so, it turns out that the streetcar is operational in detroit, as of yesterday. it's free this weekend - and i suspect, for many people, it always will be.
my honest assessment is that it's not likely that i'll use it during peak hours. to me, it's utility would be getting me back to the tunnel to catch the 1:09 bus, or maybe zooming me between bars, after hours. if the last run ends before 00:00, i'll never not prefer to walk, with the possible exception of wanting to flee the rain.
i'm not sure they'll see a demand for all night streetcars. but, that's the only use i'd really have for them.