Island Explorer. Use the Bus!

Oil is still gushing from the gulf and our leaders are busy pointing fingers but what about us? How can individuals make a difference in our very misguided addiction to oil? As individuals we can  creatively change our habits and the collective effect could make deep water drilling a thing of the past.

Right here in Acadia we have a great opportunity to do just that: The Island Explorer bus (click for schedule). This is no ordinary public transportation! In my opinion, it is a model for how all public transportation should be. First of all, it’s free. Who has time to fumble for change or figure out a complicated schedule when all you want is to get somewhere. Secondly, it’s not a service designed for the carless subset of society; it was created to encourage people to give up their car for a while and to reduce the smog levels in Acadia National Park. Third, the service is designed for taking visitors to all the park’s hot spots, so just about every place you would want to go has a bus stop nearby.  Finally, don’t worry about smelly diesel exhaust, the fleet of 33 buses run on propane.

This marks the 12th year the Island Explorer has been running, and yesterday, Wednesday, June 23 was the first day of full summer service. Since inception 10,250 tons of greenhouse gasses have not entered the atmosphere thanks to the service (as of July 27, 2009). Ten dollars of the $20 week park pass (vehicle and passengers)   goes toward the bus service. If you enter on foot the week pass is $5 per person. Island Explorer is also funded by Friends of Acadia, L. L. Bean and other local businesses.

Our two venerable political parties will continue to hurl epithets at each other about the cleanup, more drilling, whose at fault and what can be done to prevent more disasters. Vacationing in Acadia can be an eco-friendly experience, allowing the visitor to feel good enough about his or her choice. It is close to home for millions of people, outdoor activities don’t pollute and Island Explorer gives your car a vacation too.

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