1970
The Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District was created in November for the purpose of putting new life and new sources of funds into the transit system.
In December, by a 63% majority vote and then four participating cities (East Moline, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis) voted and approved the creation of a municipal corporation and gave the District power to levy taxes.
1971
In September 1971, a petition made the Village of Milan a part of the District.
1983
The Quad City Transit Facility was built in Rock Island, Illinois. The facility accommodates both MetroLINK and Davenport CitiBus vehicles. A third entity in the facility is the Quad City Garage Policy Group. This group services both fleets of vehicles.
1988
A public contest was held to rename the transit system. This contest was held to replace the acronym RICMMTD and to increase name recognition. The name chosen in the contest is the current name – MetroLINK.
1992
By resolution of the Board, the Villages of Carbon Cliff and Green Rock (now Colona) were added to the District.
On December 1, MetroLINK initiated a Paratransit Service to complement its wheelchair accessible, fixed-route bus service. MetroLINK has contracted with a local private, not-for profit agent to provide the service.
1993
By Board resolution, the Village of Hampton was added to the District.
In March, as part of the Transportation Brokerage Program that encourages public and private carrier transportation, MetroLINK’s Ground Transportation Services at the Quad City Airport was off the ground in.
In October, MetroLINK began operating the Moline Ticket Agency for Greyhound Lines, Inc., from the Quad City Airport.
1994
Beginning in May 1994, MetroLINK entered into a contract with the City of Davenport to manage the Davenport CitiBus Transit System. (Severed in 2000), CitiBus vehicles continue to be maintained by the Quad City Garage Policy Group.
1995
MetroLINK added Illini Swallow Lines to its family of mass transportation services provided.
1998
MetroLINK took over operation of the Channel Cat Water Taxi.
On May 4, MetroLINK and the City of Moline proudly introduced the Quad Cities' Newest Landmark - Centre Station.
1999
Burlington Trailways assumed Illini Swallow Lines routes. MetroLINK added the U-Tran Vanpooling program to its products and services. This expansion of the traditional carpool program allows social service agencies and corporate/industrial Quad Cities to meet their constituents and employees transportation needs while MetroLINK takes care of the insurance, maintenance and fueling of the vehicles.
2000
The year 2000 brought the addition of a second boat to the Channel Cat Water Taxi fleet. Two new boats were acquired allowing for hour service during peak hours.
2001
Two new programs, CityLINK and RuralLINK, were initiated expanding MetroLINK‘s role as a transportation leader.
2002
MetroLINK’s addition of 23 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses reaffirmed MetroLINK’s commitment to the community it serves. Based on ridership the CityLINK service to Iowa City was terminated in April Based on funding the RuralLINK service was terminated in October During the fall, to enhance the safety and security of MetroLINK employees and passengers, cameras were installed in buses.
2003
The spring brought the installation of a Computer Aided Dispatching service and an Automated Vehicle Locator system.
2004
Ground transportation moved from the Airport location to Centre Station connecting with Greyhound.
2005
December 21, MetroLINK opened East Pointe, a new transit hub located in downtown East Moline.