Ben Limmer, Executive Director of the Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District, recently provided an update on MetroLINK services, major capital improvements and plans for the future of public transportation in the Quad Cities.
Limmer’s presentation highlighted MetroLINK’s fixed-route bus system, which includes 12 routes operating seven days a week and serving Moline, Rock Island, East Moline, Silvis, Milan, Carbon Cliff, Hampton and Colona. The system provides approximately 2.2 million rides annually, with about half of those trips made by commuters and another 30 percent connected to school-age and college transportation.
The current fixed-route fare is $1.
MetroLINK also provides ADA paratransit service for individuals who are unable to use the regular fixed-route system because of a physical, cognitive or visual disability. Paratransit operates within three-quarters of a mile of fixed bus routes and has a $2 fare per trip.
Another growing transportation option is Metro Micro, MetroLINK’s on-demand microtransit service. Riders can request trips through the Metro Micro & Para mobile app and receive pickup and drop-off service within the designated service area. The existing microtransit service area includes Milan, with rides costing $1.
Limmer also highlighted the Channel Cat passenger ferry system. MetroLINK operates three 49-passenger ferryboats serving four docks along the Mississippi River. The Channel Cat provides approximately 44,000 rides annually during its May-through-October season. Adult fares are $8, fares for children ages 2 through 10 are $4, and children under age 2 ride free when accompanied by an adult.
A significant portion of the presentation focused on capital investments planned or underway throughout the MetroLINK system.
The $2.5 million renovation of Centre Station was completed in October 2025 and included improvements to the customer waiting area, Metro Shop and office space.
A $1.6 million replacement of the Village of East Davenport ferry dock was completed in June 2026. The project included a new dock, walkway, fencing and signage.
MetroLINK is also planning a new ferry dock at The Bend in East Moline. The $2.9 million project will include a new dock, parking, streetscape improvements and customer amenities, with completion anticipated in fall 2027.
Looking further ahead, MetroLINK plans to deploy two new hybrid and electric ferryboats as part of a $12 million project. The vessels are expected to eventually operate from the new ferry dock at The Bend and are projected to enter service in 2029.
A $16.5 million expansion of MetroLINK’s Operations and Maintenance Center is also planned. The expansion will provide additional space for fleet and ferryboat storage and maintenance and is expected to be completed in 2028.
Electrification continues to be another major area of investment. MetroLINK is planning a $1.2 million project to install overhead pantograph chargers at East Pointe in East Moline. The chargers will allow electric buses to recharge while in service, with completion expected during summer 2027.
East Pointe itself is also scheduled for $1.75 million in renovations, including improvements to HVAC, electrical systems, security and safety systems, and overall building efficiency. That project is also expected to be completed in summer 2027.
MetroLINK is expanding electric vehicle infrastructure beyond its transit fleet as well. A $3.6 million project is bringing Level 3 fast-charging stations to four locations. Chargers at The Q in Moline and the East Moline Public Library have been completed, while additional charging locations are planned at the former John Deere Collectors Center lot in Moline and at The Bend in East Moline.
Technology upgrades are also coming for riders. MetroLINK is investing $1.4 million in a new fare collection system that will replace traditional cash fareboxes and introduce a tap-to-pay option. Implementation is expected in 2027.
Another $1 million project will replace video surveillance equipment aboard MetroLINK vehicles and at its facilities. Deployment of the new system is expected in 2027.
Limmer’s presentation also looked beyond construction projects to improving the overall customer experience. Initiatives include MetroLINK’s “America 250” campaign, Channel Cat Music Sessions, development of the 2026 “Miles that Matter” Strategic Plan and the “Next Mile Transit Study.”
Other planned efforts include biennial onboard customer surveys, a MetroLINK website redesign, additional bus shelter planning and real-time passenger information signage.
Together, the projects represent tens of millions of dollars in planned and recently completed investment in MetroLINK’s buses, ferries, facilities, technology and passenger amenities as the agency prepares for the next generation of public transportation in the Quad Cities.