First M-1 RAIL streetcar. Photo: courtesy of M-1 RAIL.
M-1 RAIL, an organization leading the design, construction and future operation of Detroit’s 3.3-mile circulating streetcar, accepted delivery of its first QLINE streetcar this week, nearly two months ahead of initial projections.
The QLINE is currently on schedule for passenger operations to begin in Spring 2017.
“Delivery of the first QLNE streetcar is an important milestone for this project,” said M-1 RAIL CEO Matt Cullen. “We’re bringing a sleek, modern vehicle of exceptional quality to Detroit. This project is one of the most innovative public transportation projects in the world today, from our landmark private-public partnership to the innovative off-wire battery technology that will power the QLINE, we couldn’t be more pleased to welcome the first QLINE vehicle.”
M-1 RAIL Chief of Operations Paul Childs stated, “Receiving the first QLINE streetcar at this time will provide M-1 RAIL a greater opportunity to help Detroiters acclimate to the idea of sharing the road with a streetcar, and give us additional time for driver training. Over the next few weeks, we’ll complete the final assembly and mechanical checks needed before the streetcar makes its first appearance on Woodward Ave.”
The three-piece QLINE streetcars are 66 feet long and will carry an average of 125 passengers per car. The streetcars will feature wi-fi access, vertical bicycle racks and an HVAC unit. The line will have station-level access for pedestrians, allowing for the use of mobility assistance devices such as wheelchairs.
The vehicle was manufactured by Brookville Equipment Corporation, the only maker of streetcars to design and manufacture exclusively in the United States.
“The early delivery of this QLINE streetcar vehicle is a product of the outstanding working relationship we have experienced in our partnership with M-1 RAIL,” remarked Marion Van Fosson, president of Brookville Equipment Corporation. “We look forward to delivering the next five vehicles and celebrating the QLINE opening with M-1 RAIL and the people of Detroit very soon.”
M-1 RAIL started operating a small motorized inspection car called a “speeder” to ensure the track is free of obstructions in advance of the first QLINE vehicle delivery. This is the first of nearly 1,000 tests to be conducted before the start of passenger operations.