BAR HARBOR, MAINE – In its 25th operating season, the Island Explorer bus service achieved a major milestone on Wednesday—serving its 10 millionth passenger. Beth Gearhart boarded the bus at Sand Beach, heading for the Bar Harbor Village Green, when she was informed that she was the 10 millionth passenger. She was greeted at the Bar Harbor Village Green by representatives of Friends of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Downeast Transportation, Maine Department of Transportation, and L.L.Bean.

“We celebrate Beth for her smart decision to ride the Island Explorer,” said Lisa Horsch Clark, Vice President of Development and Donor Relations for Friends of Acadia. “Not only is she reducing traffic congestion in the park, but she is reducing carbon emissions and the release of harmful air pollutants.”

Beth Gearhart, of Chambersburg, PA, is greeted at the Bar Harbor Village Green by representatives of Friends of Acadia, Acadia National Park, Downeast Transportation, Maine Department of Transportation, and L.L.Bean. (Photo by Evie Linantud/Friends of Acadia)

Initiated in 1999, the Island Explorer is a fare-free, propane-powered bus system that carries passengers through Acadia National Park and the surrounding gateway communities on Mount Desert Island and the Schoodic Peninsula. Since its inception, it is estimated that the bus system has eliminated more than 3.6 million private vehicle trips in the park and has prevented the release over 33,000 tons of greenhouse gases and 51 tons of smog-causing pollutants.

The Island Explorer picks up passengers at hotels and campgrounds throughout the communities surrounding the park and connects them to routes that travel to park destinations for a seamless recreational experience. Gearhart rode the bus Wednesday from her hotel to the Village Green, connecting onward to Sand Beach where she hiked the Beehive, Bowl, Gorham Mountain and Ocean Drive. This was Gearhart’s first trip to Acadia. She is from Chambersburg, PA.

Beth Gearhart, the Island Explorer’s 10 millionth passenger, is greeted by Lisa Horsch Clark, vice president of development at Friends of Acadia, as she steps off the bus. (Photo by Evie Linantud/Friends of Acadia)

Paul Murphy, Executive Director of Downeast Transportation, the non-profit organization that operates the Island Explorer bus system, thanked Gearhart as well as the 90 bus drivers and employees who help visitors find their way. “I am so grateful to the drivers and ambassadors who serve our passengers every day with professionalism and care. Each year, we survey our passengers and, time and again, the results show that our employees are exemplary in their work.”

The bus system is supported by many partners, including the National Park Service, which contributes a portion of every weekly and annual Acadia entrance pass to the bus system. “The Island Explorer is key to helping visitors access hiking trails, carriage roads, and other popular destinations in Acadia National Park without the worry of having to deal with parking congestion,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider, who was unable to be present at Wednesday’s event. “We thank the staff of Downeast Transportation, Inc. for its continued service to the community and congratulate them on achieving this remarkable milestone!” Brandon Bies, Deputy Superintendent, and John Kelly, Acadia’s Management Assistant, were on hand at the celebration to greet Gearhart.

An Island Explorer bus drives on the loop road on Aug. 1, 2024 in Acadia National Park, M.E. (Evie Linantud/Friends of Acadia)

The U.S. and Maine Departments of Transportation, municipalities surrounding the park, and area businesses also support the transit system. Passengers have the option of leaving an on-board donation, which generates around $50,000 annually for the Island Explorer.

Gearhart was presented with gifts from L.L.Bean and Friends of Acadia. L.L.Bean and FOA have been long-time partners in funding Island Explorer operations and in encouraging visitors to be good stewards of the park through messaging on the buses. Since 2002, L.L.Bean’s contributions and pledges to the bus system have totaled $5.5 million.

The Island Explorer runs twelve routes through Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities. Most Island Explorer routes will run through October 14, 2024, but the Bicycle Express to Eagle Lake concludes on September 30, 2024. Information and schedules are available online at www.exploreacadia.com.

Additional Coverage:

Island Explorer Bus System Celebrates 10 Millionth Passenger! – via Bar Harbor Story

Acadia’s free Island Explorer shuttle carries 10 millionth passenger – via MaineBiz

Island Explorer celebrates major milestone with passenger – via WABI