Senator Collins Announces $10.2 Million for Public Transit Buses in Maine

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Chairman of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that public transit systems in Bangor, Trenton, and Portland have received a total of $10,218,316 to purchase buses, make transit improvements, and construct an intermodal facility at Acadia National Park.  This funding was administered through the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.

“Maine’s public transportation systems provide good-paying jobs and are critical for those who rely on bus services to travel to and from work, school, health care appointments, grocery stores, and pharmacies.  During typical summer months, Maine’s public bus systems have successfully reduced traffic congestion, providing visitors with the best experience possible while preserving and protecting resources for local residents,” said Senator Collins.  “These important investments will support needed improvements to the public bus systems in Bangor and Mount Desert Island, helping to ensure effective, safe, and reliable transportation for all riders and improve the visitor experience at Acadia National Park.”

The funding was allocated as follows:

·         The Community Connector Public Transit System in Bangor received $396,800 to implement fixed route bus stops, build bus shelters, and eliminate flag stops, maintaining critical services and giving users access to safe and reliable transportation.

·         The Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton received $9,000,000 to complete Phase 2 of this transformative project, which will establish a full-service intermodal facility that will benefit the local and state economies, as well as address severe transit deficiencies in the region. Phase 1 of the project (a bus maintenance garage, Park and Ride lot and propane fueling station) was completed in 2012.  When completed, the Acadia Gateway Center will be a place where visitors can park their vehicles and get information about Acadia National Park and will improve both the visitor experience as well as the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

·         The Greater Portland Transit District received $821,526 to purchase two 2020 40-foot low floor, ramp-equipped, clean diesel buses to ensure lower operating and maintenance costs while minimizing service disruptions due to malfunctioning equipment.

The Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program assists in the financing of buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing, or leasing bus-related facilities.

Senator Collins wrote to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of the grant applications submitted by the Community Connector Public Transit System in Bangor, the Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton, and the Greater Portland Transit District.

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