Detroit M-1 Rail To Be Known As 'QLINE'

DETROIT (WWJ) - A planned three-mile-long rail system in Detroit, formerly known as M-1, will be called "QLINE."

After several names (including RocketRail) had been swirling around for Detroit's "modern streetcar" since construction began in 2014, Quicken Loans on Thursday pulled back the curtain on the official name.

"The launch of QLINE marks a significant moment in the development of Detroit. Quicken Loans is proud to play our part in the beginning stages of modernizing the transit system in our burgeoning urban core," said Jay Farner, president and chief marketing officer of Quicken Loans.

QLINE, which will run a 6.6 mile loop along long Woodward Ave. from Downtown to New Center, is expected to begin operation early 2017. The first car is scheduled to be delivered late this year.

Quicken Loans says it's proud to play a part in modernizing the transit system in Detroit.

The company says it expects QLINE to "become a catalyst for economic growth," as has been in other communities that have implemented similar streetcar systems, including Portland, Dallas, Denver and Seattle.

"Quality, accessible mass transit is essential to thriving cities and QLINE will help Detroit become an increasingly more vibrant destination for everyone," said Matt Cullen, CEO, M-1 RAIL. "The M-1 RAIL board, donors and team have done an incredible job making this unprecedented public-private partnership happen and we are confident QLINE will be a catalyst for regional transit across Metro Detroit."

"Community after community has benefited from the economic benefits of urban rail systems. Each day we are getting more excited for the launch of QLINE and all the possibilities it will open for our community and our residents."

Gov. Rick Snyder expressed his support in a Facebook post:

"Great news for ‪#‎Detroit‬! The naming of the M-1 rail is another positive step forward for the city's comeback."

Billionaire Dan Gilbert and his company Quicken Loans were allowed the naming rights after Gilbert donated nearly $10 million to the $140 million project.

The federal government committed more than $37 million.