For Immediate Release – May 15, 2023
Contact: Laurie Linscott, Bus Superintendent
(207) 992-4672 -- laurie.linscott@bangormaine.gov
Courtney O’Donnell, Assistant City Manager/Director of Human Resources
(207) 992-4204 – courtney.odonnell@bangormaine.gov
Community Connector Bus Service and ADA Paratransit
SATURDAY SERVICE RETURNS
Bangor, Maine: The City of Bangor Community Connector is pleased to announce the return of Saturday Service effective Saturday, June 3, 2023!
Saturday service will resume with an updated schedule -- available soon on the City’s website, at the Transit Center, on buses, municipal offices of those within the system, and where tickets are sold.
In celebration, and to show our appreciation, fare will be FREE on Saturday, June 3rd.
We encourage everyone to Try Transit!
The City recognizes suspension of Saturday service created challenges for many who rely on the Community Connector. The tough decision was made due to a shortage of qualified drivers. Since then, the City has taken steps to recruit, retain, hire, and train new transit drivers. This includes implementing an in-house Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) program to successfully license individuals seeking their Commercial Drivers’ License. These efforts, combined with others, have resulted in a return of workforce numbers necessary to support operations six days a week.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as City staff has worked to expand our transit driver team needed to support service. We recognize the hardship experienced by riders in having no Saturday service and are excited to be able to bring it back starting in June,” said Council Chair Rick Fournier.
Service at the Transit Center is expected to be available Saturdays from 8 am – 4 pm.
Thank you for riding the Community Connector.
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The City of Bangor, Maine is a service center community of 31,753 residents and is the county seat of Penobscot County. Bangor is the major commercial and cultural center for much of northern and eastern Maine. The City is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. For information on City projects and news, see www.bangormaine.gov.