QLine highlighted in red <hr/>
| website = {{URL|qlinedetroit.com}}
| Show interactive map
| {{QLine|inline=yes}}
| Show route diagram
| [[File:Detroit-transit-rail.svg|300px]]
| Show static diagram
}}
}}
}}


The '''QLine''' (stylized as '''QLINE'''), originally known as '''M-1 Rail''' by its developers, is a {{convert|3.3|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} [[streetcar]] system in [[Detroit]], Michigan, United States. Opened on May 12, 2017, it connects [[Downtown Detroit]] with [[Midtown Detroit|Midtown]] and [[New Center, Detroit|New Center]], running along [[M-1 (Michigan highway)|Woodward Avenue (M-1)]] for its entire route.<ref name="freepress-2017may12">{{cite news |first1 = Eric D. |last1 = Lawrence |first2 = Robert |last2 = Allen |date = May 12, 2017 |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2017/05/12/all-aboard-detroits-qline-open-streetcar-riders/319211001/ |title = All Aboard! Detroit's QLine Is Open for Streetcar Riders |newspaper = [[Detroit Free Press]] |access-date = May 13, 2017 }}</ref> The system is operated by M-1 Rail, a nonprofit organization.<ref>{{Cite web |title=M-1 Rail Group |url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/company/11456648/m1-rail-group |access-date=2022-07-09 |website=Mass Transit}}</ref>
The '''QLINE''' is a {{convert|3.3|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} [[streetcar]] system in [[Detroit]], Michigan, United States. Opened on May 12, 2017, it connects [[Downtown Detroit]] with [[Midtown Detroit|Midtown]] and [[New Center, Detroit|New Center]], running along [[M-1 (Michigan highway)|Woodward Avenue (M-1)]] for its entire route.<ref name="freepress-2017may12">{{cite news |first1 = Eric D. |last1 = Lawrence |first2 = Robert |last2 = Allen |date = May 12, 2017 |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2017/05/12/all-aboard-detroits-qline-open-streetcar-riders/319211001/ |title = All Aboard! Detroit's QLine Is Open for Streetcar Riders |newspaper = [[Detroit Free Press]] |access-date = May 13, 2017 }}</ref> The system was developed by '''M-1 Rail''', a nonprofit organization, and is owned and operated by the [[Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=RTA to assume ownership of Detroit QLine streetcar |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rta-to-assume-ownership-of-detroit-qline-streetcar/ar-AA1qUt4K |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=Trains}}</ref>


In December 2011, city and state leaders announced a plan to offer [[bus rapid transit]] service for the city and metropolitan area instead of light rail as had previously been proposed. Soon afterwards, M-1 Rail, a consortium of private and public businesses and institutions in the region, announced the plan for a streetcar line along part of the same route as the cancelled light rail plan, connecting the downtown [[Detroit People Mover]] to the [[Detroit (Amtrak station)|Amtrak railway station]] in [[New Center]] and the proposed [[Ann Arbor–Detroit Regional Rail]] system. [[Rocket Mortgage]] (then known as [[Quicken Loans]]) bought the naming rights to the line, and announced the name in March 2016.<ref>{{cite news |first = Eric D. |last = Lawrence |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/03/24/m-1-rail-name-announcement/82205026/ |title = Detroit's M-1 Rail Line Now to Be Called the QLINE |date = March 24, 2016 |work = [[Detroit Free Press]] |access-date = March 24, 2016 }}</ref>
In December 2011, city and state leaders announced a plan to offer [[bus rapid transit]] service for the city and metropolitan area instead of light rail as had previously been proposed. Soon afterwards, M-1 Rail, a consortium of private and public businesses and institutions in the region, announced the plan for a streetcar line along part of the same route as the cancelled light rail plan, connecting the downtown [[Detroit People Mover]] to the [[Detroit (Amtrak station)|Amtrak railway station]] in [[New Center]] and the proposed [[Ann Arbor–Detroit Regional Rail]] system. [[Rocket Mortgage]] (then known as [[Quicken Loans]]) bought the naming rights to the line, and announced the name in March 2016.<ref>{{cite news |first = Eric D. |last = Lawrence |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/03/24/m-1-rail-name-announcement/82205026/ |title = Detroit's M-1 Rail Line Now to Be Called the QLINE |date = March 24, 2016 |work = Detroit Free Press |access-date = March 24, 2016 }}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Line 47: Line 54:
{{main|Detroit United Railway}}
{{main|Detroit United Railway}}
{{stack|[[File:Woodward_Ave_Detroit_1942.jpg|thumb|Woodward Avenue with streetcar lines, 1942]]}}
{{stack|[[File:Woodward_Ave_Detroit_1942.jpg|thumb|Woodward Avenue with streetcar lines, 1942]]}}
Detroit's first [[streetcar]] service began in 1863 with [[horsecar]]s. Electrification of the streetcar system followed, starting in 1886. Detroit's streetcar lines eventually saw their operations consolidated under the privately owned [[Detroit United Railway]]. Municipal takeover and control of the streetcar network by Detroit's [[Department of Street Railways]] followed in 1922.<ref name="schramm">{{cite book |first = Kenneth |last = Schramm |year = 2006 |title = Detroit's Street Railways |series = Images of Rail |publisher = Arcadia Publishing |location = Charleston, SC |pages = 7–8, 11–13 |isbn = 0-7385-4027-7 }}</ref> Detroit Mayor [[Hazen S. Pingree]] had led the charge years before to have the city take over operations. Since that gave the companies reason to believe the rail lines would be taken over, they were discouraged from maintaining the lines, which meant that Detroiters had "inherited a giant money pit" when the city eventually voted to buy them.<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Austin |first1 = Dan |title = How Metro Detroit Transit went from Best to Worst |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2015/02/06/michigan-detroit-public-transit/22926133/ |website = Detroit Free Press |access-date = May 10, 2017}}</ref> That and the Department of Street Railways' introduction of buses from 1925 ultimately led to the demise of the original streetcar system in 1956.<ref name=schramm /><ref>{{cite journal |first = Mark |last = Kurlyandchik |date = May 2012 |url = http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/May-2012/Back-on-Track/ |title = After 50+ Years, Streetcars Could Come Back to Woodward |journal = [[Hour Detroit]] |issn = 1098-9684 |access-date = August 20, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120619043259/http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/May-2012/Back-on-Track/ |archive-date = June 19, 2012 |url-status = live |df = mdy-all }}</ref>
Detroit's first [[streetcar]] service began in 1863 with [[horsecar]]s. Electrification of the streetcar system followed, starting in 1886. Detroit's streetcar lines eventually saw their operations consolidated under the privately owned [[Detroit United Railway]]. Municipal takeover and control of the streetcar network by Detroit's [[Department of Street Railways]] followed in 1922.<ref name="schramm">{{cite book |first = Kenneth |last = Schramm |year = 2006 |title = Detroit's Street Railways |series = Images of Rail |publisher = Arcadia Publishing |location = Charleston, SC |pages = 7–8, 11–13 |isbn = 0-7385-4027-7 }}</ref> Detroit Mayor [[Hazen S. Pingree]] had led the charge years before to have the city take over operations. Since that gave the companies reason to believe the rail lines would be taken over, they were discouraged from maintaining the lines, which meant that Detroiters had "inherited a giant money pit" when the city eventually voted to buy them.<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Austin |first1 = Dan |title = How Metro Detroit Transit went from Best to Worst |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2015/02/06/michigan-detroit-public-transit/22926133/ |website = Detroit Free Press |access-date = May 10, 2017 }}</ref> That and the Department of Street Railways' introduction of buses from 1925 ultimately led to the demise of the original streetcar system in 1956.<ref name=schramm /><ref>{{cite journal |first = Mark |last = Kurlyandchik |date = May 2012 |url = http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/May-2012/Back-on-Track/ |title = After 50+ Years, Streetcars Could Come Back to Woodward |journal = [[Hour Detroit]] |issn = 1098-9684 |access-date = August 20, 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120619043259/http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/May-2012/Back-on-Track/ |archive-date = June 19, 2012 |url-status = live |df = mdy-all }}</ref>


