DETROIT – The QLINE streetcar made its first appearance Tuesday for testing on Woodward Avenue.Â
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan held a morning news conference with Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and M-1 RAIL executives.Â
Recommended Videos
According to M-1 RAIL:
"At the conclusion of the event, the QLINE will depart the Penske Technical Center. It will then be attached to a vehicle and towed the full 6.6-mile loop as part of the regular testing protocol. No passengers will be on board."
The streetcar left the center and was expected to reach the Warren Avenue station at about 10:30 a.m. It had to be towed by a truck because the overhead wires are not installed yet.Â
Sign up for ClickOnDetroit breaking news alerts and email newsletters
Previous reports:Â
%
QLINE passenger operations are scheduled to start in spring 2017.
The $140 million project will extend 3.3 miles north along Woodward Avenue from Downtown Detroit. The three-piece streetcars are each 66 feet long and will carry an average of 125 passengers per car.
Qline Detroit hits the road for a test. More on Local 4 News @ noon. pic.twitter.com/RxpDi29kJx
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) December 13, 2016
This is a test, only a test. Ignore the tow truck! pic.twitter.com/wCJw8RLlm4
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) December 13, 2016
Tow truck needed because overhead wires not hot yet. pic.twitter.com/q0XIIFtqM6
— Rod Meloni (@RodMeloni) December 13, 2016
The Q-Line of the @M1RAIL has rolled out onto Woodward and is ready for testing! #QLine #Detroit #transit pic.twitter.com/KVR5TLhV2B
— City of Detroit (@CityofDetroit) December 13, 2016