First Trip on the Qline….

The Qline has been the talk of the town in Detroit since it’s opening a few short weeks ago, and with it there have been a variety of reactions. From delight with the step towards public transportation, to mild/extreme disappointment and frustration. Regardless, the buzz was abound, so I asked a few friends to join me on a tour de force of midtown – choice of transportation = THE QLINE.

We began the weekend preparations with a light night out for drinks at the Whiskey Barrel for conversation, and some low-key live music. Solid night.

We awoke Saturday morning at a reasonable hour, got ready for the day, then departed for the Grand Circus Park Qline stop then stood in wait for our chariot.

After a 10 or so minute wait, the Qline approached at a blazing speed of 20-25 miles per hour, and slowed gradually as it arrived at our stop. As this was the second weekend it was a free trips for all, there was a sizeable but not unreasonable crowd filling the street car. And away we went!

At first we were underwhelmed by the speed, but it was a very comfortable ride. Smoother than a bus for certain, and about as quick. Zooming by midtown buildings and onlookers we made our way to the museum area of midtown and exited for the DIA. Overall a solid first trip, which didn’t prepare us for the second….

After a quick trip to the DIA, and a quick stop for a refreshment at Great Lakes, we were on our way back to make our return trip downtown, which showed us a very different view of the Q. It was a little later in the day and all of the metro tourists had now arrived, and the Qline was at full capacity. We mozied into the streetcar, sardine style and got very cozy with our fellow Detroiters.

After a semi-sweaty and short-lived ride home, we were back downtown, and in the fresh air – thankfully.

Overall, the Qline was a satisfying, yet underwhelming experience. It’s a solid form of public transport and I will surely use it in the future.