==== Detroit Citizens’ Railway ====
==== Downtown heritage trolley ====
{{main|Detroit Downtown Trolley}}
A short {{convert|0.7|mi|km|adj=on}} “vintage” streetcar gauge line in {{RailGauge|900mm|lk=on}} gauge opened in 1976 along [[Washington Boulevard (Detroit)|Washington Boulevard]], using seven former [[Trams in Lisbon|Lisbon]] tramcars and two from England and [[Vevey–Montreux–Chillon–Villeneuve tramway|Switzerland]], all built to early 20th century specs. The line was extended a further {{convert|0.3|mi|km|1|adj=off}} along [[Jefferson Avenue (Detroit)|Jefferson Avenue]] in 1980. It ended service in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaypreservation.com/vintagetrolley/detroit.htm |publisher = Railway Preservation Resources |title = U.S. Streetcar Systems- Michigan |date = July 2, 2018 |access-date = February 12, 2019}}</ref>
A short {{convert|0.7|mi|km|adj=on}} vintage streetcar gauge line in {{RailGauge|900mm|lk=on}} gauge opened in 1976 along [[Washington Boulevard (Detroit)|Washington Boulevard]], using seven former [[Trams in Lisbon|Lisbon]] tramcars and two from England and [[Vevey–Montreux–Chillon–Villeneuve tramway|Switzerland]], all originally built in the early 20th century.<ref name="vintage1" /> Built at a cost of roughly $1.5 million (equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US-GDP|1500000|1976}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}}{{inflation-fn|US-GDP}}), the line initially ran between [[Grand Circus Park]] and [[Philip A. Hart Plaza]] near [[Cobo Center]].<ref>{{cite web |last1 = Stuart |first1 = Reginald |title = Trolley Returns to the Motor City, and Mayor Foresee Revitalization |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/21/archives/new-jersey-pages-trolley-returns-to-the-motor-city-and-mayor.html |website = The New York Times |access-date = August 16, 2022 |date = September 21, 1976 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Washington Boulevard Historic District |url = https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/washington-boulevard-historic-district |publisher = Detroit Historical Society |access-date = August 16, 2022 }}</ref> The line was extended a further {{convert|0.3|mi|km}} along [[Jefferson Avenue (Detroit)|Jefferson Avenue]] in 1980.<ref>1982 leaflet with [[:c:Category:Detroit Citizens’ Railway car №247 (ex-Lisbon)|former Lisbon car 247/397]] on the [https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2022-01/100%20Years%20Downtown%20Trolley%201980s%20A.jpg cover] and [https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2022-01/100%20Years%20Downtown%20Trolley%201980s%20B.jpg downtown map showing route and stops]</ref> It ended service in 2003.<ref name="vintage1">{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaypreservation.com/vintagetrolley/detroit.htm |publisher = Railway Preservation Resources |title = U.S. Streetcar Systems- Michigan |date = July 2, 2018 |access-date = February 12, 2019 }}</ref> Ridership at one time had seen 800 daily passengers, but declined to under 200 after the 1987 opening of the competing [[Detroit People Mover]] system.<ref>{{cite web |title = Detroit, MI |url = http://www.heritagetrolley.org/existDetroit1.htm |publisher = American Public Transportation Association |access-date = August 16, 2022 }}</ref>


=== M-1 Rail Line ===
=== M-1 Rail Line ===
{{stack|[[File:M-1 RAIL logo.png|thumb|M-1 Rail logo]]}}
{{stack|[[File:M-1 RAIL logo.svg|thumb|M-1 Rail logo]]}}


In 2006 the [[Detroit Department of Transportation]] (DDOT) commissioned a study to determine expanded mass transit options along [[Woodward Avenue]].<ref name="WLR">{{cite web |url = http://www.woodwardlightrail.com/ProjectOverview.html |publisher = Woodward Light Rail |title = Project Overview |access-date = October 17, 2011 }}</ref> Concurrently, a private group of local business leaders decided to provide matching funds to government dollars to develop a $125&nbsp;million, {{convert|3.4|mi|km|adj=on}} line through central Detroit (similar to the [[Tacoma Link]]) called the M-1 Rail Line. After much wrangling between the private investors and the DDOT, the two groups decided to work in tandem on developing DDOT's {{convert|9.3|mi|km|adj=on}} line.
In 2006 the [[Detroit Department of Transportation]] (DDOT) commissioned a study to determine expanded mass transit options along [[Woodward Avenue]].<ref name="WLR">{{cite web |url = http://www.woodwardlightrail.com/ProjectOverview.html |publisher = Woodward Light Rail |title = Project Overview |access-date = October 17, 2011 }}</ref> Concurrently, a private group of local business leaders decided to provide matching funds to government dollars to develop a $125&nbsp;million, {{convert|3.4|mi|km|adj=on}} line through central Detroit (similar to the [[Tacoma Link]]) called the M-1 Rail Line. After much wrangling between the private investors and the DDOT, the two groups decided to work in tandem on developing DDOT's {{convert|9.3|mi|km|adj=on}} line.


The proposed line ran {{convert|9.3|mi|km}} along Woodward Avenue from the Rosa Parks Transit Center to the old State Fairgrounds along [[8&nbsp;Mile Road]].<ref name=TRU/> The line would have had 19&nbsp;stops with 10&nbsp;cars running at a time in two-car trains; each train would carry 150&nbsp;people. The trains would run in a dedicated right-of-way in the median from 8&nbsp;Mile to Adams Street at the north end of downtown. South of Adams, the trains would run in traffic along the sides of the street.
The proposed line ran {{convert|9.3|mi|km}} along Woodward Avenue from the Rosa Parks Transit Center to the old State Fairgrounds along [[8&nbsp;Mile Road]].<ref name=TRU/> The line would have had 19&nbsp;stops with 10&nbsp;cars running at a time in two-car trains; each train would carry 150&nbsp;people. The trains would run in a dedicated right-of-way in the median from 8&nbsp;Mile to Adams Street at the north end of downtown. South of Adams, the trains would run in mixed traffic along the sides of the street.


The estimated cost for the proposed line was $500&nbsp;million.<ref name="TRU">{{cite web |title=Woodward Light Rail Project Cancelled, M-1 Streetcar Still in the Works |url=http://www.detroittransit.org/cms.php?pageid=80 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720152848/http://www.detroittransit.org/cms.php?pageid=80 |archive-date=July 20, 2012 |publisher=Transportation Riders United}}</ref> The Kresge Foundation awarded a $35&nbsp;million grant to the city for the project in March 2009.<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.michiganfoundations.org/s_cmf/doc.asp?CID=6017&DID=24282 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110615211512/http://www.michiganfoundations.org/s_cmf/doc.asp?CID=6017&DID=24282 |url-status = dead |archive-date = June 15, 2011 |title = Kresge Foundation Awards Nearly $73 Million in Grants in the First Quarter of 2009 |date = March 9, 2009 |publisher = Council of Michigan Foundations }}</ref> It received $25&nbsp;million in funding from the [[United States Department of Transportation]] in February 2010.<ref name=RailwayGazette2013-08-02a/><ref name=RailwayGazette2013-08-02b/> The Detroit City Council approved the sale of $125&nbsp;million in bonds on April 11, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title = City Council Approves Detroit Light Rail Project |date = April 12, 2011 |url = http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/04/12/city-council-approves-detroit-light-rail-project/ |location = Southfield, MI |publisher = [[WWJ-TV]] }}</ref> The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the City of Detroit signed an environmental impact study on July 1, 2011.<ref name=WLR/> Finally, on August 31, 2011, the FTA signed a record of decision allowing the project to move forward.<ref>{{cite news |title = Detroit's Woodward Ave. Light Rail Project Moves Forward, but Still Has Long Road to Completion |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/09/detroits_woodward_ave_light_ra.html |work = [[MLive.com]] |location = Detroit |publisher = [[Booth Newspapers]] |access-date = December 15, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131019145020/http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/09/detroits_woodward_ave_light_ra.html |archive-date = October 19, 2013 |url-status = live |date = September 6, 2011 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>
The estimated cost for the proposed line was $500&nbsp;million.<ref name="TRU">{{cite web |title = Woodward Light Rail Project Cancelled, M-1 Streetcar Still in the Works |url = http://www.detroittransit.org/cms.php?pageid=80 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120720152848/http://www.detroittransit.org/cms.php?pageid=80 |archive-date = July 20, 2012 |publisher = Transportation Riders United }}</ref> The Kresge Foundation awarded a $35&nbsp;million grant to the city for the project in March 2009.<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://www.michiganfoundations.org/s_cmf/doc.asp?CID=6017&DID=24282 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110615211512/http://www.michiganfoundations.org/s_cmf/doc.asp?CID=6017&DID=24282 |url-status = dead |archive-date = June 15, 2011 |title = Kresge Foundation Awards Nearly $73 Million in Grants in the First Quarter of 2009 |date = March 9, 2009 |publisher = Council of Michigan Foundations }}</ref> It received $25&nbsp;million in funding from the [[United States Department of Transportation]] in February 2010.<ref name=RailwayGazette2013-08-02a/><ref name=RailwayGazette2013-08-02b/> The Detroit City Council approved the sale of $125&nbsp;million in bonds on April 11, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |title = City Council Approves Detroit Light Rail Project |date = April 12, 2011 |url = http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/04/12/city-council-approves-detroit-light-rail-project/ |location = Southfield, Michigan |publisher = [[WWJ-TV]] }}</ref> The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the City of Detroit signed an environmental impact study on July 1, 2011.<ref name=WLR/> Finally, on August 31, 2011, the FTA signed a record of decision allowing the project to move forward.<ref>{{cite news |title = Detroit's Woodward Ave. Light Rail Project Moves Forward, but Still Has Long Road to Completion |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/09/detroits_woodward_ave_light_ra.html |work = [[MLive.com]] |location = Detroit |publisher = [[Booth Newspapers]] |access-date = December 15, 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131019145020/http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/09/detroits_woodward_ave_light_ra.html |archive-date = October 19, 2013 |url-status = live |date = September 6, 2011 |df = mdy-all }}</ref>


