midcoast council of governmentsmidcoastcog.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/mcog-2012-regional... ·...

Midcoast Council of Governments

A Regional Transit Network Study for Topsham, Brunswick, Freeport, West Bath and Bath

Revised August 31, 2012

Prepared by Planning Decisions, Inc. Hallowell, ME 04347

www.planningdecisions.com

Table of Contents A. Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1 B. Executive Summary .................................................................................................. 2 C. Existing Public Transportation ........................................................................... 4

1. Local bus services .................................................................................................. 4 2. Regional Transit .................................................................................................... 7 3. Private transportation services............................................................................ 9

D. Estimating Demand ............................................................................................ 10 1. Transit Dependent Populations ........................................................................ 10 2. Workers ................................................................................................................ 14 3. CTAA Demand Models...................................................................................... 16 4. Comparable regions ............................................................................................ 17

E. Destination Interest ................................................................................................ 20 F. Approach ................................................................................................................. 28

1. Create a regional spine while maintaining local service ............................... 28 2. Knit together local systems with service changes and extensions ............... 33

G. Downeaster .......................................................................................................... 37 H. Marketing Recommendations ........................................................................... 39 I. Next Steps ................................................................................................................ 41 Appendix A: Interviewees ............................................................................................ 42 Appendix B: Rider and Driver Survey ........................................................................ 47

2012 MCOG Regional Transit Study Page 1

A. Introduction

This report presents a study of the public transportation network in Topsham, Brunswick, Freeport, West Bath and Bath. Its purpose is to provide background for consideration of creating a more robust regional public transportation system to allow residents and visitors to travel between these communities. The study was conducted by the Midcoast Council of Governments (MCOG) with assistance from Planning Decisions, Inc. and support from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Maine Office of Community Development. It was prepared for and guided by an advisory committee that included the following people and organizations:

• Anna Breinich, Planner, Town of Brunswick • Stephanie Slocum, Executive Director, Brunswick Downtown Association • Rich Roedner, Planner, Town of Topsham • Pam Hile, Town Administrator, Town of West Bath • Andrew Deci, Planner, City of Bath • Jennifer Geiger, Executive Director, Main Street Bath • Donna Larson, Planner, Town of Freeport • Sandra Updegraph, Executive Director, Freeport Economic Development Corporation (FEDC) • Myra Hopkins, Executive Director, FreeportUSA • Lee Karker, Executive Director, Coastal Trans • Jim Huff, Program Director, Coastal Trans

Research for the study included the compilation of demographic and economic data for the region, stakeholder interviews (including retailers and senior service providers (Appendix A), interviews with management at other regional bus services, and rider and driver surveys (Appendix B).


B. Executive Summary

This report presents a study of the public transportation network in Topsham, Brunswick, Freeport, West Bath and Bath (the market area). Its purpose is to provide background for consideration of creating a more robust regional public transportation system to allow residents and visitors to travel between these communities. There are two existing transit systems in the region: the Bath CityBus, which is funded primarily by federal, state and local municipal funds; and the Brunswick Explorer, which serves Brunswick and is funded (in addition to state, federal and municipal funds) by local social service agencies. The two services do not officially overlap, although the Bath CityBus will stops on request at MidCoast Hospital, which also has regular service from the Brunswick Explorer. AmTrak Downeaster service will arrive in Freeport and Brunswick in Fall 2012, with two anticipated daily trips. The study found that the annual operating costs for the existing bus services (Bath CityBus and Brunswick Explorer) are approximately $361,903 to provide 33,724 rides. Transit demand models and comparisons to other transit systems in Maine suggest there is demand for additional rides in the region. This is supported by demographic changes, including substantial increases in the area’s senior population. Key stakeholder interviews and a survey of bus riders in Bath and Brunswick suggest interest in specific destinations that supports creating transit connections between communities in the market area. There is a need and an opportunity to strengthen the region’s transit system. Based on the advisory committee’s feedback, this study presents two overall approaches the region could take to strengthen the regional transit system: 1) create a new regional spine service to supplement local bus services, or 2) knit the existing local systems together with service changes and extensions. The first option calls for the creation of a coordinated, single-brand system with continual loop service from Bath-Brunswick-Topsham-Freeport, with local similarly branded routes tying in. This approach would address many of the unmet needs described in this report. It would also best leverage potential scale and efficiency. But it would require substantial investment.


The second option looked at three specific service extensions: a Brunswick Explorer route to Topsham, coordinating Brunswick Explorer and Bath CityBus services to meet at specific times and locations, and a Brunswick Explorer route to Freeport. There is significant demand for Brunswick/Topsham route; costs would include purchasing the bus, and operating costs such as drivers and bus maintenance. Connecting the Bath and Brunswick services would likely require an additional bus and driver and/or route, although the system could be done on a limited basis, and expanded as necessary. A Brunswick-Freeport run would require the purchase of at least one bus, as well as wages for two full-time drivers. According to Maine DOT, there is no surplus in the current funding for local transit from the state. This means that without substantial local subsidy and private support, increasing service in one area would mean a decrease in state funding to another. Local funds will be critical to any of these three service extensions. This study is an important first step in consideration of creating a robust regional public transportation between Topsham, Brunswick, Freeport, West Bath and Bath, but it leaves several important questions unanswered. These should be addressed as part of the next phase of research. First, what would the cost per ride in a coordinated system with a central spine be compared to the current system? In terms of the current system, the budgets examined here are incomplete, and total costs need to be fully understood. In thinking about a coordinated system, what are the savings to local systems that could be realized if a spinal system was in place in terms of reduced routes? What are the compromises that would need to be made in terms of frequency of service and headways? Second, how could such a system best be organized? What would be the cost and other differences between a) keeping Bath CityBus and Brunswick Explorer bus services managed locally, while another entity mangers the spin service, and b) having a single entity manage the entire system? For each community, the weighing of real costs and benefits will require a more complete understanding of both the current and proposed systems. We recommend that the region undertake a feasibility study to rigorously evaluate the costs and benefits of a coordinated system, including organization, potential funding mechanisms, and proposed route changes.


C. Existing Public Transportation

Existing public transportation in the region includes local as well as regional services. There are also private transportation providers.

1. Local bus services Currently, local bus service is available only in Bath and Brunswick.

a) Bath CityBus The Bath CityBus is a fixed route bus service which runs a north-south route Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:30 pm. Tickets are $1, or $10 for a book of 12. The bus will stop anywhere along the route. Service to Midcoast Hospital is by appointment only (24 hours in advance) and is available from City Hall at 9:30 am, returning at 10:00 am, and leaving City Hall at 1:30 pm, returning at 2:00 pm. The cost of the trip is $2.00 each way. The Bath CityBus has two separate runs each day for Bath Iron Works commuters – one from 6:15 am to 7:00 am, and a second from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. During the afternoon run, the bus’s regular services are suspended.


The Bath CityBus fleet consists of three wheel-chair accessible buses – two 2006 16-passenger buses, and one 1999, 8-passenger bus. Bath CityBus has two full-time employees who serve as both drivers and mechanics. In 2010, the bus service provided ridership for 5,655 riders. Of these, 2,327 rode during the Bath Iron Works runs. In 2011, the Bath CityBus provided ridership for 6,465 riders. Of these, 3,065 rode during the Bath Iron Works runs. For FY 2011, the total proposed budget for the Bath CityBus was $104,957. Funding comes from a combination of fare revenues ($8,500), City of Bath ($40,425), Federal/State ($55,532) and Investment Income ($500). Bath also has a summer trolley service. The Bath Trolley operates on weekends from May through June, and six days a week starting at 10am from July through Columbus Day. The fare for a one-way trolley ride is $1. An annual membership with unlimited riding privileges is available for $20. The Bath City Planning Department is preparing a bus ridership survey for later this spring.

CityBus Route

Trolley Route

b) Brunswick Explorer The Brunswick Explorer is a fixed route bus service serving Brunswick. Buses run hourly, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Each stop is


served hourly at the same time past the hour. In addition, the bus serves a number of request stops. The basic bus fare is $1.00 per ride or $2.00 for an all day pass. Brunswick Explorer buses are wheelchair accessible and have bike racks. The bus may deviate up to ¾ mile off the route upon request.

In its first year, the Brunswick Explorer provided 17,513 rides, a monthly average of 1,459. In its second year, monthly ridership to date is up to 2,015 per month. Many riders are frequent users of the service, and those 17,000 rides translate to an estimated 1,000 riders. The Brunswick Explorer estimates that 95% of its riders are going shopping and to doctor’s appointments and similar destinations. Seniors can get a monthly pass for $20, and the route includes many senior housing facilities. For FY 2012, the Brunswick Explorers operating budget includes $252,503 in operating expenses. $20,800 in revenue will come from fares, and $184,563 (80%) from federal FTA CMAQ funds. The local operating match (20%) is $46,141. Ongoing supporters include Town of Brunswick, Bowdoin College, and the Brunswick Housing Authority. Midcoast Hospital and United Way both provided initial funding when the service got started. There are currently 2 buses in operation, plus a spare, and two drivers, plus a third per-diem backup.


2. Regional Transit Transportation between communities in the market area and to other regions currently includes a non-profit medical transportation provider and will soon include train service.

a) Coastal Trans Coastal Trans, Inc. (CTI) is a non-profit and a State of Maine designated Regional Transportation Provider. CTI operates transportation services for residents of Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc Counties and the Towns of Brunswick and Harpswell. CTI provides Non-Emergency Medical Transportation for MaineCare eligible riders, as well as services for riders who are elderly, have disabilities, and people with low income and transportation for the general public. CTI collaborates with a number of agencies to provide connections to services for mental health, medical care, and adult rehabilitation services. CTI’s fleet of agency vehicles includes ADA accessible buses, as well as sedans and vans. CTI operates Demand-Response services for riders, and a Midcoast Shuttle that provides round-trip morning and afternoon service from Brunswick to Edgecomb. Fares are $2.50 to $16.00 based upon distance traveled. CTI receives funding from federal and state departments of transportation, MaineCare, DHHS, as well as fares and local funding.

Figure 1: Summary of CTI FY10 Revenue Sources

% of Total $572,978

MaineDOT State $153,342 $1,545,210

DHHS $110,671

Local $258,689 $43,705

Coastal Total Revenue $2,684,595


b) Downeaster The newly upgraded Portland to Brunswick corridor will support the operation of Amtrak passenger trains operating at speeds up to 70 mph in addition to freight trains. Upon completion of the project, the Downeaster will begin serving Freeport and Brunswick with two daily round trips to Boston and one daily round trip to Portland. The schedule is still under development. Construction is underway, and is expected to be complete by Fall 2012. This expansion is expected to generate approximately 36,500 new riders annually after the first full year of operation and provide connecting service to the Rockland via the Maine Eastern Railroad.

c) GO MAINE Vanpool On August 31, 2012, the state-run GO MAINE vanpool service will end after 10 years of service. According to the Maine Department of Transportation, a lack of federal funding to replace aging vehicles prompted it to end the service. 37 commuters from the market area use the van pool service (3 vans leaving Topsham) to go to Augusta. Other GO MAINE vanpool routes include Portland to Lewiston, Augusta to Portland, and Van Buren to Limestone. Michigan-based VPSI Inc., the only van pool business licensed in the state, plans to work with groups of commuters to figure out the most cost-effective services for them.

d) Regional Transportation Program (RTP) The town of Freeport is in early conversations with the Regional Transportation Program (RTP) in Portland about a possible fixed route service from Portland to Freeport. RTP provides low-cost transportation to residents of Cumberland County.


e) Tri-Community bus service There was an effort in 1995 to run a 2 hour bus route from Bath to Brunswick to Topsham and back again. The service was unsuccessful and was discontinued because, according to city officials present at the time, the routes didn’t reach into the local neighborhoods and people couldn’t get to the bus.

3. Private transportation services

a) Concord Concord Coach Lines provides bus service in New Hampshire and Maine and to Boston South Station and Logan Airport. Concord Coach runs 15 trips a day between Logan Airport and Portland, ME. It runs one southbound and one northbound coastal route a day to/from Logan Airport, which includes stops in Bath, Bowdoin College and Brunswick. According to a 2010 Portland Press Herald article1, Concord Coach carried 410,333 passengers in Maine in 2009. A brief interview conducted with Concord Coach for this study indicates that they would like to be included in future transit plans for the region – the company’s leadership is concerned that a subsidized transit mode will pull from their private service. They have expressed similar concerns about the Downeaster expansion.

b) Greyhound Greyhound bus stops in the region include Bath (Mail It 4 U, 10 State Road) and Brunswick (7-Eleven, 152 Main St). Greyhound does not release ridership data.

c) ME Eastern The Maine Eastern Railroad provides seasonal excursion train rail service to the towns of Brunswick, Bath, Wiscasset, and Rockland. It receives no subsidies.

d) BO-MAR BO-MAR transportation, located in Topsham, provides charter bus service in the region, including service for Bath Iron Works employees who park in off-site lots.

1 Concord owner says state’s aid for train may hurt buses. Portland Press Herald, Feb. 26, 2010.


D. Estimating Demand

Note: This section presents the most recent available data, including 2000 and 2010 US Decennial Census and American Community Survey data (2005-2009) 2 as well as data from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The market area includes Bath, West Bath, Brunswick, Topsham and Freeport.

1. Transit Dependent Populations

In general, public transportation in rural areas tends to serve transit dependent populations, including seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals, and people without vehicles. 2 The Decennial Census collects data every 10 years about age, sex, race, housing units and more for the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. The American Community Survey is a nationwide survey designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing. For more information, see http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/what_we_provide.xhtml


a) Seniors According to a recent study by AARP, the use of public transportation among older Americans is increasing, while trips in private vehicles have declined. “Transit use by people age 65+, as a share of all the trips they take, increased by a remarkable 40 percent between 2001 and 2009.” 3 While total population in the market area decreased slightly between 2000 and 2010 (Table 1), the percentage of the population age 65 and older increased (Table 2). Table 1: Total Population 2000 2010 % Change Brunswick 21,172 20,278 -4.2% Freeport 7,800 7,879 1.0% Bath 9,266 8,514 -8.1% Topsham 9,100 8,784 -3.5% West Bath 1,798 1,877 4.4% Total 49,136 47,332 -3.7% Source: 2010 US Census Table 2: Population by Age Group, 2000-2010

Total Pop <18 years 18 to 44 years 45 to 64 years 65 years + 2000 49,136 12,082 18,978 11,139 6,937

% of total 100% 24.6% 38.6% 22.7% 14.1% 2010 47,332 9,755 15,072 14,222 8,283

% of total 100% 20.6% 31.8% 30.0% 17.5% Source: 2000, 2010 US Census Maine has the oldest population in the country, with a large number of baby boomers. In 2010, 40.6% of all households in the market area are between the ages of 45-64 (Table 3). There will be a substantial increase in the area’s senior population as these baby boomers age.

3 http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/ppi/liv-com/fs218-transportation.pdf


Table 3: Households by Age, 2010 < 25 years 25-44 years 45-64 years 65 + years Total

Total 980 5,874 8,147 5,081 20,082 % 4.9% 29.3% 40.6% 25.3% 100.0% Source: 2010 US Census

b) Persons with disabilities The second group of people who tend to rely more heavily on transit are people with disabilities. According to the Center on Workforce and Disability, lack of transportation is one of the most significant barriers to employment for people with disabilities who don't drive. The most recent year for which disability data is available is 2000. In 2000, there were more than 13,000 people with a disability in the market area (Table 4), more than a quarter of the population. This is less than the state as a whole (33%). Table 4: People with a Disability, 2000

Brunswick Freeport Bath Topsham West Bath Total Age 5-15 224 149 199 129 37 738 Age 16-64 3,186 878 1,682 1,263 279 7,288 Age 65 + 2,602 505 916 953 120 5,096 Total 6,012 1,532 2,797 2,345 436 13,122 Population 21,172 7,800 9,266 9,100 1,798 49,136 Source: 2000 US Census

c) Low-income residents Public transportation can help low-income individuals get to work and access child care, health care and other services. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) calculates low and moderate income household estimates at three income levels: Moderate Income level (80 percent of area median income), Low Income (50 percent), and Extremely Low Income (30 percent) level. Table 5 presents the HUD income limits for the market area for fiscal year 2012.


