Nightlife for Augie students is revving up with the introduction of a new Metro route. Students looking for nightlife, food and entertainment beyond campus will now have a safer and more affordable way to explore the Quad Cities with the expanded route 53 Late Night Loop service. It connects the campus not only to downtown Rock Island, but also to downtown Moline.
The Late Night Loop made its first official run on Friday, Sept. 19, marking a milestone in student accessibility and community connection.
The route began as a simple idea from local entrepreneur Dan Bush, who owns Bummer City Inc., the company behind venues such as Late Rider and Armored Gardens, with a focus on creating unique and fun spaces for young people.
Ashley Allen Smith, community engagement manager for Moline, said that when Bush approached the city’s economic development manager, Chris Parr, with the proposal, the response was enthusiastic.
“Dan Bush reached out and asked if we would be interested in supporting the idea of having a route from Augustana to downtown Moline, and, of course, we were more than happy to help,” Smith said.
From there, she said city staff and MetroLINK officials worked together to show that a bus line connecting the campus and downtown Moline would not only be feasible, but also well used by students. The process, which might normally take months of negotiation, moved forward with surprising speed, Bush said.
“I just called someone from the city of Moline and asked if it would be possible to get a bus route to downtown,” Bush said. “Three weeks later, they called me back and said, ‘It’s done.’ There were literally zero issues.”
The service will run on Friday and Saturday nights from 10:30 p.m. to 2:10 a.m., with buses arriving every 20 minutes at main stops and pickup points on campus. Pickups will be located at the intersections downtown.
With just a student ID, students can ride for free. and without one, the fare is $1.
MetroLINK Manager of Administration Jennifer Hirsch said that this new route is just the latest step in a long-standing partnership with Augustana. She said that MetroLINK’s collaboration with the college goes back to 2009, when an agreement was introduced allowing students, staff and faculty to ride the bus system for free with their school ID.
“We’ve worked with Augustana for many years through our unlimited ride program and our late-night service to Rock Island,” Hirsch said. “When we heard there was interest in expanding to Moline, of course we said yes.”
Students have long described campus life as living inside the “Augie bubble.” While Rock Island has its fair share of restaurants and bars, many students rarely venture off campus often because of limited transportation.
“If you just limit yourself to Rock Island, and you’re not made aware of what’s happening in Moline or Bettendorf, then you’re really missing out on your college experience,” Bush said.
For downtown Moline businesses, the route brings a welcome influx of young energy. Bush said that his own venues and other businesses are now more accessible to students and can now access more easily, from restaurants like Lemongrass Cafe and Melis Cafe to community spaces like Atlas Collective bookstore.
Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati, who also teaches at Augustana, sees the route as a win-win.
“Transportation like this leads to better engagement,” she said. “Students get to see more of the Quad Cities, share those experiences with their families and avoid feeling stuck in the Augie bubble. At the same time, our businesses and cultural institutions benefit from their involvement.”
She also pointed out that making students feel connected to the QC is key to retaining future talent.
“The more connected students feel, the more likely they are to stay and invest their talents here after graduation,” Rayapati said.
Looking forward, both Bush and Hirsch said expansions are possible if students show consistent interest.
“My goal would be to eventually see a dinner-time route so students could come out for more than just late-night activities,” Bush said.
Hirsch added, “We always welcome feedback. If students have suggestions, we want to know. The more you use it, the easier it is to make the case for more routes and longer hours.”
The launch of the Late Night Loop marks more than just a new line on a transit map. For Augustana students, it represents freedom, adventure and safety. For the city of Moline, it represents economic growth, stronger community ties and the chance to weave students into the fabric of the QC.
“This kind of connection helps students see themselves as part of the QC community, not just visitors here for four years. That’s a win for everyone,” Rayapati said.
Buses will now continue rolling every weekend, carrying students not only to late-night food and music, but to a stronger sense of belonging in the wider community.