March 24, 20169 yr Author Their city is perfectly designed for rapid transit going up/down Woodward, Lafayette/Jefferson/Fort, Michigan, Grand River, and Gratiot.
March 24, 20169 yr Out of curiosity, did they leave any stubs for future extensions anywhere? I don't know if stubs are in the plans, but the northern end of the line at New Center is still under construction. The mayor has on multiple occasions talked about wanting to eventually extend it to 8 Mile Road and then all the way to Pontiac.
March 24, 20169 yr Their city is perfectly designed for rapid transit going up/down Woodward, Lafayette/Jefferson/Fort, Michigan, Grand River, and Gratiot. Agreed, but unfortunately only Woodward will see rail. RTA is not considering any rail options for the major corridors in their master plan and instead they are looking to do BRT on Michigan, Gratiot, etc.
March 25, 20169 yr Michigan Avenue to Vernor going southwest into Mexicantown is a no-brainer for an extension. "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 26, 20169 yr I agree that Michigan Avenue to Mexicantown makes a ton of sense. It won't happen unless FTA wants it to happen. Detroit has completely exhausted its capacity on the M-1 Rail. The back story is they originally applied for funding to do the entire Woodward Corridor, including up into Oakland, and were rejected due to low ridership and low growth potential blah blah blah (think Euclid Avenue all over again). Instead of capitulating to BRT, they got foundations to contribute most of the funding to make the first leg happen. The next leg is going to require more public funding because the foundations can't keep doing that. The city has zero dollars in the project, but that's not really surprising. They actually changed federal law so that non-profit contributions could count toward the local match. The State of Michigan and suburban counties are going to have to pony up local matches from now on.
July 29, 20168 yr I thought I'd start a new thread for general transit news in Detroit, as there has been a lot happening there that has nothing to do with the new streetcar. Also, Metro Detroit has a number of similarities to Greater Cleveland. To kick off this thread, there was some really bad news that came out of Detroit yesterday. The new RTA of Southeast Michigan has spent the last year putting together a large transit master plan together for Metro Detroit (http://www.rtamichigan.org/projects/master-plan/). It was planned to go on the ballot this November in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties. However, the executives of Oakland and Macomb Counties yesterday voted against sending the proposal to the voters. Here's a good editorial from the Free Press summing up the situation: http://www.freep.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/07/27/transit-regional-detroit/87566050/ This would be Detroit's 27th time failing to create a regional transit system. Sad!
July 29, 20168 yr ^Damn shame. I thought Detroit transit was on the right track, literally... Detroit has so much potential, but is so freaking balkanized and dysfunctional. Those consevative counties that surround it are totally independent of and at war with the city of Detroit and it manifests itself with their continued fight against mass transit... Cleveland has it's share of problems, but we're a piker compared to Detroit. I sometimes wonder how that area continues to exist until I realize it's all about the Big 3. Other than that, Metro Detroit collapses.
August 2, 20168 yr Note: maybe there's hope for Detroit after all... Metro Detroit leaders reach deal on transit Matt Helms, Detroit Free Press 6:54 p.m. EDT August 2, 2016 Top regional leaders reached a last-minute deal this afternoon to salvage the $4.7-billion proposal for expanded mass transit across southeast Michigan, officials told the Free Press. Details weren’t immediately released, but Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel confirmed a deal has been reached, subject to final details he declined to discuss. "I do believe we have something that's going to be satisfactory to all parties," Hackel said. "I do believe we have come up with a legitimate document for voters to decide on." http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/08/02/metro-detroit-leaders-transit-deal/87968512/
September 12, 20168 yr Author The first M-1/QLINE streetcar arrives in Detroit on Wednesday This is getting real. The first QLINE streetcar will arrive in Detroit Wednesday, nearly two months ahead of initial projections, according to a release by the M-1 Rail. This keeps the QLINE on schedule for passenger operations to begin in Spring 2017. The vehicle will depart today from Brookville Equipment Corporation, the only maker of streetcars to design and manufacture exclusively in the US.
September 12, 20168 yr Is that abnormally tall for a streetcar? Its proportions look really off for some reason. But I'm glad to hear they're also joining the rail club (well...I guess they do have the people mover already...). Detroit is a city setup for radial lines pretty perfectly. The way zoning pushed all commercial development to be axial radiating outward from the city means the routes rail should take are pretty clear in Detroit.
September 12, 20168 yr Author And with the decimation of the traditional businesses along those arterial streets, they could be built back up with large floor plates and 6+ stories along all of the routes to add lots of density to those routes. The houses a few blocks around the stops would be quickly renovated and vacant land would be quickly built on.
