The long-awaited Q-Line opened to the public earlier today.

[Updated May 9, 2017]
John Gallagher got to take an early ride on long-awaited Q-Line streetcar earlier this week, before its big opening to the public on *May 12 in Detroit. Gallgher provides a review based on the expectations generated by thousands of transit trips in Detroit and other cities:
I found the new QLINE cars clean and comfortable, and the ride itself pleasant and reasonably quick end-to-end. But a lot of uncertainty remains before we answer the key question: Will the QLINE become an essential part of our lives?
One of the largest stakes in the success of the project has to be for the Regional Transit Authority, which Gallagher describes as "moribund" after a failed voter referendum for a regional transit plan in the November election. If the Q-Line succeeds, regional transit could find itself in a better political position, speculated Gallagher.
For those who want to keep track at home, the Q-Line is expected to attract 5,000 riders a day in the early months, growing to 8,000 daily riders over time.
Earlier in the week, Eric Fischer reported that the Q-Line is being credited with $7 billion in economic development investment, both planned and implemented.
[The post was updated with the correct opening day for the new Q-Line.]
FULL STORY: Gallagher: Is QLINE the start of something much bigger?

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie