Detroit’s M-1 RAIL Selects Transdev, Leading Multi-Modal Transit Operator

June 30, 2016 — Detroit

Detroit’s M-1 RAIL Selects Transdev, Leading Multi-Modal Transit Operator

M-1 RAIL announced today that it has entered into a contract with Transdev for the operations and maintenance of the QLINE. Transdev will be responsible for all aspects of operations and maintenance, including hiring staff, training and managing streetcar operators, service operations, dispatch, vehicle and track maintenance and fare enforcement.

“In selecting Transdev, we are bringing a premiere international provider of streetcar operations services to Detroit,” said Paul Childs, chief operating officer for M-1 RAIL. “Our partnership with Transdev ensures the QLINE will provide a safe, reliable and best-in-class transit experience for our ridership.”

The initial five-year contract for $15.5 million is renewable for up to five additional years.

“We commend the vision of the M-1 RAIL organization and its unyielding determination to foster neighborhood revitalization, new economic development and improved connections to jobs and retail services in Detroit, ” said Ken Westbrook, President of Transdev’s Rail Division. “We are proud to add our expertise and passion to the project and are committed to offering consistently excellent streetcar service.”

QLINE will facilitate intermodal connections to all forms of transportation in the city and region, including DDOT and SMART buses, the Detroit People Mover, the Amtrak railway station in New Center and bicycle routes. Neighborhoods throughout the Woodward Corridor will be pedestrian friendly, supporting local business growth and new residential development. The project also includes a rebuild of Woodward Ave. from curb-to-curb along the 3.3 mile route, including new streetlights powered by the project, new drainage and underground water and utility lines. Construction is expected to be complete in 2016.

About M-1 RAIL
M-1 RAIL is the operator of QLINE, a 6.6 mile circulating streetcar loop connecting downtown Detroit to Midtown, New Center and the North End neighborhoods. Formed in 2007, M-1 RAIL is a non-profit organization leading the design, construction, and future operation of the system. The QLINE is the first major transit project being led and funded by private businesses and philanthropic organizations, in partnership with local, state and the federal government. Construction began in 2014 and will be completed in 2016. The QLINE will serve 5,000-8,000 riders daily, beginning in early 2017 when passenger operations are expected to begin.