The operator of the city of Detroit’s streetcar system shows ridership is up this year over last year and highlights some interesting facts about the people who use the system in its new annual report. doing.
Overall, the number of QLINE users increased by 75% from 2023 to August 2022 compared to January to August 2022, according to the report. The number increased each month throughout the year, with May showing the largest difference. In the same month of 2023, there were 105,732 people, compared to 49,330 people in the same month last year.
Average daily ridership on streetcars for the first eight months of 2023 was 2,629, still short of initial forecasts of 3,000 to 5,000 riders per day, but on a year-over-year basis. The trends highlight how ridership on the city’s streetcars has increased in the wake of the trauma of the disaster. Pandemic. Ridership is typically higher during warmer months.
The report touts an 85% return in ridership, even with a significant reduction in downtown office staff, which is the highest rate of return to transit post-pandemic compared to the national average. It is said to be over 74%.
Dan Lijana, a spokesman for the system, said passenger numbers come from sensors on the doors that count passengers, and that information is downloaded and reviewed by operations teams and management. He called it the standard for modern streetcars.
Lisa Nuszkowski, president of M-1 Rail, the organization that oversees the streetcar system, offered her thoughts on what the streetcar system will bring to Detroit and the challenges it faces.
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“The core of QLINE has always been a public-private investment in the future of transportation in downtown Detroit and beyond. Through construction, the first run of the streetcar, a once-in-a-generation pandemic, and the re-emergence of the last two years. We have had the unwavering support of our Board of Directors and our donors. With over $150 million in philanthropic and individual donations and thousands of hours of pro bono work, their dedication to this project has made QLINE “It’s helping us overcome unprecedented obstacles,” she said, thanking Congress and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for securing an additional $5 million in funding. At the end of last year, annual operating funds were introduced, but the move was not welcomed by everyone.
Part of the story in the current ridership numbers since the system resumed service after the pandemic shutdown may be related to the fact that the 5.3-mile route is still available for free. At one point, a three-hour pass cost him $1.50.
But the report also touts several improvements designed to improve service that could help bring back passengers. A key metric is the number of times vehicles cut off the track, which has decreased from daily cuts to once every five days, the report said, referring to the system’s ability to handle traction on its own, which This is not necessarily the case in most regions. The existence of QLINE.
Trams will reach stations within 15 minutes on 71% of journeys in 2023. This is an improvement over the 66% reported in 2022. One of the obstacles to faster service on QLINE is the fact that the trains run through traffic jams. on most of the route.
Still, research referenced in the report found that 85% of passengers reported being very satisfied or satisfied with their trip, and 85% said they would ride more often if the route was extended. Masu.
Other demographic highlights from the report include that 75% of the passengers surveyed identified themselves as people of color, 68% were Detroiters, and 49% lived in households with an annual income of less than $25,000. It has been pointed out that 28% of passengers are between 35 and 54 years old, the largest age group specified.
According to the report, this information was obtained through surveys conducted on the streetcar and online at different times over several days in late May. Dollar’s park-and-ride program will be expanded to include: That includes a Detroit Lions game this fall.
Read the report
Contact Eric D. Lawrence at elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber.