Detroit's QLINE Extends Free Rides Until At Least Through 2022

DETROIT — The free rides on Detroit's QLINE will continue at least through the end of 2022, thanks in part to donations from the Penske Corporation and Kresge Foundation.

The free-ride program was originally expected to end Friday, after it was started when the QLINE reopened last September, following its shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

M-1 RAIL President Lisa Nuszkowski, who took over in January 2021, also said the QLINE launched a new rider benefits program to help investment in supporting local businesses along the route while continuing to grow ridership.

A list of businesses participating in the benefits program is available on the new QLINE website.

Officials are also looking to improve the QLINE's service by taking steps to provide more accurate time of arrivals and adding a "transit-only" lane near the Little Caesars Arena to reduce blockages and wait times.

The QLINE, which runs up and down a 3.3-mile stretch on Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit normally runs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. May will mark five years of its existence.