Table 5: 4 Person Household Low-Mod Income Limits, 2012 Median

Income Very Low

(30%) Low

(50%) Moderate

(80%) Brunswick $67,100 $20,150 $33,550 $53,700 Freeport $73,300 $22,000 $36,650 $58,650 Bath $69,900 $20,950 $34,950 $55,900 Topsham $69,900 $20,950 $34,950 $55,900 West Bath $69,900 $20,950 $34,950 $55,900 Source: HUD According to HUD estimates, more than 1/3 of market area residents (Bath, West Bath, Brunswick, Topsham and Freeport) were low to moderate income in 2012. Table 6: Low-Mod Households, 2012 Total

Pop Pop with Potential to be Low –Mod Income

Low-Moderate Income Persons

% Low-Mod Income

Bath 9,266 9,148 3,996 43.7% Topsham 9,100 8,958 3,244 36.2% West Bath 1,798 1,792 563 31.4% Brunswick 21,172 19,111 6,943 36.3% Freeport 7,800 7,621 2,761 36.2% Total 49,136 46,630 17,507 37.5% Source: HUD In 2010, almost a quarter (23.5%) of all households in the market area earned less than $25,000 per year. Table 7: Households by Age by Income of Householder in the Region, 2010

< 25 years 25-44 years 45-64 years 65+ years Total % < $24,999 529 1,103 1,320 1,761 4,713 23.5% $25 - $49,999 371 1,514 1,764 1,226 4,875 24.3% $50 - $74,999 52 1,435 1,559 731 3,777 18.8% $75 - $100,000 0 930 1,246 731 2,907 14.5% $100 - $124,999 28 334 871 263 1,496 7.4% $125 - $149,999 0 193 444 122 759 3.8% $150 - $199,999 0 192 452 155 799 4.0% $200,000 + 0 173 491 92 756 3.8% Total 980 5,874 8,147 5,081 20,082 100.0% Source: US Census 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates


e) Households without vehicles Households without vehicles are more likely to use public transportation. An estimated 1,679 households (8.4%) in the market area do not have a vehicle. Table 8: Households without a vehicle Brunswick Freeport Bath Topsham West Bath Total Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Households 8,442 3,356 3,946 3,612 726 20,082 No vehicle 906 94 526 140 13 1,679 Percent 10.7% 2.8% 13.3% 3.9% 1.8% 8.4% Source: US Census 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

2. Workers Nationally, approximately 5% of workers use public transportation4 to get to work. In rural America, that percentage is significantly lower, at .6%. Similarly in Maine, .6% of workers over age 16 used public transportation to get to work in 2010. In the market area, that percentage is slightly lower, with just .4% of workers using public transportation to get to work (Table 9). Table 9: Percent of Workers who used Public Transportation to get to work, 2010

U.S U.S. Rural Areas

Maine Market Area

Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Total workers age 16+ 139,255,035 32,324,036 641,796 24,341 Public transportation to work 6,872,730 184,669 4,107 99 Percent 4.9% 0.6% 0.6% 0.4% Carpooled 14,418,306 3,405,000 64,708 2,363 Percent 10.4% 10.5% 10.1% 9.7% Walked or biked 4,678,605 666,979 29,050 2,064 Percent 3.4% 2.1% 4.5% 8.5%

Source: U.S. Census 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

4 “Public transportation,” includes bus or trolley bus, streetcar or trolley car, subway or elevated railroad, or ferryboat.


More than a third (35%) of workers who live in the market area residents (Bath, West Bath, Brunswick, Topsham and Freeport) also work in the market area. There are especially high exchanges of workers between Bath and Brunswick and between Topsham and Brunswick (Table 10). Table 10: 2009 Detailed commuting data within the market area Workers Commuting to Living in Bath Brunswick Freeport Topsham West Bath All Other Total Bath 1,622 691 145 153 51 2,046 4,708 Brunswick 867 3,006 455 423 23 4,177 8,951 Freeport 74 224 774 n/a n/a 1,907 2,979 Topsham 438 805 217 632 8 2,161 4,261 West Bath 227 105 37 17 22 309 717 All other 6,407 6,858 4,705 2,190 138 Total 9,635 11,689 6,333 3,415 242 Source: LED On the Map

Other major employment destinations for residents of the market area include Lewiston/Auburn, South Portland, and Augusta. Large numbers of workers come into the market area from Portland, Lisbon, and Lewiston/Auburn (Table 11).


Table 11: 2010 Commuting data for the market area as a whole Commute to market area from Commute from market area to Brunswick 4,208 Brunswick 4,486 Bath 2,340 Bath 3,064 Topsham 2,200 Portland 2,313 Freeport 1,207 Freeport 1,504 Portland 1,024 Topsham 1,268 Lisbon 1,021 Lewiston 800 Lewiston 962 South Portland 720 Harpswell 731 Augusta 618 Woolwich 635 Yarmouth 421 Auburn 634 Auburn 405 All Other Locations 16,004 All Other Locations 4,868 Total All Jobs 30,966 Total All Jobs 20,467 Source: LED On the Map

3. CTAA Demand Models The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) has established models for estimating transit demand. The following calculation is used for estimates based on number of households: (# of households)*(7.35 trips/day per transit using household)*(.5% of households)*(260 days/year) Based on that calculation, estimated demand for transit in the market area is 235 riders/day. Table 12: Demand estimate using CTAA models Brunswick Freeport Bath Topsham West Bath Total

Households 8,442 3,356 3,946 3,612 726 20,082 Estimated riders 99 39 46 42 8 235

Assuming 260 days of service per year, in 2011, Bath CityBus served on average 41 riders per day, and Brunswick Explorer served 93. In addition, Coastal Trans served 3 riders per day on average with its demand response service. Combined,


these existing transit services provided transit service to 137 riders per day. This means there is an opportunity to provide an additional 98 rides per day in the market area. Table 13: Opportunity Bath 10,775 riders per year (without trolley riders) /260 41 Brunswick 2,015 riders per month *12 / 260 93 CTI 697 riders per year /260 3 Total 98

4. Comparable regions

Another way to estimate demand for transit in the market area is look at similar regions with strong regional public transportation systems. Two regions with strong regional bus systems are Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach and the Kennebec region. The Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach area has an established (over 30 years) local bus service called the Shuttlebus. ShuttleBus Intercity Service connects the Tri-Towns with Scarborough, South Portland and Portland, and in 1998, ShuttleBus joined with MaineDOT and the Maine Turnpike Authority to launch the ZOOM Turnpike Express, a commuter service that links between Biddeford and Saco with downtown Portland. The Kennebec Explorer is a six-bus system that services Augusta, Waterville, Gardiner, Fairfield and Hallowell. The system is an expansion and re-branding of the KV Transit system, which was designed for senior citizens and others who do not drive. In 2010, the newly branded “Kennebec Explorer” was launched with an emphasis on smaller headways and better accessibility for commuters and students. Density is the key factor for public transportation. The market area is comparable to the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach in terms of population, but the market area is larger and less dense. The Kennebec area has a higher population than the market area, but similar density.


