The Loop returns for another year, beginning Friday. The low cost bus service connecting four downtowns in the Quad Cities will run on Friday and Saturday nights, through October.
Becky Passman, from the Bi-State Regional Commission, says the Loop started running in 2010, on Thursdays through Sundays, all year-round. Then last fall, it shut down for the winter.
"We looked at the ridership, looked at the numbers, and determined that the best use of budget was to have the service running when the demand was greatest. And the demand was greatest during May to October when the weather is nicer, and there's a lot of outdoor activities, and the festivals and concerts are going on."
Passman says starting Friday night, the Loop will run fewer days, but longer hours, and with all four buses instead of just three. The hours will be Friday and Saturday nights, from 6 pm to 3:30 am, connecting downtown Moline, Rock Island, Davenport, and Bettendorf, with additional stops in the village of East Davenport and at Augustana College. The fare is one dollar.
More information is on The Loop website and Facebook page.