U.S. Department of Energy | Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Oct. 13, 2012

Propane Buses Shuttle Visitors in Maine (Text Version)

This is a text version of the video segment Propane Buses Shuttle Visitors in Maine, which aired on Oct. 13, 2012.

JOHN DAVIS: Our success story this week takes us from the summit to the sea in the idyllic town of Bar Harbor, Maine, for a ride aboard the Island Explorer fleet of propane-powered shuttle buses. Downeast Transportation acquired their first propane buses in 1999 as part of a federal grant designed to ease traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Their current fleet of 35 buses travels eight preplanned routes, taking visitors from their lodgings to a downtown Bar Harbor bus depot and then out to various must-see sights like Jordan Pond at Acadia National Park. Company officials say they're exploring other green technologies for future use, such as hybrid electric buses.

PAUL MURPHY: We need to be able to purchase vehicles that will both serve our needs and get the job done, but will be cost effective and clean.

JOHN DAVIS: Downeast Transportation's new Gold LEED-certified headquarters includes a covered fueling station and an 18,000-gallon propane tank. Island Explorer works with a number of state and federal stakeholders, including the outdoor gear experts at L.L.Bean—all helping to make the Pine Tree State greener than ever.