In December 2011, the federal government withdrew its support for the proposed line, in favor of a [[bus rapid transit]] system which would serve the city and suburbs.<ref>{{cite news |last = Bing |first = Dave |date = December 18, 2011 |url = http://www.freep.com/article/20111218/OPINION05/112180413/Dave-Bing-Rapid-bus-system-is-a-win-for-metro-Detroit |title = Rapid Bus System Is a Win for Metro Detroit |work = Detroit Free Press |access-date = December 18, 2011 }}</ref> This decision arose out of discussions between federal Secretary of Transportation [[Ray LaHood]], Detroit Mayor [[Dave Bing]] and [[Governor of Michigan|Governor]] [[Rick Snyder]]. The private investors who had initially supported the smaller {{convert|3|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} M-1 Rail line to New Center stated that they would continue developing that project through the nonprofit M-1 Rail Consortium.<ref>{{cite news |title = Detroit Light-Rail Plan Is Dead: Buses Will Be Used Instead |work = Detroit Free Press |date = December 14, 2011 |last1 = Helms |first1 = Matt |first2 = Paul |last2 = Egan |first3 = John |last3 = Gallagher }}</ref> The cancelled {{convert|9.3|mi|km|adj=on}} proposal would have featured seven additional stops north of Grand Boulevard, where the QLine now ends.<ref>{{cite web |first1 = Kamau C. |last1 = Marable |first2 = Tim |last2 = Roseboom |first3 = Mark |last3 = Ryan |url = http://slideplayer.com/slide/4535668/ |title = Woodward Light Rail Transit Project |work = NAMC Detroit Transportation Symposium |date = September 15, 2011 |page = 4 |via = slideplayer.com}}</ref>
In December 2011, the federal government withdrew its support for the proposed line, in favor of a [[bus rapid transit]] system which would serve the city and suburbs.<ref>{{cite news |last = Bing |first = Dave |date = December 18, 2011 |url = http://www.freep.com/article/20111218/OPINION05/112180413/Dave-Bing-Rapid-bus-system-is-a-win-for-metro-Detroit |title = Rapid Bus System Is a Win for Metro Detroit |work = Detroit Free Press |access-date = December 18, 2011 }}</ref> This decision arose out of discussions between federal Secretary of Transportation [[Ray LaHood]], Detroit Mayor [[Dave Bing]] and [[Governor of Michigan|Governor]] [[Rick Snyder]]. The private investors who had initially supported the smaller {{convert|3|mi|km|adj=on|spell=in}} M-1 Rail line to New Center stated that they would continue developing that project through the nonprofit M-1 Rail Consortium.<ref>{{cite news |title = Detroit Light-Rail Plan Is Dead: Buses Will Be Used Instead |work = Detroit Free Press |date = December 14, 2011 |last1 = Helms |first1 = Matt |first2 = Paul |last2 = Egan |first3 = John |last3 = Gallagher }}</ref> The cancelled {{convert|9.3|mi|km|adj=on}} proposal would have featured seven additional stops north of Grand Boulevard, where the QLine now ends.<ref>{{cite web |first1 = Kamau C. |last1 = Marable |first2 = Tim |last2 = Roseboom |first3 = Mark |last3 = Ryan |url = http://slideplayer.com/slide/4535668/ |title = Woodward Light Rail Transit Project |work = NAMC Detroit Transportation Symposium |date = September 15, 2011 |page = 4 |via = slideplayer.com }}</ref>


===Construction===
===Construction===
Line 70: Line 78:
On December 20, 2013, M-1 Rail began underground utility relocation work along Woodward Avenue, the first step toward full-fledged construction activities of the {{convert|3.3|mi|km|adj=on}} streetcar line, with construction scheduled to start in mid-2014.<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://m-1rail.com/m-1-rail-begins-underground-utility-relocation-work-shutdown-woodward-avenue-required-utility-relocations-will-prevent-customer-access-businesses-woodward/ |title = M-1 Rail Begins Underground Utility Relocation Work, Shutdown of Woodward Avenue Is Not Required: Utility Relocations Will Not Prevent Customer Access to Businesses on Woodward |access-date = January 3, 2014 |publisher = M-1 Rail |date = December 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140104073855/http://m-1rail.com/m-1-rail-begins-underground-utility-relocation-work-shutdown-woodward-avenue-required-utility-relocations-will-prevent-customer-access-businesses-woodward/ |archive-date = January 4, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref> [[Stacy & Witbeck]] were formally awarded the contract to construct the M-1 Rail streetcar line on July 31, 2013.<ref name=RailwayGazette2013-08-02a/><ref name=RailwayGazette2013-08-02b/><ref name=RailwayAge2013/> M-1 Rail officials announced on July 3, 2014, that the Woodward Avenue overpasses for both I-75 and I-94 freeways will be demolished during construction of the rail line, and that new wider bridges will be built.<ref>{{cite news |first = Marlon A. |last = Walker |date = July 3, 2014 |work = Detroit Free Press |url = http://m-1rail.com/m-1-rail-construction-close-freeways-woodward-overpasses-rebuilt/ |title = M-1 Rail Construction to Close Freeways as Woodward Overpasses Are Rebuilt |access-date = July 11, 2014 |via = M-1 Rail |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153949/http://m-1rail.com/m-1-rail-construction-close-freeways-woodward-overpasses-rebuilt/ |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
On December 20, 2013, M-1 Rail began underground utility relocation work along Woodward Avenue, the first step toward full-fledged construction activities of the {{convert|3.3|mi|km|adj=on}} streetcar line, with construction scheduled to start in mid-2014.<ref>{{cite press release |url = http://m-1rail.com/m-1-rail-begins-underground-utility-relocation-work-shutdown-woodward-avenue-required-utility-relocations-will-prevent-customer-access-businesses-woodward/ |title = M-1 Rail Begins Underground Utility Relocation Work, Shutdown of Woodward Avenue Is Not Required: Utility Relocations Will Not Prevent Customer Access to Businesses on Woodward |access-date = January 3, 2014 |publisher = M-1 Rail |date = December 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140104073855/http://m-1rail.com/m-1-rail-begins-underground-utility-relocation-work-shutdown-woodward-avenue-required-utility-relocations-will-prevent-customer-access-businesses-woodward/ |archive-date = January 4, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref> [[Stacy & Witbeck]] were formally awarded the contract to construct the M-1 Rail streetcar line on July 31, 2013.<ref name=RailwayGazette2013-08-02a/><ref name=RailwayGazette2013-08-02b/><ref name=RailwayAge2013/> M-1 Rail officials announced on July 3, 2014, that the Woodward Avenue overpasses for both I-75 and I-94 freeways will be demolished during construction of the rail line, and that new wider bridges will be built.<ref>{{cite news |first = Marlon A. |last = Walker |date = July 3, 2014 |work = Detroit Free Press |url = http://m-1rail.com/m-1-rail-construction-close-freeways-woodward-overpasses-rebuilt/ |title = M-1 Rail Construction to Close Freeways as Woodward Overpasses Are Rebuilt |access-date = July 11, 2014 |via = M-1 Rail |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714153949/http://m-1rail.com/m-1-rail-construction-close-freeways-woodward-overpasses-rebuilt/ |archive-date = July 14, 2014 |url-status = dead }}</ref>


On July 20, 2014, the Ilitch family, owner of Olympia Development of Michigan, and major investor in M-1 Rail, announced that the streetcar line would include a stop at the new [[Little Caesars Arena]] in Midtown.<ref>{{cite news |first = Bill |last = Shea |date = July 20, 2014 |url = http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140720/NEWS03/140719845/%20m-rink-city-ilitches-grand-plan-to-supersize-the |title = Detroit Rink City: Ilitches' Grand Plan to Supersize the Entertainment District |work = [[Crain's Detroit Business]] |access-date = July 23, 2014 }}</ref>
On July 20, 2014, the Ilitch family, owner of [[Ilitch Holdings|Olympia Development]] of Michigan, and major investor in M-1 Rail, announced that the streetcar line would include a stop at the new [[Little Caesars Arena]] in Midtown.<ref>{{cite news |first = Bill |last = Shea |date = July 20, 2014 |url = http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20140720/NEWS03/140719845/%20m-rink-city-ilitches-grand-plan-to-supersize-the |title = Detroit Rink City: Ilitches' Grand Plan to Supersize the Entertainment District |work = [[Crain's Detroit Business]] |access-date = July 23, 2014 }}</ref>
[[File:Detroit QLINE tracks near Little Caesars Arena.jpg|thumb|right|QLine tracks at Little Caesars Arena]]
[[File:Detroit QLINE tracks near Little Caesars Arena.jpg|thumb|right|QLine tracks at Little Caesars Arena]]


M-1 Rail officially started construction on July 28, 2014.<ref name=RailwayGazette2014-07-28/> The streetcar line would stretch from downtown Detroit to Grand Boulevard in New Center. There would be 20 different stations serving 12 stops, with most of the stations being curbside on either side of Woodward Avenue going uptown or downtown, but changing to center road stations at the north and south ends of the system. At the time, the streetcar line was expected to be operational in late 2016.<ref>{{cite news |date = July 28, 2014 |title = Construction Starts on Detroit Rail |work = [[The Mining Journal]] |location = Marquette, MI |agency = [[Associated Press]] |page = 5A }}</ref>
M-1 Rail officially started construction on July 28, 2014.<ref name=RailwayGazette2014-07-28/> The streetcar line would stretch from downtown Detroit to Grand Boulevard in New Center. There would be 20 different stations serving 12 stops, with most of the stations being curbside on either side of Woodward Avenue going uptown or downtown, but changing to center road stations at the north and south ends of the system. At the time, the streetcar line was expected to be operational in late 2016.<ref>{{cite news |date = July 28, 2014 |title = Construction Starts on Detroit Rail |work = [[The Mining Journal]] |location = Marquette, Michigan |agency = [[Associated Press]] |page = 5A }}</ref>