Table 14: Density of comparable regions Market Area Biddeford-Saco-OOB Kennebec Square miles 135 75 193 Total population 47,332 48,383 60,524 Density (persons per sq mile) 351 645 314 Source: 2010 US Census Compared to the market area, the percentage of public transportation riders in the Biddeford-Saco-OOB area is twice as high, while the percentage in the Kennebec region is about half as much. Table 15: Percentage of workers who take public transit to work, 2010

Market Area Biddeford-Saco-OOB Kennebec

Total workers age 16+ 24,341 25,228 27,895 Public transportation to work 99 205 65 Percent 0.41% 0.81% 0.23% Public transportation to work 99 205 65 Age 16 to 19 years 13.1% 0.0% 0.0% 20 to 24 years 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 25 to 44 years 62.6% 28.3% 41.5% 45 to 54 years 10.1% 13.6% 13.8% 55 to 59 years 0.0% 44.9% 32.3% 60 years and over 14.1% 13.2% 12.3% Income past 12 months $1 to $9,999 or less 23.2% 0.0% 23.1% $10,000 to $14,999 0.0% 6.8% 0.0% $15,000 to $24,999 24.2% 0.0% 27.7% $25,000 to $34,999 39.4% 23.9% 0.0% $35,000 to $49,999 2.0% 39.5% 21.5% $50,000 to $64,999 0.0% 7.3% 27.7% $65,000 to $74,999 11.1% 7.3% 0.0% $75,000 or more 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Source: US Census 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates


If the Bath, West Bath, Brunswick, Topsham and Freeport region achieved the same proportion of commuters using public transit as in the Biddeford area, it would double the number of commuter riders, from 99 to 197. However, the Biddeford transit system includes more than just bus service locally and within the region; it also includes Zoom service to the Portland area, which accounted for 18.7% of the total system ridership in 2011.


E. Destination Interest

Key stakeholder interviews and a survey of bus riders in Bath and Brunswick suggest interest in specific destinations that supports creating transit connections between communities in the market area.

a) Topsham Fair Mall area The director of operations for the Brunswick Explorer reports that they regularly receive phone call requesting bus service in Topsham, including from residents of the housing complex behind VIP. Brunswick riders often ask about service to the Topsham Fair mall area. In 2011, Topsham had the third highest retail sales among towns in the region, after Brunswick and Freeport. In a survey of riders on the Brunswick Explorer, the Topsham Fair Mall area (including Target and Goodwill) was identified as a desired destination. Senior residents of Topsham would be heavy users of bus service between Topsham and Brunswick, according to social service agency and senior housing staff. Spectrum Generations, the area agency on aging, is confident that their clients would use Topsham bus service. They receive an average of 12 calls per week asking about public transportation to the agency, and feel they could provide more services to more people if transportation were not a barrier. Spectrum Generations provides free meals, educational, social, health and other programs to people age 50 and older and people with disabilities. The agency serves between 325-375 users per month (duplicated). Agency hours are M-F 9 am – 3 pm, and most programs are between 10-11:30 am and 1-2:30 pm. Spectrum Generations Spectrum Generations’ clients come from all over, including many from the Westrum House and the Highlands. The Westrum House in Topsham has 27 residential units for low-income seniors. Staff believe many residents continue to drive even though they shouldn’t because cab fares are so expensive ($6 round trip to go to Hannaford and back, with the senior discount, and $20 round trip to go to Sweetser for services.) Westrum House residents would likely use the bus service primarily for doctor’s appointments and shopping (especially Renys and Hannaford at the Topsham


Fair Mall, also Cooks Corner in Brunswick). A $1-$2 fare would be affordable for most. Demand would be highest between 10 am – 4 pm. The Highlands in Topsham has approximately 450 residents (including both assisted and independent living). They have 2 small buses which they use to provide transportation for their residents, both on-demand for appointments and shopping and event based. They would like to see local fixed route service in Topsham, and would see it in complement to what they offer. It would be more likely to be used by their younger, more independent residents who want to go downtown for shopping and dining and don’t want to worry about parking. Perception and safety would be important. There is fixed route service in Falmouth, where they have Oceanview, and residents are active users and vocal supporters. Commuters would also use bus service between Brunswick and Topsham, depending on the hours of service. In 2009, more than 1,200 workers commuted between Topsham and Brunswick.

b) Bath-Brunswick connection Both the Brunswick Explorer and Bath CityBus provide service to Midcoast Hospital (Brunswick as part of a regular route, Bath on demand at specific times each day), but the services are not coordinated. Nonetheless, at least one bus rider reports using the two services to get between the two communities. In a recent survey, a number of Bath CityBus riders identified several desired destinations in Brunswick, including Walmart and Cooks Corner. Several Brunswick riders also identified Bath as a desired destination. According to the operations director at Brunswick Explorer, Brunswick riders would love to go to Bath, particularly Front Street and especially Renys, and Brunswick kids also want to go the Bath YMCA. The Brunswick Downtown Association is very supportive of connecting the Bath and Brunswick bus services and of a stronger regional transportation system in general. One major benefit would be relief of parking congestion. Brunswick’s 2011 Downtown Master Plan identifies parking as a key challenge for the downtown area. Main Street Bath is supportive of public transportation, but some merchants are concerned that providing bus service to Brunswick might negatively impact


downtown Bath as a retail destination. Explicitly connecting to Downtown Brunswick (and possibly beyond) rather than just taking Bath residents to Walmart, scheduling to accommodate commuters as well as shoppers, and specifically providing service for special events in the region such as Bath Heritage Days and the Brunswick Outdoor Art Festival could all help to address such concerns. If the routes were timed appropriately, commuters would be able to take the bus to work. With thousands of employees, Bath Iron Works (BIW) is the largest single site employer in Maine. To meet the transportation and parking demands of its large workforce, BIW has developed an internal system of carpooling, vans, park and ride locations. The City of Bath breaks from its regularly scheduled public bus route to service the shift changes at BIW. Bath does not charge BIW for this service. BIW contracts with BOMAR, a private transportation company located in Topsham, to provide bussing from parking lots in Brunswick, Woolwich, and Bath. Due to federal funding cuts, previous bus service from Portland and Lewiston has been discontinued. Approximately 1,870 BIW employees commute from the surrounding area. Table 16: BIW employees coming from:

Community TOTAL Brunswick 430 Bath 450 Topsham 230 Woolwich 200 Bowdoin 130 Richmond 120 Bowdoinham 100 West Bath 100 Freeport 60 Harpswell 50 1,558 workers commuted between Brunswick and Bath in 2009. The Brunswick Explorer experienced a significant increase in ridership when it expanded its hours to serve commuters, suggesting that there is demand for bus service among workers. According to the Southern Midcoast CareerCenter,


transportation is the biggest barrier to employment. The CareerCenter, which is located in Brunswick and has more than 600 client visits per month, would like the Brunswick Explorer to stop there. The planner in Brunswick believes that an increased emphasis on bus service as transportation to work (rather than for services and shopping) is critical to the success of the bus service connection. Since the closing of the Brunswick naval base, the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) has been actively promoting Brunswick Landing’s redevelopment. A dozen businesses have already located there. In an interview for this study, MRRA said it does not see an immediate need for bus service to the property, because there is currently plenty of parking. However, access to and from Brunswick Landing was identified as critical issue in the MaineDOT transportation plan for the redevelopment. Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), which has facilities in Bath and at Brunswick Landing, is very supportive of connecting the two bus services and sees big demand among its students. Many SMCC students take classes on both campuses and go back and forth a few times a day. The Bath CityBus currently stops at the Bath SMCC campus. Transportation is a barrier for some, resulting in class selection based on when rides are available or in some cases not taking a class at all. In Brunswick, a few students currently get off the Brunswick Explorer and walk to the campus at Brunswick Landing. More students would use the bus if there was a stop on the campus. SMCC offers a discount to the 300 students in South Portland who use the bus to reduce demand for parking, and would do the same in Brunswick and Bath. SMCC expects to have 350-400 students enrolled in Bath and Brunswick in the fall, with the goal of 3,000 – 5,000 students in the next 3-5 years. Classes generally run from 9 am – 6 pm, and peak time is 11 am – 4 pm. SMCC students in South Portland ride the local bus for free, and SMCC reimburses the City of South Portland each month for student riders.

c) Freeport Bus service from Brunswick to Freeport would primarily be intended to serve the local workforce. In 2009, approximately 600 workers commuted from Brunswick and Bath to Freeport for work. Freeport retailers, which employ more than 1,500 people, report difficulty filling positions.


