This award aims to support the regional transit authority of southeast michigan (RTA) qline streetcar including purchasing essential preventative maintenance equipment for its transit services

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $1,376,658 to the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on September 10, 2025, for preventative maintenance and infrastructure upgrades to the QLINE streetcar system serving the Detroit metropolitan area. The award funds critical transit assets maintenance activities including regular inspections and servicing of streetcar tracks, signals, power substations, and battery replacement packages, as well as rehabilitation and upgrades to QLINE stations to enhance passenger safety and comfort.

Additionally, the award supports upgrades to the QLINE's signaling and communications systems to improve operational efficiency and reduce service delays. The RTA will serve as the direct recipient and project manager with no subrecipients involved. Expected outcomes include enhanced service reliability, improved operational scheduling and passenger wait times, extended asset lifespan through preventative maintenance, and a safer commuting environment for Detroit residents utilizing the QLINE services along the Woodward Avenue Corridor. The project is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2028.

Activities

Activities funded by this award include preventative maintenance such as:- regular inspections upkeep and servicing of streetcar tracks signals power substations and other critical infrastructure like battery replacement packages.- rehabilitation and upgrades for qline stations and other assets to enhance passenger safety and comfort.- upgrading the qlines signaling and communication systems to improve operational efficiency and reduce delays.

Expected outcomes

This award is expected to significantly enhance service reliability across qline service by maintaining critical infrastructure and reducing service disruptions which will improve the overall passenger experience. For the qline system upgrades to signaling and communications will streamline operations making scheduling more efficient and reducing wait times for passengers. Safety improvements such as enhancements to power substations signaling and rail tracks will create a safer commuting environment across all services. Preventative maintenance and timely upgrades will extend the lifespan of essential assets reducing the need for costly repairs in the future.

Intended beneficiaries

The primary beneficiaries of this award include detroit residents who rely on the qline services for efficient safe and reliable transit along key routes including the woodward avenue corridor.

Subrecipient activities

None. The RTA will be the designated and direct recipient of funds and will manage the qline project activities directly.