Federal Grant Will Help Transform Island Explorer Fleet in Acadia Region

Shaun Farrar Feb 26, 2026 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by First National Wealth Management. ACADIA REGION—Thanks to a $23 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, the Island Explorer transportation system will start replacing its older buses in the near future. The grant, administered by the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT), will also have matching funds of $5,882,250. The National … Continue reading Federal Grant Will Help Transform Island Explorer Fleet in Acadia Region

carriejonesbooksFebruary 26, 2026Leave a comment

acadia national park, news

After Record 2025 Crowds, Acadia Expands Island Explorer Service for Earlier Start

Two routes will be active Memorial Day Weekend Carrie Jones Jan 27, 2026 MOUNT DESERT ISLAND—Acadia had an all-time record visitation in 2025 and as both Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park continue to work on ways to mitigate either road congestion or decrease serious injury crashes, the Island Explorer will be starting a bit earlier this year and will be running some routes for Memorial … Continue reading After Record 2025 Crowds, Acadia Expands Island Explorer Service for Earlier Start

carriejonesbooksJanuary 27, 2026January 27, 2026Leave a comment

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All Buses Head to Bar Harbor . . .

League of Towns Talks Island Explorer and Transportation Carrie Jones Sep 23, 2025 The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Havana. MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION—Several members of the League of Towns, September 23, said that they were concerned about the effectiveness of the newly opened Acadia Gateway Center in encouraging people to leave their cars in Trenton and take the free Island Explorer bus to … Continue reading All Buses Head to Bar Harbor . . .

carriejonesbooksSeptember 23, 2025Leave a comment

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THE 1932 CRITERION THEATRE ANNOUNCES REOPENING CELEBRATION AND STAR-STUDDED 2025 SCHEDULE OF LIVE PERFORMANCES

Briefs and Press Releases: Fun Things to Do on Saturday, Island Explorer MDI Service Begins on June 23, Real Estate, Jax Forum for Discovery, St. Saviour’s Folk Music Series Carrie Jones Jun 13, 2025 Share A QUICK NOTE FROM US: Each week, we compile briefs and press releases and event images and share them all in one (sometimes very long) story. Our briefs article is … Continue reading THE 1932 CRITERION THEATRE ANNOUNCES REOPENING CELEBRATION AND STAR-STUDDED 2025 SCHEDULE OF LIVE PERFORMANCES

carriejonesbooksJune 13, 2025Leave a comment

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Warrant Committee Almost Agrees With Council Budget Recommendations

MDI YMCA and Island Explorer Discussed Carrie Jones Mar 25, 2025 Share The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Window Panes Home and Garden. BAR HARBOR—One $15,000 difference between the town council and warrant committee budget recommendations caused the warrant committee to not officially recommend the town council’s budget, 10-3, Monday night. The voters will approve or amend the budget at the town’s June 3 … Continue reading Warrant Committee Almost Agrees With Council Budget Recommendations

carriejonesbooksMarch 25, 2025Leave a comment

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Transit Hub for Travelers to Mount Desert Island Opening in June

Mar 14, 2025 by Bill Trotter TRENTON—The state is nearing completion of a visitors’ center in Trenton that is designed to help reduce seasonal traffic congestion on Mount Desert Island. The $27 million Acadia Gateway Center is expected to be completed by the end of June, according to the Maine Department of Transportation. The building will be a place where people visiting MDI and Acadia National Park can … Continue reading Transit Hub for Travelers to Mount Desert Island Opening in June

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Events, history

Island Explorer Bus System Celebrates 10 Millionth Passenger!

Fare-free, Propane-Powered System Carries Thousands Every Year Carrie Jones Sep 26, 2024 Share The Bar Harbor Story is generously sponsored by Gary Friedmann for State Representative. BAR HARBOR—”Something is going on,” said the man hopping off the Island Explorer bus at the Bar Harbor Village Green on Wednesday afternoon. The woman behind him made wide eyes. “Something,” she said, eyeing the people standing in clusters on … Continue reading Island Explorer Bus System Celebrates 10 Millionth Passenger!

carriejonesbooksSeptember 26, 2024Leave a comment