Here are a few transportation stories we're reading this month.
QLine ridership up
The QLine released their annual report this week. The biggest news is that ridership is up 62% through August this year from the same time frame last year. The QLine has a daily average of 2,629 riders, which is still below their projected 3,000-5,000 per day. The streetcar is getting closer to its goal of streetcars arriving in 15 minutes or less; this year, they're at that mark 71% of the time. Also to note: the QLine remains free to use. You can read the annual report here. WXYZ
More SMART bus services in Oakland County
SMART added 68 new bus stops in Oakland County this month, expanding outreach in Novi, Wixom, and Bloomfield Hills. Voters passed a transit millage last November in Oakland County, and the system is getting more cohesive and less fragmented. Extended routes along Grand River and 12 Mile are included in this, as well as FAST stops along Woodward. Find a route here. Detroit Free Press
Taking the bus in Detroit
How long does it take to get to work when riding a bus in Detroit? CBS News follows one woman, who gets to the bus stop for her 7 a.m. bus which never comes, and catches the second bus later. After work, her downtown bus is on time, thankfully. We see these stories come along once in a while, and it's always a good reminder of how the bus service impacts residents of Detroit. CBS News Detroit
DTW #1
In a survey of mega airports across the country, Detroit Metro has ranked #1 in customer satisfaction. The North America Airport Satisfaction Study looked at terminal facilities; airport arrival/departure; baggage claim; security check; check-in/baggage check; and food, beverage, and retail. In the past year, DTW has made updates to the Evans (North) Terminal, as well as improved biometric/facial recognition in boarding, and reevaluated concession locations. A "mega" airport has 33 million or more passengers per year. Minneapolis and Las Vegas came in second and third. DBusiness
Carpool lanes on 75
A lane of I-75 (already built out) between 12 Mile and South Boulevard in Pontiac could be a carpool, or high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane soon. The house passed the measure this week, and Governor Whitmer is expected to sign it. The lanes would be HOV lanes between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday for vehicles with two or more people. Carpool lots will also be improved. Could it increase the number of people carpooling to work in Oakland County? Crain's Detroit Business
