Trenton (TAN): The Island Explorer bus system inside United States’ Acadia National Park celebrated twenty years of service last week with the addition of 21 new propane-powered buses into the fleet.
The Island Explorer, a free transportation system run by Downeast Transportation, connects hotels and campgrounds with destinations inside the national park. It has transported over 7.7 million visitors since 1999, thereby cutting down around 41 tons of smog-causing pollutants and 27,000 tons of greenhouse gases emitted by over 2.9 million private vehicles.
Acadia National Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider said the Island Explorer was a crucial part of the visitor experience at the park.
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He added: “Thousands of visitors use the system each year to access hiking trails, the carriage roads, and other destinations in a safe, convenient manner. It’s been an incredible 20-year partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation, local towns, L.L.Bean, Friends of Acadia, Downeast Transportation, and more.”
The Island Explorer, that started with just eight buses at the outset, now possesses 31 operating buses, six spare buses, four vans and two bicycle trailers, and hires around 110 drivers each year.
Executive Director of Downeast Transportation Paul Murphy said: “We are so fortunate to have a large group of dedicated drivers who attend to visitor needs and traffic safety. Our employees are the heart and soul of the Island Explorer.”
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Murphy thanked Washington, D.C.-based non-profit organisation Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) for its help in the hunt for manufacturers that would construct the propane-powered buses, since the older bus models were out of supply. PERC introduced Wisconsin-based company Hometown Manufacturing that developed the new buses.
Chief Executive Officer of PERC Tucker Perkins said: “Today Acadia National Park continues to lead the way with its commitment to clean air and a better and healthier environment using propane fueled buses. These propane buses enhance the park experience for everyone because they are cleaner, quieter, and efficient. Propane is an important part of the emerging clean energy economy and it is an important part of America’s clean energy mix.”
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While the National Park Service and the State of Maine supported the funding, the acquisition was managed by the Maine Department of Transportation along with Downeast Transportation.
“Easy, hassle-free travel is part of Maine’s state brand. The Island Explorer is a key component to that brand, enabling visitors from all over the country and world to enjoy the natural beauty of Acadia National Park and surrounding region with ease,” said Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Bruce Van Note.
The Island Explorer will start serving Mount Desert Island and Trenton from June 23.
