News Release for January 24, 2012
For More Information, Please Contact:Ted Talbot, MaineDOT Public Information Officer - 624-3030
Community Buses Roll Into Maine
Augusta ? The Maine Department of Transportation welcomes a fleet of buses rolling into the state today for use by Maine community transit providers. A total of 14 Orion buses are being transferred by the Westchester (New York) County Public Works and Transportation Department to be received by the following communities:
? Biddeford/Saco/Old Orchard Beach Shuttle Bus in Biddeford is receiving four 30? buses, and one 40? bus (to be used for community service)? South Portland Bus Service is receiving two 30? buses? Bangor Community Connector is receiving five 30? buses? Ellsworth?s Downeast Transportation is receiving two 40? buses (to be used for commuter service)
In an effort that began in June of 2011, Al Schutz, general manager of ShuttleBus/Zoom, notified MaineDOT and the urban transit providers in the state that these buses were available. The New York Legislature approved the transfer, as they were no longer needed for the commuter service in Westchester County. The Federal Transit Administration offices in Region 2 New York and Region 1 Boston were pleased by the opportunity and helped facilitate this process.
?Through this transfer, buses will be put into service immediately in areas of the state that were in critical need of vehicles.? said MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt.
The buses will come into Maine through the Kittery Toll area today, bound for their service destinations.