Transdev obtains $15.5 million contract to operate Detroit streetcar

Detroit's M-1 Rail has awarded a five-year, $15.5 million contract to Transdev for operations and maintenance of the city's QLINE streetcar.

A mockup of a QLINE ticket
Source: Quicken Loans

Under the contract, Transdev will be responsible for hiring staff, training and managing streetcar operators, service operations, dispatch, vehicle and track maintenance, and fare enforcement, M-1 Rail officials said in a press release.

The initial contract is renewable for up to five additional years.

"In selecting Transdev, we are bringing a premiere international provider of streetcar operations services to Detroit," said Paul Childs, chief operating officer for M-1 Rail. "Our partnership with Transdev ensures the QLINE will provide a safe, reliable and best-in-class transit experience for our ridership."

QLINE streetcars will travel along a 3.3-mile route along Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit. The streetcar is expected to begin service in 2017.