LL Bean, one of the larger employers in the region, has nearly 700 employees from the region that travel to various locations in Freeport. The table below details the number of employees from each of the communities in the region. With just the full time employees from the larger communities that will likely have a transit stop along the system, there are about 271,000 annual trips that could be serviced by a public transit system. This number represents two trips per day, per employee, for 48 weeks a year. Factoring in part time employees and those in communities with no transit stops, the number could conceivably reach 300,000 annual trips. Table 17: LL Bean employees coming from:

Community TOTAL Full Time Part Time Freeport 201 148 53 Brunswick 192 141 51 Topsham 117 90 27 Bath 56 40 16 Bowdoinham 39 29 10 Harpswell 27 22 5 Richmond 21 12 9 Woolwich 17 14 3 Phippsburg 13 8 5 Total 683 According to the CareerCenter in Brunswick, many of their clients would seek retail positions in Freeport if they had affordable and reliable transportation to get there. Transportation to work is an issue especially for workers with disabilities, older workers, youth and low-income earners. High gas prices and car maintenance are expensive when a person is making average retail wages ($357/week in 2010). Maine gas prices continue to rise to historically high levels. Figure 1: Gas Prices


In addition to commuters traveling to Freeport, the bus could also serve Freeport residents who want to go to Brunswick. A 2007 survey of Freeport residents found that 30% said they would use transit at least occasionally, with 70% saying they would like to go to Brunswick (compared to 30% saying they would go to Portland). Table 18 below summarizes general levels of interest for various destinations in the market area.


Table 18: Destination Interest D

estin

atio

ns

Interest

Bath Brunswick Topsham Freeport

Cost (Based on Existing

Infrastructure)

Potential Partners

Topsham Fair Mall area

Low-Moderate Based on

rider survey; 591

commuters

High

Rider survey, 1,228 commuters

High Agency

interviews

Low 5% on

Freeport survey; 217 commuters

High 3 buses,

2 FT drivers

Town of Topsham, Spectrum Generations and Westrum House Retailers

Downtown Bath

Already has service

Moderate Rider survey,

1,558 commuters

Low 591

commuters

Low Freeport survey

Moderate Depending on origin

SMCC Midcoast/Parkview Hospitals Shared funding structure

Downtown Brunswick

Low-Moderate

Rider survey, 691

commuters

Already has service

Low-Moderate

Rider survey, 805

commuters

Moderate Freeport survey

Low Bowdoin College, Amtrak


Interest

Midcoast/ Parkview Hospitals

High Already has service

High Agency

Interviews Moderate Freeport survey


Midcoast/Parkview Hospitals

Cooks Corner/ Walmart

High Based on

rider survey

Already has service

Moderate Moderate Depending on origin

Retail stores

BIW

Moderate-High 430

employees

Already has service

Moderate 230 employees

Low 60 employees


BIW

Brunswick Landing

Low-Moderate

Future employees,

SMCC students

Low-Moderate Future employees, SMCC students

Low Low Low MRRA, SMCC

Freeport Low 219

commuters

Low-Moderate CareerCenter,

679 commuters

Low 217

commuters unknown

High 2-3 buses,

2 FT drivers Retail stores


F. Approach

There are two overall approaches the region could take to strengthen the regional transit system: 1) create a new regional spine service to supplement local bus services, or 2) knit the existing local systems together with service changes and extensions.

1. Create a regional spine while maintaining local service The creation of a coordinated, single-brand system with continual loop service from Bath-Brunswick-Topsham-Freeport, with local similarly branded routes tying in, would address many of the unmet needs described in this report. It would also best leverage potential scale and efficiency. But it would require substantial investment. According to Maine DOT, there is no funding preference for coordinated regional service over local service. Additional funds (federal and local) would be needed for any new service. Table 19 below presents the revenues and expenses of the Bath CityBus, Brunswick Explorer, Biddeford-Saco-OOB, and Kennebec systems. It is important to note that the numbers presented are not equivalent. For example, Bath CityBus operates out of the City of Bath planning and development office, and its public works department provides bus maintenance, so the true costs of providing the service are higher than what is presented here. At the same time, the budget for Brunswick Explorer includes those costs. The trolleys further complicate the comparisons. Bath's trolley accounted for 37.5% of their riders in FY 2011. Saco's trolley accounted for 34.2% of their riders from Feb 2011-Feb 2012. It seems likely that the trolleys drive down total costs due to relatively high ridership and limited calendars. In addition, because the City of Bath doesn't take any federal money for their trolley system, they can charter it out for $125 an hour to cover expenses (federally-subsidized transit can't be rented out, because it would compete with private charters5).

5 49 U.S.C. 5323(d) and 49 CFR Part 604, which provides that recipients and subrecipients of FTA assistance are prohibited from providing charter service using federally funded equipment or facilities if there is at least one private charter operator willing and able to provide the service, except under one of the exceptions at 49 CFR 604.9. Any charter service provided under one of


Biddeford-Saco-OOB has the lowest cost per rider. This is likely an issue of economy of scale and density. When trolley passengers are removed from the calculations, Bath and Brunswick both have per rider costs similar to Kennebec’s. Brunswick’s cost per rider is slightly higher, possibly because Brunswick has more staff than Bath does (Bath just has two drivers, also Bath doesn't really have a dispatch system - drivers carry cell phones and take calls directly from passengers, and the Bath drivers also do a lot of the bus repairs, and Bath's public works department does the rest.)

the exceptions must be "incidental," i.e., it must not interfere with or detract from the provision of mass transportation.


Table 19: Revenue and Expenses6 FY 2012

REVENUE Bath CityBus Brunswick Explorer Saco-OOB-Biddeford Kennebec Explorer Operating Budget $109,282 $252,621 $1,509,679 $553,576

Federal/State Grants $55,532 $185,841 $507,429 $373,619 Federal/State Grants as % of total 50.8% 73.6% 33.6% 67.5%

Municipal Contribution $45,000 $16,500 $345,000 $34,700 Munic Contribution as % of total 41.2% 6.5% 22.9% 6.3%

Fares $8,500 $20,280 $318,250 $60,000 Fares as % of total 7.7% 8.0% 21.1% 10.8%

Partnerships $30,000 $165,000 $85,850 Partnerships as % of total 11.9% 10.9% 15.5%

Sales $123,500 Sales as % of total 8.2%

Advertising $45,000 Advertising as % of total 3.0%

Other $250 $5,500 Other 0.2% 0.4%

6Table 19 presents the revenues and expenses of the Bath CityBus, Brunswick Explorer, Biddeford-Saco-OOB, and Kennebec systems. It is important to note that the numbers presented are not equivalent. For example, Bath CityBus operates out of the City of Bath planning and development office, and its public works department provides bus maintenance, so the true costs of providing the service are higher than what is presented here. At the same time, the budget for Brunswick Explorer includes those costs. The trolleys further complicate the comparisons. Bath's trolley accounted for 37.5% of their riders in FY 2011. Saco's trolley accounted for 34.2% of their riders from Feb 2011-Feb 2012. It seems likely that the trolleys drive down total costs due to relatively high ridership and limited calendars. In addition, because the City of Bath doesn't take any federal money for their trolley system, they can charter it out for $125 an hour to cover expenses (federally-subsidized transit can't be rented out, because it would compete with private charters). Biddeford-Saco-OOB has the lowest cost per rider. This is likely an issue of economy of scale and density. When trolley passengers are removed from the calculations, Bath and Brunswick both have per rider costs similar to Kennebec’s. Brunswick’s cost per rider is slightly higher, possibly because Brunswick has more staff than Bath does (Bath just has two drivers, also Bath doesn't really have a dispatch system - drivers carry cell phones and take calls directly from passengers, and the Bath drivers also do a lot of the bus repairs, and Bath's public works department does the rest.)