During the planning of the service, Detroit businessman [[Dan Gilbert]] advocated strongly for a curb-running design. One participant said, "They were not looking for speed or reliability... their number one goal was the boost in property values."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2018/03/30/private-interests-steered-qline-plans-study-finds|title=Dan Gilbert, private interests steered QLine plans, study finds|first=Lee|last=DeVito}}</ref>
During the planning of the service, Detroit businessman [[Dan Gilbert]] advocated strongly for a curb-running design. One participant said, "They were not looking for speed or reliability... their number one goal was the boost in property values."<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.metrotimes.com/news-hits/archives/2018/03/30/private-interests-steered-qline-plans-study-finds |title = Dan Gilbert, private interests steered QLine plans, study finds |first = Lee |last = DeVito |date = March 20, 2018 |work = Metro Times }}</ref>


On September 9, 2014, the US DOT announced that M-1 Rail would receive an additional $12.2 million in federal grant money to complete the financing of the M-1 Rail project.<ref>{{cite news |first1 = Todd |last1 = Spangler |first2 = John |last2 = Gallagher |name-list-style = amp |date = September 9, 2014 |url = http://www.freep.com/article/20140909/BUSINESS06/309090135/M-1-Rail-track-Detroit |title = Feds Give M-1 Rail $12.2&nbsp;Million |work = Detroit Free Press |access-date = September 11, 2014 |archive-date = September 11, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140911113846/http://www.freep.com/article/20140909/BUSINESS06/309090135/M-1-Rail-track-Detroit |url-status = live }}</ref> [[US Transportation Secretary]] [[Anthony Foxx]] gave the keynote address at a rail signing ceremony on September 15, 2014 at [[Grand Circus Park]].<ref name=TheRepublic2014-09-15/><ref name=RailwayGazette2014-09-16/><ref name=ProgressiveRailroading2014-09-16/><ref name=MichiganChronicle2014-09-16/>
On September 9, 2014, the US DOT announced that M-1 Rail would receive an additional $12.2 million in federal grant money to complete the financing of the M-1 Rail project.<ref>{{cite news |first1 = Todd |last1 = Spangler |first2 = John |last2 = Gallagher |name-list-style = amp |date = September 9, 2014 |url = http://www.freep.com/article/20140909/BUSINESS06/309090135/M-1-Rail-track-Detroit |title = Feds Give M-1 Rail $12.2&nbsp;Million |work = Detroit Free Press |access-date = September 11, 2014 |archive-date = September 11, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140911113846/http://www.freep.com/article/20140909/BUSINESS06/309090135/M-1-Rail-track-Detroit |url-status = live }}</ref> [[US Transportation Secretary]] [[Anthony Foxx]] gave the keynote address at a rail signing ceremony on September 15, 2014, at [[Grand Circus Park]].<ref name=TheRepublic2014-09-15/><ref name=RailwayGazette2014-09-16/><ref name=ProgressiveRailroading2014-09-16/><ref name=MichiganChronicle2014-09-16/>
Local officials were in attendance as were executives of local businesses who were sponsoring stations near their places of business.
Local officials were in attendance as were executives of local businesses who were sponsoring stations near their places of business.
A new official map was made public.<ref name=DetroitFreePress2014-09-16/>
A new official map was made public.<ref name=DetroitFreePress2014-09-16/>
Line 87: Line 95:
In August 2015, M-1 Rail officials said that the opening of the line would be delayed until around mid 2017, partially because of new federal safety standards that are coming into effect, as well as a construction slowdown during the previous winter and delays in building the rolling stock.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2015/08/06-detroit-m1 |title = Detroit Streetcar Project M-1 Delayed through 2017 |work = [[Trains (magazine)|Trains]] |date = August 6, 2015 |access-date = August 16, 2015 }}</ref> QLine was announced as the official name for the line in March 2016, after [[Quicken Loans]] bought [[naming rights]], but the non-profit organization that is overseeing the project continues to be named M-1 Rail.<ref>{{cite web |title = QLINE announced as official name of Detroit's modern streetcar |publisher = M-1 Rail |date = March 24, 2016 |url = http://m-1rail.com/qline-is-name-of-detroit-streetcar/ |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref>
In August 2015, M-1 Rail officials said that the opening of the line would be delayed until around mid 2017, partially because of new federal safety standards that are coming into effect, as well as a construction slowdown during the previous winter and delays in building the rolling stock.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2015/08/06-detroit-m1 |title = Detroit Streetcar Project M-1 Delayed through 2017 |work = [[Trains (magazine)|Trains]] |date = August 6, 2015 |access-date = August 16, 2015 }}</ref> QLine was announced as the official name for the line in March 2016, after [[Quicken Loans]] bought [[naming rights]], but the non-profit organization that is overseeing the project continues to be named M-1 Rail.<ref>{{cite web |title = QLINE announced as official name of Detroit's modern streetcar |publisher = M-1 Rail |date = March 24, 2016 |url = http://m-1rail.com/qline-is-name-of-detroit-streetcar/ |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref>


The first streetcar was delivered in September 2016.<ref name="streetcar arrives">{{cite news |last = Shea |first = Bill |title = First M-1 Rail streetcar arrives in Detroit |newspaper = Crain's Detroit Business |date = September 12, 2016 |url = http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160912/NEWS/160919947/first-m-1-rail-streetcar-arrives-in-detroit |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref> The first test move over the line took place on December 13, and the streetcar was initially towed<ref name="dfp-2016dec13">{{cite news |author = Detroit Free Press web team |title = See the Test of Detroit's New QLine Streetcar along Woodward Avenue |newspaper = Detroit Free Press |date = December 13, 2016 |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/12/13/see-test-detroits-new-qline-streetcar-along-woodward-ave/95375022/ |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref> (not yet run under its own power, except at the maintenance facility).<ref name="test run CDB">{{cite news |last = Shea |first = Bill |title = M-1 Rail Takes First QLine Streetcar out for a Test Run in Detroit |newspaper = Crain's Detroit Business |date = December 13, 2016 |url = http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20161213/NEWS/161219941/m-1-rail-takes-first-qline-streetcar-out-for-a-test-run-in-detroit |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref> [[Transdev]] was awarded a five-year contract to operate the line.<ref>In brief ''[[International Railway Journal]]'' July 2016, page 10.</ref>
The first streetcar was delivered in September 2016.<ref name="streetcar arrives">{{cite news |last = Shea |first = Bill |title = First M-1 Rail streetcar arrives in Detroit |newspaper = Crain's Detroit Business |date = September 12, 2016 |url = http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160912/NEWS/160919947/first-m-1-rail-streetcar-arrives-in-detroit |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref> The first test move over the line took place on December 13, and the streetcar was initially towed<ref name="dfp-2016dec13">{{cite news |author = Detroit Free Press web team |title = See the Test of Detroit's New QLine Streetcar along Woodward Avenue |newspaper = Detroit Free Press |date = December 13, 2016 |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/12/13/see-test-detroits-new-qline-streetcar-along-woodward-ave/95375022/ |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref> (not yet run under its own power, except at the maintenance facility).<ref name="test run CDB">{{cite news |last = Shea |first = Bill |title = M-1 Rail Takes First QLine Streetcar out for a Test Run in Detroit |newspaper = Crain's Detroit Business |date = December 13, 2016 |url = http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20161213/NEWS/161219941/m-1-rail-takes-first-qline-streetcar-out-for-a-test-run-in-detroit |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref> [[Transdev]] was awarded a five-year contract to operate the line.<ref>{{cite magazine |title = In brief |magazine = [[International Railway Journal]] |date = July 2016 |page = 10 }}</ref>


=== Opening ===
The QLine opened for public use on May 12, 2017.<ref name="freepress-2017may12" /> Although initially slated to be free only for the first weekend, the streetcar's free period was later extended for a week, and later until July 1, and again until Labor Day 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailydetroit.com/2017/06/18/qline-love-need-talk/|title=QLINE, I Love You But We Need to Talk|date=June 18, 2017|work=Daily Detroit|access-date=September 19, 2017}}</ref> Ridership for the opening week was 50,000, with a peak of 8,300 during the weekend and 5,120 Monday through Thursday.<ref name="freepress-2017may19">{{cite news|url=http://www.freep.com/story/news/2017/05/19/qline-cost-detroit-free/333064001/|title=Amid Deluge of Riders, QLine Announces Free Rides until July 1|last=Lawrence|first=Eric D.|date=May 19, 2017<!--(print edition of May 20, p. 1A)-->|work=Detroit Free Press|access-date=May 19, 2017}}</ref> Daily ridership dropped to 3,000 when the payment service began on September 5, 2017 with 40% of riders paying fares.<ref name="crains-20170922">{{cite news|last1=Livengood|first1=Chad|title=40% of QLine riders paying as ridership falls|url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170922/news/639976/40-of-qline-riders-paying-as-ridership-falls|access-date=January 1, 2018|work=Crain's Detroit Business|date=September 22, 2017}}</ref>
The QLine opened for public use on May 12, 2017.<ref name="freepress-2017may12" /> Although initially slated to be free only for the first weekend, the streetcar's free period was later extended for a week, and later until July 1, and again until Labor Day 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.dailydetroit.com/2017/06/18/qline-love-need-talk/ |title = QLINE, I Love You But We Need to Talk |date = June 18, 2017 |work = Daily Detroit |access-date = September 19, 2017 }}</ref> Ridership for the opening week was 50,000, with a peak of 8,300 during the weekend and 5,120 Monday through Thursday.<ref name="freepress-2017may19">{{cite news |url = http://www.freep.com/story/news/2017/05/19/qline-cost-detroit-free/333064001/ |title = Amid Deluge of Riders, QLine Announces Free Rides until July 1 |last = Lawrence |first = Eric D. |date = May 19, 2017<!--(print edition of May 20, p. 1A)--> |work = Detroit Free Press |access-date = May 19, 2017 }}</ref> Daily ridership dropped to 3,000 when the payment service began on September 5, 2017. The percentage of riders actually paying was 40 percent, which QLine spokesman Dan Lijana said is higher than the 32.5 percent national average of similar downtown city rail systems.<ref name="crains-20170922">{{cite news |last1 = Livengood |first1 = Chad |title = 40% of QLine riders paying as ridership falls |url = http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20170922/news/639976/40-of-qline-riders-paying-as-ridership-falls |access-date = January 1, 2018 |work = Crain's Detroit Business |date = September 22, 2017 }}</ref>

