Detroit Evening Report: RTA considers proposal to take over QLINE

The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan is considering a proposal to take over control of Detroit’s QLINE.

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Currently operated by the nonprofit M-1 Rail, the transition of the 3.3-mile Woodward-bound rail service has been planned since QLINE’s inception, with the RTA Act amended in 2014 to authorize the transfer of the M-1 RAIL system to the RTA in 2024.

M-1 RAIL President Lisa Nuszkowski provided an update on QLINE’s performance, ridership and finances during the RTA Board’s December meeting.

“QLINE is an asset that was always envisioned as one piece of a larger, connected regional transit system,” said Nuszkowski. “Now is the time to make this transition. Performance has never been better. Ridership is approaching 1 million for the year, and the system’s finances are sustainable over the long-term.”

The two organizations are committed to making the move while keeping the budget balanced and avoiding any tax burden for residents.

“We look forward to working with the RTA Board and Staff to complete the necessary due diligence and finalize this transition,” Nuszkowski said.

QLINE serves nearly 1 million riders annually, connecting to many of southeast Michigan’s major employment centers, healthcare institutions, cultural events and entertainment. It operates free of charge from 8 a.m. to midnight, Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday, with streetcars arriving every 15 minutes or less.

Other headlines for Friday, Dec. 15, 2023:

• Approximately 700,000 Michigan families will receive tax rebate checks early next year thanks to a boost to the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit passed by the state legislature in March.
• United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain joined U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) and other progressive lawmakers in Washington D.C. on Thursday to call for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
• Norwest Gallery‘s final exhibition of the year,”PRINT EDITION: The Orthographic Art & Poetics of Oneita Jackson,” is now on view.

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