EXPENSES* Bath CityBus Brunswick Explorer Saco-OOB-Biddeford Kennebec Explorer Total $109,282 $252,581 $1,505,035 $553,376

Wages and Fringe $66,900 $152,581 $723,924 $375,934 Travel & Training $1,200 $5,900 $4,650

Staff Uniforms $1,000 $1,000 $2,000 Admin $500 $25,250 $52,600 $5,400

Fuel $14,000 $20,800 $323,500 $122,813 Maintenance/Repairs $12,532 $10,500 $57,250 $18,000

Insurance $9,000 $8,500 $246,281 $9,330 Marketing $15,000 $37,000 $5,700

Phones $850 $1,440 $2,700 $1,100 Office Space Rental $7,800 $8,200

Replacement Reserve $6,260 Miscellaneous $2,250 $22,500 $250

Management Fees $3,000 Other Operating Expenses $2,500

Building Expense $32,380 Total Cost Per Ride $6.34 $11.01 $5.54 $10.38 Fuel Cost Per Ride $0.81 $0.91 $1.19 $2.30 Wages + Benefits Cost Per Ride $3.88 $6.65 $2.66 $7.05 Total Cost Per Ride without Trolley $9.54 n/a $7.82 n/a Data Sources: Bath: FY2012 Budget, FY 2011 Ridership; Bath Trolley: subtracted trolley passengers from ridership and $1 trolley fare from budget Brunswick: FY2012 Budget, May 2011-April 2012 Ridership Saco: FY2012 Budget, March 2011-Feb 2012 Ridership; Saco Trolley: Subtracted trolley passengers from ridership and all trolley expenses from budget Kennebec: 2011-2012 Budget, Feb 2012 ridership extrapolated across 12 months *Not all budgets used the same categories – this list represents budgets where several relevant categories may have been collapsed into one.


Public-Private-Partnerships are agreements between private entities and government/public agencies that help to move the funding and management of projects from governments to a larger array of funders, including private. These partnerships can include direct financial contribution, shared project delivery and operation, and private investment in transit-related development.7 National examples of transportation-focused public-private-partnerships include Bus Rapid Transit lanes in Denver, Hudsen-Bergen Light Rail in New Jersey, and Route 3 North in Massachusetts. At a local level, government agencies can also leverage the power of these partnerships on a smaller scale. The Brunswick Explorer is a non-profit local bus system that is funded by both government funds and local service providers. The Saco-Biddeford-Old Orchard Beach bus system is also run by a non-profit, and receives funding from contract stops at popular locations as well as local municipalities, government funds and service providers. The Kennebec Explorer is run by the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program, and receives substantial portions of its funding from municipalities, schools, employers and medical service providers. The South Portland bus system is run by the city, but receives a check every month from a local community college to pay for student riders. These joint efforts can help sustain local transit systems. Table 20: Kennebec Explorer Funding

Select Funders Amount Augusta $20,000 Waterville $6,100 Gardiner $3,750 Fairfield $2,500 Hallowell $1,800 Farmingdale $550 Fares $60,000 Federal Subsidy $331,517 Maine DOT $42,102 MaineGeneral Medical Center $40,000 Other Private $45,850 Other Contributors: Inland Hospital, Molina, University of Maine at Augusta, Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, Marden’s (Waterville), local veterans’ groups, Togus, Augusta Boys and Girls Club, Alfond Youth Center (Waterville)8

7 http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/miarticle.htm?id=5689 8 “Hop the bus”, Kennebec Journal, Aug. 1, 2011, Interview with Kennebec Explorer staff.

http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/miarticle.htm?id=5689


Another much larger transit management option is contracting with an independent operator. Manchester (NH) and Nashua (NH) both contract all or some of their municipal bus services to First Transit, which manages smaller systems too - there's a testimonial on their website from the mayor of Monroe, Louisiana, which was a population of just over 48,000. Manchester (FY 2012) spends $982,825 for First Transit to provide 13 fixed routes, paratransit and school bus service. They also provide a shuttle service to Concord (about 20 miles away) for commuters. Nashua only uses First Transit for contracting bus drivers.

2. Knit together local systems with service changes and extensions Three specific service extensions were considered as part of this study:

• a Brunswick Explorer route into the Town of Topsham • linking the Brunswick Explorer and Bath Bus Service together by

coordinating routes to meet at regular times and at a specified location • a Brunswick Explorer route to the Town of Freeport.

a) Brunswick Explorer route into the Town of Topsham There is significant demand for extending Brunswick Explorer service to Topsham. According to Topsham planning, the town’s preferred route for the proposed bus service from Brunswick to Topsham runs along Main Street, with stops in the Lower Village and service out to the Topsham Fair Mall and possibly to the Highlands. The Brunswick Explorer suggested a two-bus route, including 1) a pick-up route, along Main Street, to the library and back along the bypass (including the Highlands) to the Parkview Medical Building, and 2) a Topsham Fair Mall loop that would include Hannaford, Renys, Target, and Goodwill. This would require two buses and possibly a spare (federal regulations require a 20% spare ratio for the service as a whole), as well as two drivers and a third back-up per diem driver.

http://firsttransit.com/


Revenue from bus fares rarely cover expenses, but rather help with the perception of perceived value among riders. Fares above $1-2 dollars reduce ridership, and keeping fares low requires substantial local contributions to support bus service. Costs for Topsham service would include at a minimum purchasing the buses and basic operating costs. The 2009 Wheels report, which included consideration of a Topsham route, estimated the operating costs of a single 9am – 2pm two-day-a week shuttle from Brunswick to the Topsham Mall shuttle at $19,000 (FY 2011). Estimated capital costs in that report included $60,000 for one light-duty 18 passenger bus. For comparison purposes, the Brunswick Explorer FY 2012 budget includes $126,342 in wages for 2 drivers plus a third per diem. Bus service from Brunswick to Topsham could potentially qualify for federal funding under Section 5311 Rural Transit. The funding would have a 50/50 local match. Spectrum Generations said it may be able to contribute funding to a bus service. The Westrum House would be willing to participate in grant applications. There is more political support in the Town of Topsham for bus service than there was previously, but whether or not there is money available to support the service is uncertain.

b) Bath-Brunswick connection One potential location for Bath CityBus and the Brunswick Explorer to connect is Midcoast Hospital. The Brunswick Explorer route currently includes a stop at Midcoast Hospital, while the Bath CityBus goes to Midcoast Hospital only on request up to two times per day. Other possibilities include the New Meadows Intersection or the Maine District Court in West Bath (currently not served by either bus service) and Sweetser in Brunswick (served by Brunswick), although both would require the construction of shelters where people could wait for the bus when those facilities are closed.

Currently, when the Bath CityBus goes to Midcoast Hospital, it means that service to the Southern route at that time is eliminated. To provide consistent scheduled service to connect with the Brunswick Explorer might require an additional bus and route. The availability of resources to support such an expansion is a concern. One option is to provide the connection service on a


limited basis at least initially, for example 2 times per day 2-3 times per week, rather than every day.

c) Brunswick Explorer route to Freeport In order to serve not only commuters but also people shopping and to medical appointments and other destinations, bus service would need to run at least every other hour (3-4 times per day). The Brunswick Explorer suggests that the bus could leave Brunswick station at 8 am, travel down I-295 and be in Freeport at 8:45, drop off at various locations along Main St, and either wait an hour or return immediately. They would need to determine the major pickup locations for workers in Brunswick. This would require one to two buses and possibly a spare (federal regulations require a 20% spare ratio for the service as a whole), as well as two drivers and a third back-up per diem driver. Costs for Freeport service would include at a minimum purchasing the buses and basic operating costs. Estimated capital costs in the 2009 Wheels report included $60,000 for one light-duty 18 passenger bus. The Brunswick Explorer FY 2012 budget includes $126,342 in wages for 2 drivers plus a third per diem. Bus service from Brunswick to Freeport could potentially qualify for federal funding under Section 5311 Rural Transit. The funding would have a 50/50 local match. The many retailers in Freeport could be an important source of support. Some national retailers – including CVS and REI – offer transit subsidies to workers who cannot afford to live near their job or own a car. Federal law states that employers can provide workers with up to $125 per month in tax-free transit and van pool benefits. The town could potentially offer businesses a reduction the number of required parking spaces in exchange for supporting public transit. The table below presents a comparison of cost estimates for the expansions under consideration. According to Maine DOT, there is no surplus in the current funding for local transit from the state. This means that without substantial local subsidy and private support, increasing service in one area would mean a decrease in funding to another. Local funds will be critical to any of these three service extensions.