=== COVID-19 shutdown and reopening ===
On March 28, 2020, the QLINE suspended service, due to low ridership amid the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |last = Lawrence |first = Eric D. |date = March 27, 2020 |title = QLINE shutting down after Sunday service close as coronavirus saps demand |url = https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2020/03/27/coronavirus-qline-temporarily-suspend-service/2930865001/ |access-date = May 14, 2023 |website = Detroit Free Press |language = en-US }}</ref> Service resumed in September 2021 without fares, with financial support from [[Penske Corporation|Penske]] and [[The Kresge Foundation]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last = Lawrence |first = Eric D. |date = March 30, 2022 |title = QLINE free rides to continue through end of 2022: How it's possible |url = https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2022/03/30/qline-free-rides-extended-through-end-2022/7097454001/ |access-date = May 14, 2023 |website = Detroit Free Press |language = en-US }}</ref> In November 2021, QLINE ended its contract with [[Transdev]] and became directly operated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=QLine streetcars on track to resume service in late summer |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2021/02/15/qline-track-resume-service-late-summer/6753754002/ |access-date=2023-07-21 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2022, a 17-year, $5 million annual subsidy was approved by the [[Michigan Legislature]] and signed by Governor [[Gretchen Whitmer]], which will keep the QLINE free to ride through 2039.<ref>{{Cite web |last1 = Guillen |first1 = Joe |last2 = Robinson |first2 = Samuel |date = December 5, 2022 |title = Motor City Transit: Legislation would extend QLine funding |url = https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2022/12/05/legislation-extend-qline-funding-detroit-michigan |website = Axios Detroit }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last = LeBlanc |first = Beth |date = December 29, 2022 |title = Whitmer signs off on $85M tax subsidy for Detroit's QLine |url = https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/12/29/whitmer-signs-off-on-85m-tax-subsidy-for-detroits-qline/69764836007/ |access-date = May 14, 2023 |website = [[The Detroit News]] |language = en-US }}</ref>


==Rolling stock==
==Rolling stock==
Line 98: Line 110:
On November 4, 2014, M-1 announced that [[Czech Republic|Czechia]]-based [[Inekon Trams|Inekon]] had been awarded a $30&nbsp;million contract for six vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2014/11/detroit-streetcar-project-selects-inekon-to-supply-vehicles |title = Detroit Streetcar Project Selects Inekon to Supply Vehicles |work = Trains |date = November 4, 2014 |access-date = November 5, 2014 }}</ref> Upon that deal falling apart, M-1 Rail instead awarded a $32&nbsp;million contract to [[Pennsylvania]]-based [[Brookville Equipment Corporation]].<ref name="detroit-news-2015jun">{{cite news |last1 = Shepardson |first1 = David |title = M-1 Rail Buying 6 Off-Wire Streetcars for $32M |url = http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2015/06/08/rail-buying-wire-streetcars/28683317/ |access-date = June 11, 2015 |work = [[The Detroit News]] |date = June 8, 2015 }}</ref> The purchase includes six [[articulated tram|articulated]], three-section, {{convert|66|ft|m|2|adj=mid|-long}} cars, equipped with 750-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for off-wire movement on sections of the line not equipped with overhead wire.<ref name="detroit-news-2015jun"/>
On November 4, 2014, M-1 announced that [[Czech Republic|Czechia]]-based [[Inekon Trams|Inekon]] had been awarded a $30&nbsp;million contract for six vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2014/11/detroit-streetcar-project-selects-inekon-to-supply-vehicles |title = Detroit Streetcar Project Selects Inekon to Supply Vehicles |work = Trains |date = November 4, 2014 |access-date = November 5, 2014 }}</ref> Upon that deal falling apart, M-1 Rail instead awarded a $32&nbsp;million contract to [[Pennsylvania]]-based [[Brookville Equipment Corporation]].<ref name="detroit-news-2015jun">{{cite news |last1 = Shepardson |first1 = David |title = M-1 Rail Buying 6 Off-Wire Streetcars for $32M |url = http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2015/06/08/rail-buying-wire-streetcars/28683317/ |access-date = June 11, 2015 |work = [[The Detroit News]] |date = June 8, 2015 }}</ref> The purchase includes six [[articulated tram|articulated]], three-section, {{convert|66|ft|m|2|adj=mid|-long}} cars, equipped with 750-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for off-wire movement on sections of the line not equipped with overhead wire.<ref name="detroit-news-2015jun"/>


The first Brookville-built streetcar was delivered in September 2016,<ref name="streetcar arrives"/> with the last two of the six cars delivered in March 2017.<ref>{{Cite press release |author = Brookville Equipment Corporation |url = http://www.brookvillecorp.com/BROOKVILLE-Delivers-QLINE-Streetcars-Detroit.asp?news=news-streetcar.asp |title = Brookville Completes Delivery of Off-Wire Capable Liberty Streetcar Vehicles to Detroit for QLINE Ahead of Schedule |date = April 12, 2017|publisher = Brookville Equipment Corporation |access-date = May 17, 2018 }}</ref> The last car of Detroit's previous streetcar system was numbered 286, so it was decided to number the new cars 287–292, to pick up where the old number series had left off.<ref name="MLive-2016sep21">{{cite news |last = Raven |first = Benjamin |title = Take a peek inside Detroit's first QLine streetcar |work = [[MLive.com]] |date = September 21, 2016 |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2016/09/take_a_peak_inside_detroits_fi.html |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref>{{clear}}
The first Brookville-built streetcar was delivered in September 2016,<ref name="streetcar arrives"/> with the last two of the six cars delivered in March 2017.<ref>{{Cite press release |author = Brookville Equipment Corporation |url = http://www.brookvillecorp.com/BROOKVILLE-Delivers-QLINE-Streetcars-Detroit.asp?news=news-streetcar.asp |title = Brookville Completes Delivery of Off-Wire Capable Liberty Streetcar Vehicles to Detroit for QLINE Ahead of Schedule |date = April 12, 2017 |publisher = Brookville Equipment Corporation |access-date = May 17, 2018 }}</ref> The last car of Detroit's previous streetcar system was numbered 286, so it was decided to number the new cars '''287-292''', to pick up where the old number series had left off.<ref name="MLive-2016sep21">{{cite news |last = Raven |first = Benjamin |title = Take a peek inside Detroit's first QLine streetcar |work = [[MLive.com]] |date = September 21, 2016 |url = http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2016/09/take_a_peak_inside_detroits_fi.html |access-date = December 14, 2016 }}</ref>{{clear}}


==Operation==
==Operation==
===Route===
===Route===
[[File:Detroit QLINE near Campus Martius.jpg|thumb|right|QLine near Campus Martius downtown Detroit 2021]]
[[File:Detroit QLINE near Campus Martius.jpg|thumb|right|QLine near Campus Martius downtown Detroit 2021]]
The QLine traverses Woodward Avenue in its entirety from downtown through Midtown to New Center. The line begins at the southern terminus at Congress Street in the median before tracks swing to the curbside for most of its length. (Some parts of the line have tracks running down the middle travel lane of Woodward in downtown.) After traveling in the curbside travel lane, the line swings back into the inside travel lane (median) at Amsterdam all the way to the line's northern terminus at Grand Boulevard. Non-revenue tracks continue two blocks to the M-1 Rail Penske Tech Center, which serves as headquarters for the QLine and the garage for the streetcars. In September 2021, the southbound curb lane from Temple Street to West Fisher Service Drive was converted to a [[High-occupancy vehicle lane|transit-only]] lane to be used by the QLine, DDOT and SMART to increase [[headway|headways]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lawrence |first1=Eric D. |title=QLine, buses get transit-only lane in front of Little Caesars Arena |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2021/09/18/qline-buses-transit-lane-little-caesars-arena/8385803002/ |access-date= November 19, 2021 |work=Detroit Free Press |date= September 18, 2021}}</ref>
The QLine traverses Woodward Avenue in its entirety from downtown through Midtown to New Center. The line begins at the southern terminus at Congress Street in the median before tracks swing to the curbside for most of its length. (Some parts of the line have tracks running down the middle travel lane of Woodward in downtown.) After traveling in the curbside travel lane, the line swings back into the inside travel lane (median) at Amsterdam all the way to the line's northern terminus at Grand Boulevard. Non-revenue tracks continue two blocks to the M-1 Rail Penske Tech Center, which serves as headquarters for the QLine and the garage for the streetcars. In September 2021, the southbound curb lane from Temple Street to West Fisher Service Drive was converted to a [[High-occupancy vehicle lane|transit-only]] lane to be used by the QLine, DDOT and SMART to increase [[headway|headways]].<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Lawrence |first1 = Eric D. |title = QLine, buses get transit-only lane in front of Little Caesars Arena |url = https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2021/09/18/qline-buses-transit-lane-little-caesars-arena/8385803002/ |access-date = November 19, 2021 |work = Detroit Free Press |date = September 18, 2021 }}</ref>