September 12, 20168 yr ...or a new Popeyes will open as a "TOD" on Gratiot. #justbeingreal "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 12, 20168 yr Wow those cars are ugly. Cincinnati is very lucky to have gotten the CAF Urbos-3 vehicles.
September 15, 20168 yr *DING DING* "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 15, 20168 yr Author Interesting that it appears you can only enter/exit the center vehicle. Also, I'm sure they will be adding some material on the end cars to cover up the wheels. one benefit to fewer doors will be smaller platforms needed. I believe this streetcar will also have level boarding similar to Cincinnati/KC. Obviously it will take longer to enter/exit the streetcar.
September 15, 20168 yr From the looks of it, only the center portion is low floor and you have to go up steps to go to the two end areas, similar to the Skoda vehicles used in Portland/Seattle/DC/etc. So there will be a lot more shuffling around inside the vehicle as people make their way back to the center to exit. Much less efficient design than the CAF streetcars.
September 15, 20168 yr These look similar to the LRVs in Norfolk, too. Who manufactured them? The Norfolk ones are Seimens. They always felt to me like they had a lower capacity since there weren't doors at the end, and the focus was on seated capacity rather than total capacity.
September 15, 20168 yr These look similar to the LRVs in Norfolk, too. Who manufactured them? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brookville_Equipment_Corporation 2013[edit] Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) ordered two Liberty streetcars, with options for two more at a cost of up to $9.4 million, for operations on Dallas' streetcar line.[10] 2015[edit] In March, the first of the two DART streetcars was delivered.[11] In April, two 1,200 horsepower (900 kW) BL12CG genset locomotives were delivered to the Central California Traction Company.[12] In June, the M-1 Rail Line in Detroit, Michigan ordered six streetcars at a purchase price of $32 million. The M-1 cars are equipped with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and will run on battery power over 60% of the line.[13] In November, Brookville was awarded an $18.6 million contract by the city of Milwaukee for four streetcars for service on the Milwaukee Streetcar, with deliveries planned to begin in late 2017.[14][15] 2016[edit] In March, the Oklahoma City Streetcar ordered five streetcars, with an option for a sixth, at a cost of $24.9 million.[16]
September 15, 20168 yr Dallas is using battery power on its pitiful streetcar line on the section that goes across a viaduct. I didn't even know that Oklahoma City is planning a streetcar. OKC and Milwaukee need to cancel their contracts immediately -- these streetcars are hideous.
September 15, 20168 yr Of course, it's more than just the streetcar for Metro Detroit. This no-growth metro area wants to grow again by connecting its under-utilized labor pool with jobs, so it is seeking a multi-county transit system to help it grow. From a recent e-mail by Transportation Riders United (TRU)... _____________ Several people have asked me for some talking points that they can share with friends, family and neighbors to explain why they should Vote Yes for Regional Transit. Here's a summary that would be great for you to forward around. The Regional Transit plan on the November 8 ballot will provide several great new transit services: + Convenient affordable Airport Express service from throughout region so you can get to Metro Airport without hassling friends or paying too much for parking + A Regional Rail train service connecting Detroit, Dearborn and Wayne with Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti (and an express bus route along the same route until the train gets launched) + Fast frequent Bus Rapid Transit along Woodward, Gratiot and Michigan Avenues, providing convenient transit just as fast as driving while you relax with wi-fi on the way to work or the ballgame While these new services are exciting and will likely attract new riders, arguably more important are the expansions in transit service for people who depend on it every day. The Regional Transit plan will also: + lConnect people to jobs in more places, including to jobs centers like Novi, Livonia, and Rochester that currently can't be reached by transit + Help seniors remain independent by expanding the paratransit service that provides pre-scheduled rides from a senior's home to their doctor, shopping and elsewhere + Connect our communities with seamless travel throughout the region - no more waiting to switch buses at 8 Mile or other borders Even if you never ride transit, you will benefit from our region having improved transit. National experts have found that effective regional transit means: + An economic boost of $4 return for every $1 invested, thanks to new jobs created, new development near transit, money not dumped in the gas tank, and other efficiencies + Employers will have more reliable employees with less turnover and less retraining costs + Our region will attract and retain more talented young professionals, many of whom are now moving away to places like Chicago, DC, San Francisco or Atlanta Our region will achieve all of that with a 1.2 mil property tax that will cost the average household $96 per year. Even after it is implemented, our region will still pay among the lowest per capita investment in transit in the nation. If you agree that our region needs these transit improvements, here are three important ways you can support regional transit: + Vote Yes for Regional Transit! Everyone in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties, including the City of Detroit, will vote on regional transit on Nov 8. + Urge your friends and family to Vote Yes! Many people don’t know transit is on the ballot so we need your help to spread the word to your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers: ++ Forward this and other TRU emails about the ballot measure. (If this was forwarded to you, sign up to get them directly.) ++ Share information on social media. Follow Vote Yes for Regional Transit on Facebook and @YesforTransit on Twitter and share those posts with your followers. + Arrange a transit presentation to a meeting of your neighborhood association, congregation, civic league or other community group. Send us the details to [email protected] and we’ll arrange someone to come present. + Donate to TRU! We've been Detroit’s transit advocate for 17 years, laying the groundwork that made this vote possible. We’re working hard to make this vote successful and will continue to fight for more and better transit for many years to come. Our work is only possible through the generous contributions of transit supporters like you. ++ Your donation today is more important than ever: Donate before September 30 and a generous supporter will match it dollar for dollar! Hopefully this helps summarize what's in the plan and why it's great for our community. As always, if you have questions or need additional information: + Contact the Regional Transit Authority at www.RTAmichigan.org for details on the plan itself + Contact Citizens for Connecting our Communities at www.VoteYesforRegionalTransit.com + Or contact TRU at [email protected] or 313-963-8872. Thanks, Megan PS - Transportation Riders United (TRU) is Detroit's nonprofit transit advocate, working since 1999 to improve bus service, remove barriers to rapid transit, and advocate for smart transportation investments If this was forwarded from a friend, you can join our email list and receive these updates directly every week or two. