MOLINE, Ill. — The Channel Cat Water Taxi officially closed for the 2021 season. Sunday, Oct. 17 marked the last day people could ride the water taxi across the Mississippi River.
The water taxi would usually close Labor Day weekend, but due to the unseasonably warm weather, MetroLINK kept it running for an extra month.
The water taxi ran daily through four stops in the Quad Cities: Riverbend Commons and John Deere Commons in Moline, Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf and the Village of East Davenport.
Mary Turnbaugh visited Sunday to ride the Channel Cat for one last time this year. She said the taxi was a must-do summer activity for her, and she would often ride it several times during the season.
"It's really inexpensive form of entertainment and a way to enjoy the beautiful river and the scenery, the falls leaves, perfect weather," Turnbaugh said. "It's really fun, and it's just a nice relaxing day. You can ride it as long as you want. Get off in Iowa and go have lunch, get back on, bring a book, bring a friend, whatever. I came alone today, so just gonna enjoy the solitude of the river."
Turnbaugh had been riding the water taxi since it was launched in 1995. Recently, she enjoyed watching the progression on the new I-74 bridge.
The Channel Cat service is expected to resume next year on Memorial Day weekend.