===List of stations===
===List of stations===
[[File:Detroit QLINE Campus Martius platform.jpg|thumb|right|Station at Campus Martius 2021]]
[[File:Detroit QLINE Campus Martius platform.jpg|thumb|right|Campus Martius station in 2021]]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 113: Line 125:
!Connections
!Connections
|-
|-
|[[Congress Street station|Congress Street]] || [[Downtown Detroit|Downtown]], [[Detroit Financial District|Financial District]] ||
|[[Congress Street station|Congress Street]] || [[Downtown Detroit|Downtown]], [[Detroit Financial District|Financial District]] ||[[Detroit People Mover]]; [[Detroit Department of Transportation|DDOT]] 3, 5, 6, 9, 40, 52, & 67;
[[Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation|SMART]] 261 ''FAST Michigan,'' 461/462 ''FAST Woodward,'' 563 ''FAST Gratiot,'' 255, 530, 620, 635, 805, 830, & 851; [[Transit Windsor]] ''Tunnel Bus''
|-
|-
|[[Campus Martius station|Campus Martius]] || Downtown ||
|[[Campus Martius station|Campus Martius]] || Downtown ||
|-
|-
|[[Grand Circus Park station|Grand Circus Park]] || Downtown, [[Grand Circus Park Historic District|Grand Circus Park]] || [[Detroit People Mover]]
|[[Grand Circus Park station|Grand Circus]] || Downtown, [[Grand Circus Park Historic District|Grand Circus Park]] || Detroit People Mover; SMART 261 ''FAST Michigan &'' 461/462 ''FAST Woodward''
|-
|-
| [[Montcalm Street station|Montcalm Street]] || Downtown, Foxtown ||
| [[Montcalm Street station|Montcalm Street]] || Downtown, Foxtown ||
|-
|-
| [[Sproat Street/Adelaide Street station|Sproat Street/Adelaide Street]] || [[Midtown Detroit|Midtown]], [[Brush Park]], [[Cass Park Historic District|Cass Park]] ||
| [[Sproat Street/Adelaide Street station|Sproat Street / Adelaide Street]] || [[Midtown Detroit|Midtown]], [[Brush Park]], [[Cass Park Historic District|Cass Park]] ||SMART 461/462 ''FAST Woodward''
|-
|-
|[[Martin Luther King Boulevard/Mack Avenue station|Martin Luther King Boulevard / Mack Avenue]] || Midtown, Brush Park, [[Cass Corridor]] ||
|[[Martin Luther King Boulevard/Mack Avenue station|Martin Luther King Boulevard / Mack Avenue]] || Midtown, Brush Park, [[Cass Corridor]] || DDOT 31 ''Mack'' & 42 ''Mid-City Loop''; SMART 461/462 ''FAST Woodward''
|-
|-
| [[Canfield Street station|Canfield Street]] || Midtown, [[Detroit Medical Center|Medical Center]] ||
| [[Canfield Street station|Canfield Street]] || Midtown, [[Detroit Medical Center|Medical Center]] ||
|-
|-
| [[Warren Avenue station|Warren Avenue]] || Midtown, [[Cultural Center Historic District (Detroit)|Cultural Center]], [[Wayne State University]] || [[Detroit Department of Transportation|DDOT]] Warren (route 8)
| [[Warren Avenue station|Warren Avenue]] || Midtown, [[Cultural Center Historic District (Detroit)|Cultural Center]], [[Wayne State University]] || DDOT 8 ''Warren''; SMART 461/462 ''FAST Woodward'' & 562 ''FAST Gratiot''
|-
|-
| [[Ferry Street station|Ferry Street]] || Midtown, Cultural Center, [[East Ferry Avenue Historic District|East Ferry]] ||
| [[Ferry Street station|Ferry Street]] || Midtown, Cultural Center, [[East Ferry Avenue Historic District|East Ferry]] ||
Line 133: Line 146:
| [[Amsterdam Street station|Amsterdam Street]] || [[New Center, Detroit|New Center]] ||
| [[Amsterdam Street station|Amsterdam Street]] || [[New Center, Detroit|New Center]] ||
|-
|-
| [[Detroit station|Baltimore Street]] || New Center || [[Amtrak]] at the Detroit station
| [[Detroit station|Baltimore Street]] || New Center || [[Amtrak]]; SMART 461/462 ''FAST Woodward'' & 851
|-
|-
| [[Grand Boulevard station|Grand Boulevard]] || New Center || [[Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation|SMART]]
| [[Grand Boulevard station|Grand Boulevard]] || New Center || SMART 851
|}
|}


===Headways and operational span===
===Hours===
[[File:Canfield Street station with tram.jpg|thumb|280x280px|A tram stopped at the [[Canfield Street station]]]]
The QLine operates seven days a week. Service begins at 8 a.m. daily. Sunday through Thursday, service ends at 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday services ends at 10 p.m.
The QLine generally operates four trains at a time, with trains arriving every 15 minutes or less. Service runs seven days a week, beginning at 8 a.m. daily: trains run through midnight Monday-Saturday, and through 9 p.m. on Sundays.<ref>{{Cite web |date = June 15, 2022 |title = QLINE announces extended streetcar service hours |url = https://www.wxyz.com/news/qline-announces-extended-hours |access-date = May 14, 2023 |publisher = [[WXYZ-TV]] |language = en }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last = |first = |date = June 15, 2022 |title = QLine hours extended beginning this weekend |url = https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/06/15/qline-hours-extended-detroit-streetcars-nightlife/7641752001/ |access-date = May 14, 2023 |website = The Detroit News |language = en-US }}</ref>

===Fares===
There is currently no charge to ride the QLine, as its operations are supported by a subsidy from the State of Michigan.<ref name=":1" /> The system's original fare, instituted in September 2017, was $1.50; it was raised to $2 in October 2019, when the QLine joined the Dart payment system used by [[Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation|SMART]] and [[Detroit Department of Transportation|DDOT]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":72">{{Cite web |last = Lawrence |first = Eric D. |date = August 20, 2019 |title = QLINE to join DDOT, SMART unified payment system beginning in October |url = https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/chrysler/2019/08/20/qline-ddot-smart-dart-payment-system/2054360001/ |access-date = |website = Detroit Free Press |language = en-US }}</ref>

=== Towing ===
M-1 Rail is a licensed towing operator.<ref>{{Cite web |title = Company Snapshot: M-1 RAIL TOWING LLC |url = https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/query.asp?searchtype=ANY&query_type=queryCarrierSnapshot&query_param=USDOT&query_string=3797339 |access-date = May 14, 2023 |publisher = [[Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration]] }}</ref> State legislation permits the agency to tow parked vehicles which block its tracks; vehicles are taken to City of Detroit-owned impound lots. Towing operations began in June 2022, when a Florida towing company donated a truck to M-1 Rail.<ref name=":2" />


