The Island Explorer bus system has carried nearly eight million people to destinations in and near Acadia National Park for the past 20 years. Initiated in 1999, the Island Explorer is a fare-free, LPG-powered bus system with 10 routes that serve Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities on Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula, in Maine.

During the celebration, on 14 June, the authorities highlighted the partnership that supports the Island Explorer and the acquisition of 21 new Autogas buses that will carry Island Explorer into the future.

“Over two decades and millions of passengers, the Island Explorer has helped to reduce congestion and pollution, clearly becoming an integral part of the Acadia experience,” said Friends of Acadia President and CEO David MacDonald. “This latest purchase of new equipment, and continued support by the National Park Service, the State of Maine, L.L.Bean, Friends of Acadia, and the broader community clearly signals that the Island Explorer will continue to play a vital role in helping to address traffic and transportation issues going forward.”

The Island Explorer bus system is operated by Downeast Transportation Inc. in cooperation with the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maine Department of Transportation, Friends of Acadia, L.L.Bean, and surrounding municipalities. The goal of the bus system is to reduce traffic congestion and pollution to improve the visitor experience and help preserve the scenic beauty and natural resources of Acadia National Park. For more information, please check this link.

19 June 2019