What's New

August 26, 2011

PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Hearing in Regards to the Proposed Multi-Modal Station
1500 Centre Station
Moline, IL 61265
This public hearing/engagement is open to all interested persons

DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-MODAL STATION FOR MOLINE AND THE REGION
--Anchoring a transit-enhanced business district and
historic downtown on the Mississippi River

Summary: Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District will hold a public hearing on the proposed Moline Multi-Modal Station and include two (2) public engagement sessions as described below;

to provide a description of the process to be used in developing the subject site;
to present a brief snapshot of the professional team’s analysis of the site and its district;
to present some trends that the professional team feels might be relevant for the site;
to get input from community members on how their values and aspirations for Moline and the larger region might intersect with the new Amtrak service and an energized downtown

Dates:
Public hearing/ public engagement session -Tuesday, August 30, 5:30pm-7:30pm.
Public Engagement session – Wednesday, August 31, 7:30am-9:30am

Address: Both the Public engagement sessions will be located at Centre Station Banquet Room, 1500 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265

Supplementary Information:
For Further Information, pre-register or to submit comments please contact:
Heather Roberts, Business Development Coordinator, MetroLINK
1515 River Drive, Moline, IL 61625. Telephone: (309) 786-3503. E-mail: hroberts@qcmetrolink.com
The dates and locations of the public hearings are provided in this notice. The public hearing locations are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Public participation is sought and encouraged at these meetings.

NEWS RELEASE - MOLINE, IL

February 2, 2011

MetroLINK / The Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit has announced that hundreds of rides were given yesterday, as Metro buses and drivers took to the streets transporting stranded individuals home from jobs, and taking others to work. Many new riders took Metro for the first time, including medical staff that needed to get to hospitals and facilities to care for patients. One rider stated yesterday was the first time she had taken a bus in twenty years, and expressed her sincere appreciation for Metro's willingness to continue service though the storm. Jennifer Garrity, spokesperson for Metro, states that "Customer service is one of our top priorities. We have plans in place to deal with winter storms, and our drivers and support staff understand people rely on us to get where they need to go, even in inclement weather. We applaud our drivers for the hard work and dedication they gave the community yesterday".

3.2 million rides were taken on Metro buses last year, up 10% from the previous year. Unlimited ride monthly passes are available for just $30. More information can be found at www.qcmetrolink.com or by calling customer service at (309) 788-3360.

Metro Magazine

January 25, 2011
Industry News

APTA to Obama: Make public transit part of State of Union

In a statement by American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President William Millar, he called on President Barack Obama to include public transportation as part of his upcoming State of the Union address:
"On behalf of the millions of Americans who rely on public transportation every day, I call on President Obama to address the urgent need for infrastructure investment, including public transportation, in his State of the Union Address tomorrow. This investment is key to putting our country onto the path of economic recovery and competitiveness.
Since the last federal surface transportation legislation expired nearly 16 months ago, President Obama should work with Congress to pass a new, well-funded, multi-year surface transportation authorization bill this year.
Transportation investments offer long-term benefits that last for many decades. First and foremost, public transportation investment is about jobs. For every $1 billion invested in public transit, 36,000 public and private sector jobs are supported and created. His continued support for investment in high-speed rail is important as it will create a new industry that will add thousands of jobs for American workers. Public transportation investment stimulates the economy in other ways as every $1 dollar invested in public transportation yields $4 in economic returns.
Creating and supporting jobs through transportation infrastructure investments should be a top priority for all our national leaders. The benefits are great both in the short and long term."

MetroLINK Receives $3.2 million in Recovery Act Funds

Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today announced that MetroLINK has received $3,257,536 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to purchase eight 40 foot replacement busses and install a passenger shelter at Quad City International Airport.

“Investing in infrastructure is the single best form of economic stimulus,” Hare said. “These recovery act funds will allow MetroLINK to continue to provide a safe, affordable, and energy efficient mode of public transportation for Quad City residents. Projects like these are exactly why I supported the economic recovery package.”

“We are grateful for this funding, which will allow us to replace our aging fleet at a quicker pace than we normally would be able to,” says Jeff Nelson, General Manager for MetroLINK. “We know a strong transportation network is vital to a thriving and sustainable community. These new clean burning buses, complete with our real-time next bus technology, gives us the opportunity to continue our commitment as an environmentally friendly agency.”

In March, Hare and Governor Pat Quinn highlighted MetroLINK’s greening efforts, including the acquisition of compressed natural gas (CNG) busses which will have significantly lower emissions than the current diesel ones.

Public Transit Saves an Individual Over $8,600 Annually – As Cost of Car Ownership Increases

WASHINGTON, DC – Riding public transportation and living with one less car in a household can save an individual $8,670 a year based on the April 8, 2009 national average gas price and the unreserved monthly parking rate.

Learn More