Project Profile: M-1 Rail (QLine) Streetcar, Detroit

The M-1 Rail Woodward Avenue Streetcar, commercially known as the QLine, is a light rail transit system in Detroit, Michigan. It serves as a critical infrastructure case study, demonstrating a successful public-private partnership (PPP) model for urban transit development. This profile analyzes the project’s technical specifications, key contractors, and strategic impact on the Woodward Avenue corridor.

Technical Specifications

The QLine operates on a 3.3-mile route along Woodward Avenue, featuring 20 stations at 12 distinct locations. The system’s rolling stock consists of six 73-foot, double-ended streetcars manufactured by Inekon Group. A key technological innovation is the hybrid power system; each vehicle is equipped with a 750-volt lithium-ion battery pack, enabling approximately 60% of the route to be operated “off-wire.” This catenary-free operation reduces visual clutter and simplifies infrastructure in historically significant areas. The system integrates signaling, traction power, and communications solutions delivered by Modern Railway Systems, while curbside-running track placement ensures seamless integration with pedestrian and commercial activity.

Key Takeaways

• Innovative Funding Model: The project’s success is largely attributed to its public-private partnership structure, which combined private and philanthropic funds with federal and state grants, establishing a viable template for future mid-scale urban transit projects.
• Advanced Rolling Stock Technology: The use of Inekon streetcars with significant off-wire capability from onboard energy storage systems represents a forward-thinking approach to urban light rail, enhancing operational flexibility and aesthetic integration.
• Catalyst for Economic Revitalization: The QLine was engineered not just as a transit solution but as a driver for economic development, successfully increasing connectivity and stimulating commercial investment along Detroit’s central Woodward Avenue corridor.

FAQ

When did the Detroit QLine open?

The Detroit QLine streetcar system officially began public service on May 12, 2017, connecting key districts including Downtown and Midtown Detroit.

Who built the Detroit QLine?

The QLine was developed by the non-profit organization M-1 RAIL. The primary construction manager was Stacy and Witbeck, with Parsons Brinckerhoff providing design engineering and Inekon Group manufacturing the custom streetcar vehicles.