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 15, 20168 yr KJP, can you tell us a little about how their transit systems are set up currently? If this new regional transit agency is created, does it absorb the existing urban and suburban transit agency? If some county approve but others reject this ballot issue, does that determine who joins the new regional system or is an overall majority needed to create it?
September 15, 20168 yr KJP, can you tell us a little about how their transit systems are set up currently? If this new regional transit agency is created, does it absorb the existing urban and suburban transit agency? If some county approve but others reject this ballot issue, does that determine who joins the new regional system or is an overall majority needed to create it? Detroit's its city-based, much like Cincinnati's. I don't know about the suburban systems, whether they are municipal- or county-based. My guess is they are mostly municipal considering how little connectivity there is between the systems. The new multi-county system will actually be an umbrella system. The individual transit systems will remain but be coordinated and connected by the umbrella system. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 16, 20168 yr ^ We have a separate thread for Detroit transit news (non-streetcar) :) I'm up in Detroit for work today, and tracked down the new streetcar:
September 22, 20168 yr 1st completed QLine streetcar unveiled M-1 Rail officials on Wednesday formally unveiled the first completed QLine streetcar, which hits the road in the coming months for tests along its destined Woodward Avenue route. Sleek and shiny in red and white and adorned with QLine lettering, the 66-feet-long, 15-feet high, 87,000-pound streetcar was shown to reporters and photographers eager to inspect the massive brakes and wheels, the interior operator’s cabin and the pantograph on top that lifts to connect with wires above to power the battery. More below: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2016/09/21/st-completed-qline-streetcar-unveiled/90809352/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 12, 20168 yr QLINE streetcars test before hitting streets in late Spring http://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/news/2016/10/11/qline-streetcars-test-before-hitting-streets-in-late-spring/91907018/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 14, 20168 yr QLINE to run until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays A ride on the QLINE won't have to end as early as 10 p.m. most nights. Instead, Detroit's streetcar line will run until 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and perhaps more noteworthy for weekend warriors, service will continue until midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Concern that the system would not run late enough to serve many of those out for a night on the town, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, has been a frequent topic on social media, even prompting a change.org petition seeking later hours. But a spokesman for M-1 Rail, the entity that owns the system, said Thursday the operating hours will be later than the previously listed end time of 10 p.m. on all but one night of the week. More below: http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/10/13/qline-hours-detroit-transit/92008582/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 14, 20168 yr QLine gets final pieces of track installed The final M-1 Rail line track was welded together on Friday, paving the way for the testing of the rail line and its expected opening for the QLine streetcar next spring. The hot molding process as demonstrated to the media on Woodward Avenue and Amsterdam Street in the Midtown area was touted by M-1 officials as the next step to completing the 6.6-mile streetcar system that began 18 months ago. More below: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2016/11/11/rail/93638680/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 5, 20168 yr Final touches on Detroit's QLine project, could bring $3 billion in development The M-1 RAIL and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) teams celebrated a milestone for the QLine car at a Thursday press conference after noting the completion of Woodward Avenue's reconstruction. "The partnership between M-1 RAIL and MDOT is transforming the Woodward Corridor and surrounding neighborhoods," said M-1 RAIL CEO Matt Cullen. "I want to thank MDOT for bringing this vision to reality and helping set the stage for continued residential and business growth over the next 30 years. "The QLine is already activating the sidewalks and with the completion of roadway construction, we'll soon begin to see streetcars traveling up and down Woodward Ave." More below: http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2016/12/m-1_rail.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 16, 20168 yr See the test of Detroit's new QLINE streetcar along Woodward Avenue A QLINE streetcar made the first trip of many along the entire Woodward Avenue route on Tuesday morning. The streetcar was pulled by a tow truck as part of a series of tests M-1 Rail is conducting to get ready for next year's operational launch. More below (with video): http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/12/13/see-test-detroits-new-qline-streetcar-along-woodward-ave/95375022/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 19, 20168 yr Wouldn't that be cool if these streetcar developments in Cincinnati and Detroit (plus light rail in Ann Arbor) encouraged real estate developers in Columbus to work on a streetcar plan for that city? ;) "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 19, 20168 yr Wouldn't that be cool if these streetcar developments in Cincinnati and Detroit (plus light rail in Ann Arbor) encouraged real estate developers in Columbus to work on a streetcar plan for that city? ;) Columbus did a streetcar study at the same time Cincinnati did but Mayor Coleman dropped it in 2008. That's a LONG time ago, now.
