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.