QLine Sees Ridership Jump as it Tries to Improve

QLine riders. (Photo by Deadline Detroit)

Ridership on the QLine is up, thanks to "significant operational improvements," M-1 Rail executives report.

"Over the past month, we have improved QLine service, putting more streetcars on the road, reducing wait times between vehicles and integrated rider feedback into our operational enhancement plan,” M-1 Rail CEO Matt Cullen says in a statement. “Many more people have had the opportunity to experience the QLine for the first time and Detroiters are beginning to integrate the streetcar system into their daily travel.”

Daily average ridership rose from 4,000 trips the week of June 12 to 6,300 the week of July 17.

Five streetcars now run daily except Sundays from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

After Labor Day, the plan is to begin charging fares.

Since the week of June 12, daily average time between vehicles has shrunk slightly from over 19 minutes to about 17 minutes Monday-Saturday. In the past month, the operating agency says, improvements have reduced a round-trip ride by six minutes.

Still, greater improvements still need to be made.

M-1 Rail says it's working to deliver accurate information about the next streetcar's arrival time., though just minute progress is seen so far. Further changes to station kiosks are expected before fares are charged.

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