Table 21: Service Expansion Cost Estimates

Estimated Costs Capital Operating Topsham

2 buses $120,000 2 drivers plus 1 per diem $126,342

Bath-Brunswick 0-1 bus $0-60,000

0-1 driver $0-32,680 Freeport

2 buses $120,000 2 drivers plus 1 per diem $126,342


G. Downeaster

The study also looked at the how well the region’s existing transportation network is connected to Brunswick Station in preparation for the Downeaster’s arrival into Brunswick. No schedule has been set yet for the Downeaster, which is set to begin scheduled train service from Portland to Freeport to Brunswick Station in the fall of 2012. Annual ridership is projected to start around 36,500 (100 riders per day). The Brunswick Explorer, Concord Trailways, and ME Eastern Railroad (seasonal) all stop at Brunswick Station at various times throughout the day. There is a visitor’s center currently staffed by volunteers from the Brunswick Downtown Association. Brochures to various destinations and events are available. Parking, especially long-term, is an issue the town is working to address. Brunswick has leased a lot across from the station for station parking.

There are plans to include a description of Brunswick and “what to do” in the Downeaster brochure. The Brunswick Explorer route does not currently include Maine Street, so visitors will walk from the station to nearby shops and restaurants. The Brunswick Downtown Association publishes a visitor’s guide brochure and map.


One idea that came up in this study is for a tourist kiosk. Consumer research suggests that despite their prevalence, the use of smartphones to view maps and look up shopping destinations and local restaurants is underutilized. Cross platform applications designed for use by both technologies are available. According to the director of operations for the Brunswick Explorer, they are interested providing service from the Brunswick Station to destinations on Maine Street. They see potentially stopping in front of Joshua’s Restaurant, where there is an ATM and also a crosswalk, so that the bus could pull over and there wouldn’t be cars there. They would be interested in working with the Town of Brunswick to make this happen.


H. Marketing Recommendations

Regardless of whether the approach taken to is to create a regional spine or make incremental service expansions, interviews with local transit system operators indicate the need for aggressive marketing and outreach to reach riders. This is especially true after a service or branding change. The Kennebec Explorer expanded their services in 2011, adding new routes and changing existing ones. Like the Brunswick Explorer, they chose the “Explorer” brand, which is encouraged statewide by Maine DOT. In addition, they changed the image on bus (a hawk), implemented “Free Fare Fridays” and made a conscious effort to separate the Kennebec Explorer buses from the KVCAP paratransit systems – there was a perception among some in the community that the buses were only for paratransit riders, not the rest of the general public. A local newspaper reporter also did a ride-along, which resulted in a lengthy, positive story about the new services. They distributed free, easy-to-read broadsheet system maps and route times across the five town region that they serve, and worked with local college students on a ridership survey to determine who was using their transit service. The Saco-Old Orchard Beach-Biddeford transit system (Shuttle Bus/ZOOM) has been around for 30 years, but the system manager is still aggressively marketing its services to local businesses and potential riders. They emphasize the importance of standardized graphic design, as well as monthly promotions to keep ridership in the news, or at least at the forefront of people’s minds; examples include reduced price tokens at a local baseball stadium and “go green” initiatives for St. Patrick’s Day. They promote commuter tax benefits (use of tax-free dollars to pay for commuting by transit) on their website. The City of South Portland – which operates three bus routes Monday-Friday, and two on Saturday – works with Google Maps to sync their service to the searchable “Google Transit” option. This does not require GPS, but simply uploading route data in a format that Google can use (more information is available on the Google Transit website). This is much easier and cheaper than building an in-depth transit route website from scratch; the interactive map function can even be inserted into an existing static website. It also serves to increase the profile of transit when anyone uses Google directions for the area.


Figure 2: South Portland Google Transit Route Planning – maps.google.com


I. Next Steps

This study is an important first step in consideration of creating a robust regional public transportation between Topsham, Brunswick, Freeport, West Bath and Bath, but it leaves several important questions unanswered. These should be addressed as part of the next phase of research. First, what would the cost per ride in a coordinated system with a central spine be compared to the current system? In terms of the current system, the budgets examined here are incomplete, and total costs need to be fully understood. In thinking about a coordinated system, what are the savings to local systems that could be realized if a spinal system was in place in terms of reduced routes? What are the compromises that would need to be made in terms of frequency of service and headways? Second, how could such a system best be organized? What would be the cost and other differences between a) keeping Bath CityBus and Brunswick Explorer bus services managed locally, while another entity mangers the spin service, and b) having a single entity manage the entire system? For each community, the weighing of real costs and benefits will require a more complete understanding of both the current and proposed systems.


Appendix A: Interviewees

• Jim Whitten, Assistant to the President/Special Projects, Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) Very supportive and sees a big demand. Their students take classes at both campuses (Brunswick and Bath), and go back and forth a few times a day. Transportation is a barrier for some, results in selected enrollment when they can find a ride, or none at all. In Brunswick, a few students are getting off the bus at Cooks Corner and walking into campus. There are other students that use the bus if it went to the Brunswick campus or if went to both. Do a voucher/discount in S. Portland for students who use bus system--to reduce demand for parking. Would do that in Bath/Brunswick. 300 riders in S. Portland. Brunswick facility offering 17 classes right now. Brunswick and Bath: 250 registrations for this Spring semester (meaning students are signing up for multiple classes). Expecting 350-400 in the Fall. In 3 to 5 years, the goal, at both facilities, is to have 3,000 to 5,000 students. Classes generally run from 9am to 6pm. Peak time is 11am to 4pm Do not have funds to support expansion but willing to play a large partnering roll in soliciting funding • Stephanie Slocum, Executive Director, Brunswick Downtown Association Bath Brunswick Connection: Overall, expansions are a great idea and doesn't see losing customers a problem. She said that she was in support of expanding the service to other areas so long as the expansion was not at the expense of existing service in Brunswick. Her biggest reasons for wanting the service expanded is to relieve parking congestion. Downeaster: Have not started to look at signage or marketing for visitors once they get off of the train. Will be doing some marketing to get visitors to the area-just started those conversations with the Downeaster staff. • Dave Brown, Center Director Spectrum Generations Service to Topsham: Would love to have the service. Knows that it would be utilized. Receives 12 calls a week, on average, from patrons asking about public transportation or carpools and say that they cannot get there because of transportation. Open in that location for two years, have 325 to 375 visitors/users per month (duplicated, but doesn't count meals on wheels or other volunteers). Open M-F 9am to 3pm. Most programs/services are 10am-11:30am and 1pm-2:30pm. They offer meals, educational, social, health and other programming. Visitors come from all over (highlands, Westrum House, etc). Would provide more services if transportation was not a barrier. Free to anyone. Focus is on ages 50+ and disabled. They may have funding that they would be willing to contribute. Have given Jason contact information to ED to start conversation. Davce more than willing to serve on a committee and apply or participate in funding


