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.]
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