December 19, 20168 yr See the test of Detroit's new QLINE streetcar along Woodward Avenue A QLINE streetcar made the first trip of many along the entire Woodward Avenue route on Tuesday morning. The streetcar was pulled by a tow truck as part of a series of tests M-1 Rail is conducting to get ready for next year's operational launch. More below (with video): http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/12/13/see-test-detroits-new-qline-streetcar-along-woodward-ave/95375022/ The colors are a bit hard on the eyes, but overall I like the Red. Good choice for Hockeytown USA
March 9, 20178 yr *DING DING* Katy Locker M-1 Rail "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 9, 20178 yr Author The QLINE will start running May 12 According to the M-1 Rail, the QLINE will have a big grand opening Friday, May 12 at the Penske Tech Center. It opens to the public that morning. More events around the grand opening will be announced in April. “QLINE’s grand opening will be a historic day in Detroit,” said M-1 RAIL CEO Matt Cullen. “We’re bringing rail transit back to the heart of the city and connecting the Woodward Corridor in a way that’s already begun to transform the entire district.” The streetcar has been testing since December and has already gone through 1,000 tests. We know you’re watching and capturing the bright red streetcar out on Woodward. Stations along the rail line are currently being completed. ... The QLINE will operate from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m.- midnight on Friday, 8 a.m. -midnight on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Sunday.
March 20, 20178 yr "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
April 16, 20178 yr Little Ceasars by Daniel L, on Flickr Sproat Street Station by Daniel L, on Flickr https://twitter.com/ShawnLeeStudios/status/851114762540863489 "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
May 6, 20178 yr *DING DING* More below: https://www.facebook.com/pg/QLineDetroit/photos/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
May 11, 20178 yr Just a couple more days! QLine Detroit by A Healthier Michigan, on Flickr QLine Detroit M1 Rail by A Healthier Michigan, on Flickr QLine Detroit by A Healthier Michigan, on Flickr IMG_0010 A by mhellekjaer, on Flickr "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
May 15, 20178 yr It's a success! I was there on Saturday and it was PACKED! Downtown was so vibrant that I damn near cried. But I didn't cry. ColDay doesn't cry. More below: http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2017/05/community_passengers.html#incart_gallery "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
May 15, 20178 yr Congrats to Detroit! Also, the final wrap looks much better than the red one. Can't wait to try it out on my next visit.
May 15, 20178 yr A little too successful... QLine riders face long lines, crowded cars An unexpected problem this weekend with the QLine debut appeared to be with the enthusiasm of riders like John Collins. Like many of the 80-plus people in line, the Detroiter planned to ride to the opposite end at Grand Boulevard just to check out the city’s new public transit system. His 32-minute wait Sunday at the Campus Martius station didn’t bother him, he said, and he would have waited even longer to ride the entire route. --- Since the QLine opened Friday morning offering free service, M-1 Rail spokesman Dan Lijana said ridership has “exceeded even the most optimistic projections.” Lijana said last week the QLine would be a success if it fulfilled 5,000 rides a day. He did not have a count of number of riders since the rail’s debut since rides were free. More below: http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/05/14/qline-riders/101696616/ "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
May 15, 20178 yr No one will ride it! SHUT IT DOWN! It's too crowded! SHUT IT DOWN! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 15, 20178 yr I didn't pay as much attention as I should have during the planning and construction stages... how much of the QLine's route is in mixed traffic? [typo]
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