NEWS - MDOT and partner Amtrak offer special fare in honor of QLINE grand opening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2017 

CONTACT: Michael Frezell, MDOT Office of Communications, 517-281-6519
                     frezellm@michigan.gov
                     Marc Magliari, Amtrak Media Relations, 312-544-5390
                      MediaRelationsChicago@Amtrak.com 

MDOT and partner Amtrak offer special fare
in honor of QLINE grand opening

 Fast facts:

-    M-1 RAIL QLINE streetcar begins public service on May 12.
-    Amtrak is offering special $5 Fun Fares each way on the Wolverine Service to those who want to ride the new modern streetcars and enjoy downtown Detroit attractions.
-    QLINE and Amtrak have stations within walking distance of each other along Woodward Avenue. 

May 10, 2017 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and its partner Amtrak congratulate M-1 RAIL for inaugurating the QLINE streetcar service on May 12 along the M-1 (Woodward Avenue) corridor. For the first time since 1956, streetcars will be regularly operating along this route, which will offer more mobility choices and provide economic revitalization to Detroit.

            MDOT partnered with M-1 RAIL to coordinate Woodward Avenue roadwork and construction of the state's first modern streetcar line. As a result, this effort helped save time and money to make this important transportation project come to fruition.

            "This was a great partnership between our MDOT staff and M-1 RAIL," State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle said. "This coordination was a first for a state transportation agency. I am so thrilled to see how successful the project was and how beautiful this vital corridor now looks."    

            "MDOT has been an invaluable partner in building the QLINE and in support of regional transit," said M-1 RAIL President and CEO Matt Cullen. "The opening of the QLINE represents an important step toward better connecting our region."

            In honor of this historic event, MDOT and Amtrak are celebrating this addition to the state's transportation network by making it easier for the region to join the QLINE experience. From May 12 through 21, a $5 Fun Fare is available to ride each way on Amtrak Wolverine Service trains from Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Pontiac, Royal Oak, and Troy to the Amtrak Station in Detroit at 11 West Baltimore Ave. (at the corner of Woodward Avenue).

            The QLINE street car service runs right in front of the Amtrak station. Amtrak tickets must be bought using promo code V460 on Amtrak.com or its mobile apps. Up to two children (ages 2-12) can ride per adult for $2.50 each way.  

            "The QLINE and Amtrak offer great rail connectivity with both of their stations in close walking distance," said Tim Hoeffner, MDOT Office of Rail administrator. "This is a perfect way to travel to avoid traffic and parking." 

            Once on the QLINE, passengers have the opportunity to visit Detroit's many downtown attractions, like Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre, Wayne State University, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, casinos, stores, and unique restaurants. For more information on QLINE grand opening events, visit the M-1 RAIL website.   

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