By Taylor Jenkins The Communicator
Twenty-seven years have passed since the last streetcar pulled into downtown Detroit. The city of Detroit will have the streetcar finished by the end of year 2016.
The M-1 Rail is a nonprofit organization formed to lead the progress of the streetcar along Woodward Avenue between Congress Street and West Grand Blvd. in Detroit. Even though it costs $140 million to build -- and $5.5 million dollars to run each year -- citizens are thrilled to see the new train being built.
“I’m so excited to be able to get around downtown without having to use the buses anymore,” said Richard Taylor, who lives downtown.
Being accessible for older and disabled people will bring in more business because during the week the majority of people who will ride the train will be senior citizens and others trying to get to work.
The streetcar is meant to be an investment to bring in more money.
At $1.50 per ride, you can enjoy the scenery of downtown Detroit. There will be six 60-foot driver-operated conventional cars riding along the lower part of Woodward.
“I am really happy to be able to ride on a train for the first time,” said local Tori Satchel. “I’ve never been able to ride one because of the area we live in, but now I finally get the chance.”
The new M- 1 Rail could also help bring money and people to Detroit, especially to the new restaurants along the route, such as Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery, Townhouse, Parks & Rec, and Central Kitchen + Bar.
The streetcar will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.