==See also==
==See also==
Line 154: Line 174:
refs=
refs=
<ref name=TheRepublic2014-09-15>
<ref name=TheRepublic2014-09-15>
{{cite news |url = http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/9efe5c7580294aeb8294363433d101e1/MI--Detroit-Light-Rail |title = Officials participate in track signing ceremony celebrating Detroit streetcar project |work = [[The Republic (Columbus, Indiana)|The Republic]] |date = September 15, 2014 |location = Columbus, IN |agency = Associated Press |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140917012113/http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/9efe5c7580294aeb8294363433d101e1/MI--Detroit-Light-Rail |archive-date = September 17, 2014 |access-date = September 16, 2014 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}
{{cite news |url = http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/9efe5c7580294aeb8294363433d101e1/MI--Detroit-Light-Rail |title = Officials participate in track signing ceremony celebrating Detroit streetcar project |work = [[The Republic (Columbus, Indiana)|The Republic]] |date = September 15, 2014 |location = Columbus, Indiana |agency = Associated Press |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140917012113/http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/9efe5c7580294aeb8294363433d101e1/MI--Detroit-Light-Rail |archive-date = September 17, 2014 |access-date = September 16, 2014 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}
</ref>
</ref>
<ref name=ProgressiveRailroading2014-09-16>
<ref name=ProgressiveRailroading2014-09-16>
Line 172: Line 192:
</ref>
</ref>
<ref name=RailwayGazette2014-09-16>
<ref name=RailwayGazette2014-09-16>
{{cite news |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/detroit-light-rail-receives-more-tiger-funding.html |title = Detroit light rail receives more TIGER funding |work = [[Railway Gazette International]] |date = September 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140917004436/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/detroit-light-rail-receives-more-tiger-funding.html |archive-date = September 17, 2014 |access-date = September 16, 2014 |url-status = live }}
{{cite news |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/detroit-light-rail-receives-more-tiger-funding.html |title = Detroit light rail receives more TIGER funding |work = Railway Gazette International |date = September 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140917004436/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/detroit-light-rail-receives-more-tiger-funding.html |archive-date = September 17, 2014 |access-date = September 16, 2014 |url-status = live }}
</ref>
</ref>
<ref name=DetroitFreePress2014-09-16>{{cite news |url = http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/columnists/tom-walsh/2014/09/16/tom-walsh-m-1-rail-makes-noise-as-new-donors-push-streetcar-line-ahead/15694057/ |title = Tom Walsh: M-1 Rail Makes Noise as New Donors Push Line Ahead |work = [[Detroit Free Press]] |first = Tom |last = Walsh |date = September 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140916111553/http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/columnists/tom-walsh/2014/09/16/tom-walsh-m-1-rail-makes-noise-as-new-donors-push-streetcar-line-ahead/15694057/ |archive-date = September 16, 2014 |url-status = live }}</ref>
<ref name=DetroitFreePress2014-09-16>{{cite news |url = http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/columnists/tom-walsh/2014/09/16/tom-walsh-m-1-rail-makes-noise-as-new-donors-push-streetcar-line-ahead/15694057/ |title = Tom Walsh: M-1 Rail Makes Noise as New Donors Push Line Ahead |work = Detroit Free Press |first = Tom |last = Walsh |date = September 16, 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140916111553/http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/columnists/tom-walsh/2014/09/16/tom-walsh-m-1-rail-makes-noise-as-new-donors-push-streetcar-line-ahead/15694057/ |archive-date = September 16, 2014 |url-status = live }}</ref>
<ref name=MichiganChronicle2014-09-16>
<ref name=MichiganChronicle2014-09-16>
{{cite news |url = http://michronicleonline.com/2014/09/16/u-s-dot-secretary-foxx-announces-12-2-million-for-m-1-rail-in-detroit/ |title = U.S. DOT Secretary Foxx Announces $12.2 Million for M-1 RAIL in Detroit |work = [[Michigan Chronicle]] |first = AJ |last = Williams |date = September 16, 2014 |location = Detroit |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140917011752/http://michronicleonline.com/2014/09/16/u-s-dot-secretary-foxx-announces-12-2-million-for-m-1-rail-in-detroit/ |archive-date = September 17, 2014 |access-date = September 16, 2014 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}
{{cite news |url = http://michronicleonline.com/2014/09/16/u-s-dot-secretary-foxx-announces-12-2-million-for-m-1-rail-in-detroit/ |title = U.S. DOT Secretary Foxx Announces $12.2 Million for M-1 RAIL in Detroit |work = [[Michigan Chronicle]] |first = AJ |last = Williams |date = September 16, 2014 |location = Detroit |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140917011752/http://michronicleonline.com/2014/09/16/u-s-dot-secretary-foxx-announces-12-2-million-for-m-1-rail-in-detroit/ |archive-date = September 17, 2014 |access-date = September 16, 2014 |url-status = dead |df = mdy-all }}
Line 182: Line 202:
==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
*[https://qlinedetroit.com QLine Detroit]
*[https://qlinedetroit.com QLine Detroit]
*[http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9621_11058_62342---,00.html Woodward Avenue Streetcar]
*[http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9621_11058_62342---,00.html Woodward Avenue Streetcar]
Line 190: Line 210:
{{Michigan railroads}}
{{Michigan railroads}}
{{Transdev}}
{{Transdev}}
{{Michigan public transit}}


[[Category:Downtown Detroit]]
[[Category:Downtown Detroit]]

Latest revision as of 22:10, 19 October 2024

QLine
QLine in Campus Martius
Overview
OwnerRTA
LocaleDetroit, Michigan
Termini
  • ‹See TfM›Grand Boulevard
  • ‹See TfM›Congress Street
Stations20 stops (12 locations)
Websiteqlinedetroit.com
Service
TypeStreetcar
Operator(s)Transdev (2017–2021)
Directly operated (2021–present)[1]
Rolling stock6 Brookville Liberty Modern Streetcars
Daily ridership2,629 (2023, Jan. - Aug.)[2][3]
History
OpenedMay 12, 2017 (May 12, 2017)[4]
Technical
Line length3.3 mi (5.3 km)[4]
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
ElectrificationOverhead line or onboard lithium-ion batteries, 750 V DC
Operating speed30 mph (48 km/h)[5]
Route map
Map QLine highlighted in red
‹See TfM›Grand Boulevard
Baltimore Street Detroit (Amtrak station)
‹See TfM›Amsterdam Street
I-94.svg
I-94
Edsel Ford Freeway
‹See TfM›Ferry Street
‹See TfM›Warren Avenue
‹See TfM›Canfield Street
Martin Luther King Boulevard/
Mack Avenue
‹See TfM›Sproat Street/Adelaide Street
I-75.svg
I-75
Fisher Freeway
‹See TfM›Montcalm Street
‹See TfM›Grand Circus Park
‹See TfM›Campus Martius
‹See TfM›Congress Street

Handicapped/disabled access All stations are accessible

The QLINE is a 3.3-mile-long (5.3 km) streetcar system in Detroit, Michigan, United States. Opened on May 12, 2017, it connects Downtown Detroit with Midtown and New Center, running along Woodward Avenue (M-1) for its entire route.[4] The system was developed by M-1 Rail, a nonprofit organization, and is owned and operated by the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan.[6]

In December 2011, city and state leaders announced a plan to offer bus rapid transit service for the city and metropolitan area instead of light rail as had previously been proposed. Soon afterwards, M-1 Rail, a consortium of private and public businesses and institutions in the region, announced the plan for a streetcar line along part of the same route as the cancelled light rail plan, connecting the downtown Detroit People Mover to the Amtrak railway station in New Center and the proposed Ann Arbor–Detroit Regional Rail system. Rocket Mortgage (then known as Quicken Loans) bought the naming rights to the line, and announced the name in March 2016.[7]

History

[edit]

Antecedents

[edit]

1863–1956

[edit]
Woodward Avenue with streetcar lines, 1942

Detroit's first streetcar service began in 1863 with horsecars. Electrification of the streetcar system followed, starting in 1886. Detroit's streetcar lines eventually saw their operations consolidated under the privately owned Detroit United Railway. Municipal takeover and control of the streetcar network by Detroit's Department of Street Railways followed in 1922.[8] Detroit Mayor Hazen S. Pingree had led the charge years before to have the city take over operations. Since that gave the companies reason to believe the rail lines would be taken over, they were discouraged from maintaining the lines, which meant that Detroiters had "inherited a giant money pit" when the city eventually voted to buy them.[9] That and the Department of Street Railways' introduction of buses from 1925 ultimately led to the demise of the original streetcar system in 1956.[8][10]

Downtown heritage trolley

[edit]

A short 0.7-mile (1.1 km) vintage streetcar gauge line in 900 mm (2 ft 11+716 in) gauge opened in 1976 along Washington Boulevard, using seven former Lisbon tramcars and two from England and Switzerland, all originally built in the early 20th century.[11] Built at a cost of roughly $1.5 million (equivalent to $6.25 million in 2023[12]), the line initially ran between Grand Circus Park and Philip A. Hart Plaza near Cobo Center.[13][14] The line was extended a further 0.3 miles (0.48 km) along Jefferson Avenue in 1980.[15] It ended service in 2003.[11] Ridership at one time had seen 800 daily passengers, but declined to under 200 after the 1987 opening of the competing Detroit People Mover system.[16]

M-1 Rail Line

[edit]
M-1 Rail logo

In 2006 the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) commissioned a study to determine expanded mass transit options along Woodward Avenue.[17] Concurrently, a private group of local business leaders decided to provide matching funds to government dollars to develop a $125 million, 3.4-mile (5.5 km) line through central Detroit (similar to the Tacoma Link) called the M-1 Rail Line. After much wrangling between the private investors and the DDOT, the two groups decided to work in tandem on developing DDOT's 9.3-mile (15.0 km) line.

The proposed line ran 9.3 miles (15.0 km) along Woodward Avenue from the Rosa Parks Transit Center to the old State Fairgrounds along 8 Mile Road.[18] The line would have had 19 stops with 10 cars running at a time in two-car trains; each train would carry 150 people. The trains would run in a dedicated right-of-way in the median from 8 Mile to Adams Street at the north end of downtown. South of Adams, the trains would run in mixed traffic along the sides of the street.

