Detroit streetcar on forefront of branding for public transit

Selling the naming rights for an entire mass transit system puts Detroit future streetcar on the forefront of a trend in public transportation, say several industry analysts.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

December 23, 2015

Detroit streetcar on forefront of branding for public transit — M-1 Rail rendering

1 min to read

DETROIT — When the 3.3-mile modern streetcar, M-1 Rail debuts in 2017, it may be officially known as M-1 “RocketRail” – one of the names Quicken Loans Inc. has federally trademarked. For $5 million, Detroit-based Quicken bought the right to name the line for 10 years, The Detroit News reported.

Selling the naming rights for an entire mass transit system puts Detroit future streetcar on the forefront of a trend in public transportation, say several industry analysts, according to the report.

“Detroit is on the cutting edge of this and we should expect to see more,” said Robert Puentes, who studies public transportation and infrastructure issues at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, The Detroit News reported.

For the full story, click here.

Topics:M-1 Rail Michigan naming rights private investment streetcars Management Rail

More Rail

Rail•by News/Media Release•May 4, 2026

Operation Lifesaver Awards Rail Safety Outreach Funds in 12 States

Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.

Rail•by Staff•May 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Management•May 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Management•by Alex Roman•April 29, 2026

How Transit Architecture Is Reshaping the Rider Journey

In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.

Rail•by Staff•April 27, 2026

Chicago Kicks Off Historic Red Line Extension at Michigan Avenue Station Site

The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.

Security and Safety•by Staff•April 27, 2026

USDOT Invests $1.1B to Enhance Safety Infrastructure at Railroad Crossings

Every year, more than 2,000 incidents and 300 fatalities occur at railroad crossings nationwide.

Siemens and LK Comstock photo for Fulton-Liberty Lines

Security and Safety•by Staff•April 27, 2026

NYC’s Fulton–Liberty Lines Get Digital Signal Upgrade from Siemens and L.K. Comstock

The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.