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One of the QLine streetcars being tested Monday (Photo: Deadline Detroit)
The QLine, Detroit's 3.3- mile rail system that suspended service exactly one year ago because of the pandemic, began testing streetcars and retraining on Monday. Service is expected to return in late summer.
On a sunny, cold spring day, the streetcars traveled north and south on Woodward without passengers.
"M-1 Rail is coordinating with the City of Detroit and businesses along Woodward Avenue who have implemented temporary curbside pick-up and outdoor dining facilities through the City’s Open Detroit program to ensure safe conditions as streetcars are reintroduced along the corridor," the QLine said in a press release. "M-1 Rail also is working with the City’s Municipal Parking Department, which will resume enforcement on Woodward to prevent track blockages during testing and training."
The system will gradually increase testing and training over the coming months.
“It's been a year since the QLine has been operating and we know a lot of motorists have gotten into the habit of stopping their car on top of the rail to pick up or drop off something or someone,” said Municipal Parking Director Keith Hutchings in a statement, adding that his teams "will begin educating motorists that we encounter during the next week to make them aware of the changes before we begin enforcement.”