The estimated cost for the proposed line was $500 million.[18] The Kresge Foundation awarded a $35 million grant to the city for the project in March 2009.[19] It received $25 million in funding from the United States Department of Transportation in February 2010.[20][21] The Detroit City Council approved the sale of $125 million in bonds on April 11, 2011.[22] The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the City of Detroit signed an environmental impact study on July 1, 2011.[17] Finally, on August 31, 2011, the FTA signed a record of decision allowing the project to move forward.[23]

In December 2011, the federal government withdrew its support for the proposed line, in favor of a bus rapid transit system which would serve the city and suburbs.[24] This decision arose out of discussions between federal Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and Governor Rick Snyder. The private investors who had initially supported the smaller three-mile (4.8 km) M-1 Rail line to New Center stated that they would continue developing that project through the nonprofit M-1 Rail Consortium.[25] The cancelled 9.3-mile (15.0 km) proposal would have featured seven additional stops north of Grand Boulevard, where the QLine now ends.[26]

Construction

[edit]

On January 18, 2013, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that M-1 Rail would receive $25 million in federal grant support for the streetcar project.[20][21][27] He had previously committed to the funds on the condition that a regional transit authority was created for the Detroit area.[28] In late 2012, the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan was created by state law,[29] which enabled LaHood's approval.[30]

On April 22, 2013, the project received final environmental clearance from the federal government, with construction expected to start in the fall.[31]

On December 20, 2013, M-1 Rail began underground utility relocation work along Woodward Avenue, the first step toward full-fledged construction activities of the 3.3-mile (5.3 km) streetcar line, with construction scheduled to start in mid-2014.[32] Stacy & Witbeck were formally awarded the contract to construct the M-1 Rail streetcar line on July 31, 2013.[20][21][33] M-1 Rail officials announced on July 3, 2014, that the Woodward Avenue overpasses for both I-75 and I-94 freeways will be demolished during construction of the rail line, and that new wider bridges will be built.[34]

On July 20, 2014, the Ilitch family, owner of Olympia Development of Michigan, and major investor in M-1 Rail, announced that the streetcar line would include a stop at the new Little Caesars Arena in Midtown.[35]

QLine tracks at Little Caesars Arena

M-1 Rail officially started construction on July 28, 2014.[36] The streetcar line would stretch from downtown Detroit to Grand Boulevard in New Center. There would be 20 different stations serving 12 stops, with most of the stations being curbside on either side of Woodward Avenue going uptown or downtown, but changing to center road stations at the north and south ends of the system. At the time, the streetcar line was expected to be operational in late 2016.[37]

During the planning of the service, Detroit businessman Dan Gilbert advocated strongly for a curb-running design. One participant said, "They were not looking for speed or reliability... their number one goal was the boost in property values."[38]

On September 9, 2014, the US DOT announced that M-1 Rail would receive an additional $12.2 million in federal grant money to complete the financing of the M-1 Rail project.[39] US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx gave the keynote address at a rail signing ceremony on September 15, 2014, at Grand Circus Park.[40][41][42][43] Local officials were in attendance as were executives of local businesses who were sponsoring stations near their places of business. A new official map was made public.[44]

Approximately 60 percent of the line is not equipped with overhead electrical wires, and the streetcars are powered solely from lithium-ion batteries on that section.[45]

QLine near Fox Theatre running on battery

On February 15, 2015, M-1 Rail reported that the Penske Tech Center was under construction in New Center. The $6.9 million, 19,000-square-foot (1,800 m2) structure serves as the M-1 Rail headquarters, the operations center, and the streetcar maintenance facility. The tech center building is sited close to Woodward Avenue, and located between Bethune and Custer streets north and east of Grand Boulevard with the streetcar storage yard behind. The exterior is made of reddish brick to mimic the historical look and feel of the surrounding neighborhood,[46] and was completed in May 2016.

In August 2015, M-1 Rail officials said that the opening of the line would be delayed until around mid 2017, partially because of new federal safety standards that are coming into effect, as well as a construction slowdown during the previous winter and delays in building the rolling stock.[47] QLine was announced as the official name for the line in March 2016, after Quicken Loans bought naming rights, but the non-profit organization that is overseeing the project continues to be named M-1 Rail.[48]

The first streetcar was delivered in September 2016.[49] The first test move over the line took place on December 13, and the streetcar was initially towed[50] (not yet run under its own power, except at the maintenance facility).[51] Transdev was awarded a five-year contract to operate the line.[52]

Opening

[edit]

The QLine opened for public use on May 12, 2017.[4] Although initially slated to be free only for the first weekend, the streetcar's free period was later extended for a week, and later until July 1, and again until Labor Day 2017.[53] Ridership for the opening week was 50,000, with a peak of 8,300 during the weekend and 5,120 Monday through Thursday.[54] Daily ridership dropped to 3,000 when the payment service began on September 5, 2017. The percentage of riders actually paying was 40 percent, which QLine spokesman Dan Lijana said is higher than the 32.5 percent national average of similar downtown city rail systems.[55]

COVID-19 shutdown and reopening

[edit]

On March 28, 2020, the QLINE suspended service, due to low ridership amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[56] Service resumed in September 2021 without fares, with financial support from Penske and The Kresge Foundation.[57] In November 2021, QLINE ended its contract with Transdev and became directly operated.[58] In 2022, a 17-year, $5 million annual subsidy was approved by the Michigan Legislature and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, which will keep the QLINE free to ride through 2039.[59][60]

Rolling stock

[edit]
A Brookville Liberty streetcar in current standard QLine livery, 2017
QLine at Woodward and Peterboro in 2021

Crain's Detroit Business reported that the line would cost $137 million, including the purchase of six streetcar vehicles.[61] Bids were expected to include low-floor, air-conditioned vehicles, capable of transporting passengers in wheelchairs. The vehicles have operator's controls at both ends—eliminating the need for the vehicles to turn around for their return trips.

On November 4, 2014, M-1 announced that Czechia-based Inekon had been awarded a $30 million contract for six vehicles.[62] Upon that deal falling apart, M-1 Rail instead awarded a $32 million contract to Pennsylvania-based Brookville Equipment Corporation.[45] The purchase includes six articulated, three-section, 66-foot-long (20.12 m) cars, equipped with 750-volt rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for off-wire movement on sections of the line not equipped with overhead wire.[45]

The first Brookville-built streetcar was delivered in September 2016,[49] with the last two of the six cars delivered in March 2017.[63] The last car of Detroit's previous streetcar system was numbered 286, so it was decided to number the new cars 287-292, to pick up where the old number series had left off.[64]

Operation

[edit]

Route

[edit]
QLine near Campus Martius downtown Detroit 2021

The QLine traverses Woodward Avenue in its entirety from downtown through Midtown to New Center. The line begins at the southern terminus at Congress Street in the median before tracks swing to the curbside for most of its length. (Some parts of the line have tracks running down the middle travel lane of Woodward in downtown.) After traveling in the curbside travel lane, the line swings back into the inside travel lane (median) at Amsterdam all the way to the line's northern terminus at Grand Boulevard. Non-revenue tracks continue two blocks to the M-1 Rail Penske Tech Center, which serves as headquarters for the QLine and the garage for the streetcars. In September 2021, the southbound curb lane from Temple Street to West Fisher Service Drive was converted to a transit-only lane to be used by the QLine, DDOT and SMART to increase headways.[65]

List of stations

[edit]
Campus Martius station in 2021
Stop Neighborhood(s) Connections
Congress Street Downtown, Financial District Detroit People Mover; DDOT 3, 5, 6, 9, 40, 52, & 67;

SMART 261 FAST Michigan, 461/462 FAST Woodward, 563 FAST Gratiot, 255, 530, 620, 635, 805, 830, & 851; Transit Windsor Tunnel Bus

Campus Martius Downtown
Grand Circus Downtown, Grand Circus Park Detroit People Mover; SMART 261 FAST Michigan & 461/462 FAST Woodward
Montcalm Street Downtown, Foxtown
Sproat Street / Adelaide Street Midtown, Brush Park, Cass Park SMART 461/462 FAST Woodward
Martin Luther King Boulevard / Mack Avenue Midtown, Brush Park, Cass Corridor DDOT 31 Mack & 42 Mid-City Loop; SMART 461/462 FAST Woodward
Canfield Street Midtown, Medical Center
Warren Avenue Midtown, Cultural Center, Wayne State University DDOT 8 Warren; SMART 461/462 FAST Woodward & 562 FAST Gratiot
Ferry Street Midtown, Cultural Center, East Ferry
Amsterdam Street New Center
Baltimore Street New Center Amtrak; SMART 461/462 FAST Woodward & 851
Grand Boulevard New Center SMART 851

Headways and operational span

[edit]
A tram stopped at the Canfield Street station

The QLine generally operates four trains at a time, with trains arriving every 15 minutes or less. Service runs seven days a week, beginning at 8 a.m. daily: trains run through midnight Monday-Saturday, and through 9 p.m. on Sundays.[66][67]

Fares

[edit]

There is currently no charge to ride the QLine, as its operations are supported by a subsidy from the State of Michigan.[60] The system's original fare, instituted in September 2017, was $1.50; it was raised to $2 in October 2019, when the QLine joined the Dart payment system used by SMART and DDOT.[57][68]

Towing

[edit]

M-1 Rail is a licensed towing operator.[69] State legislation permits the agency to tow parked vehicles which block its tracks; vehicles are taken to City of Detroit-owned impound lots. Towing operations began in June 2022, when a Florida towing company donated a truck to M-1 Rail.[67]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "QLine streetcars on track to resume service in late summer". The Detroit News. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  2. ^ Eric D. Lawrence (September 28, 2023). "QLINE ridership up in 2023: What annual report showed". Detroit Free Press.
  3. ^ Guillen, Joe (October 24, 2022). "QLINE ridership rebounds". Axios Detroit. Cox Enterprises. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d Lawrence, Eric D.; Allen, Robert (May 12, 2017). "All Aboard! Detroit's QLine Is Open for Streetcar Riders". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  5. ^ "FAQ". M-1 Rail. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  6. ^ "RTA to assume ownership of Detroit QLine streetcar". Trains. September 20, 2024. Retrieved September 20, 2024.
  7. ^ Lawrence, Eric D. (March 24, 2016). "Detroit's M-1 Rail Line Now to Be Called the QLINE". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  8. ^ a b Schramm, Kenneth (2006). Detroit's Street Railways. Images of Rail. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing. pp. 7–8, 11–13. ISBN 0-7385-4027-7.
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