Detroit's new QLINE Streetcar

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Guest

Re: Detroit's new QLINE Streetcar

Unread post by Guest »

The tracks I remember look like they ran right down Michigan Street and it looked like a old rail right-of-way continued north toward the State Park after the road ended at Sherwood Lane. I believe that section has now been turned into a bike/walking path. I lived near the intersection of Mill Street and Michigan Street for several years in the early 1980s, and remember seeing remnants of tracks below Michigan Street at various spots all the way south to the just behind the Senior Citizen complex downturn near the parking lot for the old A&P grocery and M&R Drug stores while doing my paper route.
ed

Re: Detroit's new QLINE Streetcar

Unread post by ed »

A few of those tracks in Algonac belonged to the Chris Craft plant. they shipped boats from that plant with the aid of two engines pulling new boats bound for Detroit and Chicago. scrap lumber was sold, and given, to the employees. many fine homes in that area were given 'grand staircases' as a result. I remember the downtown area being full of stores along the waterfront in Algonac in the 50's and 60's - now that tax base vanished and the downtown looks like a ghost town.
Guest

Re: Detroit's new QLINE Streetcar

Unread post by Guest »

After reading When Eastern Michigan Rode the Rails I find it disappointing that the state (and others) abandoned its network of interurban cars instead of upgrading the infrastructure. I remember living in Algonac during the 1980s and seeing the tracks beneath the breaking asphalt without realizing that they were probably the remnants of this system. Unfortunately, it seems like the prevailing mindset in this state is that everyone needs to own a car to get anywhere (or try to with all of the construction). Hopefully, the country can recapitalize on the interurban concept one day to allow passenger traffic to move between major points and reduce congestion on the roads.
ed

Re: Detroit's new QLINE Streetcar

Unread post by ed »

The town of Kenosha Wisconsin purchased a few Detroit street cars and they run today for $ 1.00 taking folks around a 2 mile downtown loop. if you are ever in Kenosha - stop and take a ride. you will not be disappointed.
ed

Re: Detroit's new QLINE Streetcar

Unread post by ed »

I just do not understand all the fuss over street cars in Detroit. all they had to due was just dig up the rail lines that ran down Gratiot and Woodword ! we used those to transport people for many - many years.
Guest in Toledo

Re: Detroit's new QLINE Streetcar

Unread post by Guest in Toledo »

Thanks, Mr Link, for the post. The new street cars are an interesting option. Some Detroit visitors, like me, use the elevated People Mover for safely parking and getting around to the attractions, sports venues, casinos, and more in Detroit. 50+ years ago I remember the Greyhound bus station and the Corktown train station as the starting points in Detroit using taxi cabs to any destination.
Mr Link
Posts: 1198
Joined: December 6, 2014, 3:43 pm

Detroit's new QLINE Streetcar

Unread post by Mr Link »

Well, it isn't a boat, but it is brand new and shiny. And expected to be in operation in less than a year. Built by Brookville Equipment Corp. I believe:

http://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/ne ... /90810336/
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