Sheryl Sieversten, one of the drivers of the downtown riverfront circulator known as The Loop describes her job in a way that makes her sound like she’s a tour guide. But rather than out-of-towners visiting for the first time, Sheryl’s guests are usually local residents. ”We point out all of the things to do in the Quad Cities that they have forgotten about,” she explains.
The Loop Bus - one of three vehicles in the QC-area, riverfront connector service.
The Loop is a unique approach to re-introducing residents to their downtowns. Three buses make regular, hour-long routes through downtown Bettendorf, Davenport, Rock Island and Moline – making a minimum of fifteen stops per circuit and charging passengers only $1 for a fare ($3 for a extended fare that allows multiple trips in one evening).
The Loop also connects with all of the transit systems in the Quad Cities, on both sides of the river. That includes the Channel Cat water taxi that operates during the summer. ”Nobody else in the country has a tour bus like this,” said Sieversten.
A Great Way to Travel
The interior of each bus is spacious, clean and temperature controlled – and features large windows that allow passengers to take in the passing scenery. On-board video screens provide information about the area, things to do and places to go.
By providing a printed rider’s guide with restaurant information, route guides and maps of each downtown and then connecting the Loop to community entertainment centers like the iWireless Center, the District, the Waterfront Convention Center and downtown Davenport’s 3rd & Harrison area; transit operators have made it easier for residents to enjoy a night out on the town.
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