requests. Would be willing to do a survey of visitors. Would recommend a few weeks to allow for everyone to cycle through. Large public parking lot behind building and space for bus to pull around building in order to turn around. • Sara Trafton, Executive Director, Regional Transportation Program (RTP) Service to Freeport: RTP is talking to Donna Larson and retailers (incl. LL Bean) about a possible fixed route from Portland to Freeport - they're at the very beginning of the process. • Leon Ouimet, Manager, Brunswick CareerCenter Bath Brunswick Connection: In his 30 years experience, transportation is the biggest barrier to employment. Has been meaning to talk to the Brunswick Explorer to get a stop at his place. They currently drive right by. Open 8-5pm M-F with peak times being 10am to 3pm. Tuesdays are the busiest days. Approx. 600 duplicative users per month Service to Freeport: Transportation is a big demand as many of his clients would seek retail employment in Freeport if they had affordable and reliable transportation there. They often are not able to make a 5 hr shift worth the $15 they will pay in gas and car maintenance to get to and from. • Lee Karker, Executive Director, Coastal Trans Bath Brunswick Connection: Brunswick Explorer is happy to meet, already goes there, Coastal Trans board of directors would make the Service to Topsham: 50/50 section 5311 rural transit = higher local share, Fares higher than $1-2 decrease ridership, Topsham Fair Mall might be a destination for < 18, Bowdoin College students, allies – Highlands, Spectrum Generations, Topsham Fair Mall, a different bus and route, use the train station as a hub Successful service has to stop at least once an hour • Volunteers of America- Westrum House Bath Brunswick Connection: Though they live in Topsham, many have doctors in Bath and Brunswick Service to Topsham: Emphatic about having service. Many of their clients should not be driving, but do because there is no other reliable and affordable mode of transportation. Half have cars and still drive. Would use primarily for shopping and doctor's appointments. Renys, Hannaford big destinations in town. Also have expressed interest in going to Cook's Corner. Have to pay $6 round trip to go from Hannaford and back. That is with a discounted rate/subsidy. One resident has to pay $20 round trip to go to Sweetser for services. $1 or $2 fee would be affordable. Many of the residents are late


risers and would want to be back before dark in winter. 10am-4pm would be biggest demand. No wheelchair access needed now, but may very well in future. 4 or 5 turn overs/ year. Staff do not think that safety is a fear/concern/barrier to them using service if available. Due to income limitations, they are less likely to use the service for events, etc. • Donna Larson, Planner, Town of Freeport, Sandra Updegraph, Executive Director, Freeport Economic Development Corporation (FEDC), Myra Hopkins, Executive Director, Freeport USA Service to Freeport: Users: -Workforce (in both directions). Especially young, moderate-income families that might move into former base housing. -Tourists: Could stay for longer periods of time than allowed by Maine Eastern, allow for greater flexibility. -Freeport: A 2007 transit survey indicates that 30% of people in Freeport would use transit occasionally; of those, 70% said they would go towards Brunswick (vs. 30% toward Portland). Value: -Opens up a new workforce to Freeport -Businesses can offer additional parking or reduce the number of spots they have to offer to employees -High gas prices keep part-time employees from commuting to Freeport Marketing: -Companies would need to offer incentives to both employees and customers (coupons, flexible scheduling). Important to have backups for when retail workers have to stay late (i.e. rainy days, which are a boon for local shopping). -Key Factors: Frequency, Incentives, Convenience, Partnerships Partners: -LL Bean, Town of Freeport, National Chain Stores (many of which offer transport/housing subsidies in other tourist cities) Funding: Greater support on council than in the past, still very hard to get new transit subsidies. • Anna Breinich, Planner, Town of Brunswick The current route focuses on social service providers and shopping - there should be more of an emphasis on getting people to jobs (in Brunswick, Bath, Topsham, Freeport). Extension will only be a net benefit if there are additional buses and service is extended. • Rich Roedner, Planner, Town of Topsham Excited about possible Brunswick/Bath connection - especially to Cooks Corner, Brunswick Main Station. Service to Topsham: A Main St route should stop at Lower Village/Main St, Topsham Fair Mall, and the Highlands. There was staff interest in a Topsham shuttle after the 2007 Wheels report, but no political interest or money. There's more political will this time (unsure about money) Could benefit employees at the mall, and bring people from Brunswick to the Topsham Target.


• Andrew Deci, Planner, City of Bath, Michael Peabody, Maintenance and Bus Supervisor, City of Bath, Debby Lebrecque, Administrative Assistant, City of Bath Concerns: 1) Lack of resources to extend municipal bus service in Bath (currently only go to MidCoast Hospital upon request - once in the morning, once in the afternoon) 2) Downtown merchants (who buy advertising on the bus) might not want business going to Brunswick 3) Would be more open to idea if they could show equivalent business coming into Bath from other towns. 4) Would be easier if there was a regional provider (instead of stretching municipal systems) • Jennifer Geiger, Bath Main Street Bath Brunswick Connection: Very supportive of public transportation. Their goal is to continue to be a retail destination. Rejects that downtown businesses are higher end and therefore bus users would not shop in downtown stores. She states Renys in particular, but stated that almost all of them have goods for reasonable prices. She also stated that they do a lot of free events that people of all incomes can enjoy. She thinks that the higher of the frequency of the connections with the Explorer would ease people's concerns about shipping their shoppers out of town using Bath tax payer's dollars. Was also supportive of a system that would meet in the morning, once in the afternoon, and then another after the 5 o'clock hour in order to meet the needs of those who would use it for workforce commuting. Was supportive of a system that picked up the frequency of trips in order to get people to special events (Heritage Days, Art on the Mall, Topsham Fair, etc). • Westrum House survey results A survey was conducted of Westrum House residents to help gauge the demand in Topsham. Out of the 25 units, there were 19 respondents. All respondents said that they would use public transportation if it were available to them. On average, respondents stated that they would use public transportation two to three times per week. Of the respondents, 10 own their own vehicle. Out of that 10, only two stated that they would give up their car if reliable transportation were available. When asked what their likely destinations where when using public transportation, the most popular responses were Topsham Fair Mall (17), Cook’s Corner (16), visiting doctor’s in Brunswick (15) and Midcoast Hospital (13) were their most popular destinations. The other destinations and responses were: Downtown Brunswick (10), doctors in Topsham (9), Parkview Hospital (7), Topsham Village (6), Freeport (4), Downtown Bath (3) and doctors in Bath (3). No respondents provided an “other” destination. Respondents stated that Monday through Friday would be the most likely days that they would use public transportation. Seven residents stated that they would use public


transportation on Saturday and five stated that they would use it on Sunday. Eleven people stated that they would use public transportation less on the weekends. With the option of choosing the hours of day that they would use public transportation, respondents chose midday as the most likely time that they would a system if it were available. The breakdown of responses for each hour is as follows: 8am: 7 // 9am: 4 // 10am: 12 // 11am: 7 // 12pm: 8 // 1pm: 11 // 2pm: 12 // 3pm: 10 //4pm: 4 // 5-8pm: 1 • Chris Wasileski, The Highlands The Highlands in Topsham has approximately 450 residents (including both assisted and independent living). They have 2 buses (25-30 ppl) which they use to provide transportation for their residents, both on-demand for appointments and shopping and event based. They would like to see local fixed route service in Topsham, and would see it in compliment to what they offer. It would be more likely to be used by their younger, more independent residents who want to go downtown for shopping and dining and don’t want to worry about parking. Perception and safety would be important. There is fixed route service in Falmouth, where they have Oceanview, and residents are active users and vocal supporters.


Appendix B: Rider and Driver Survey

RIDER SURVEY Date: Time: Route: Where do you get on the bus?

What is your destination?

How often do you ride the bus?

Where else would you like to go? (i.e., destinations in Bath/Brunswick/Topsham)

Would you be willing to pay more for more destinations?

DRIVER SURVEY Date: Time: Route: Who rides the bus (and when)?

Where do they go?

What are the most popular destinations?

Where are the most common off-route requests?

(Bath) How many passengers a day go to Midcoast Hospital?


Bus Rider Survey Results Town

Route Gender Age Departure

Point Destination

Frequency (days

/week)

Desired Destinations

Pay More (Per

Ride)

Notes

Bath NB M 81

Bratten and Lincoln

Downtown 3

Bath

SB M 56 Pleasant and Washington

Downtown or Shaws

3

Wal-Mart, Cooks Corner, Brunswick

$4-5

Bath SB F 13

Pleasant and Washington

Downtown or Shaws

3 Bath Middle Schools

$4

Bath NB F 32 Seacliff

DT, Shaws, social

5 Wal-Mart $2-3

Bath NB F 74 Moorings DT 3 Wal-Mart $1 Bath

NB M 80 Beacon and Washington

DT 5 Brunswick DT

$1

Bath SB M 40

Washington and High

DR 3

Bath NB F

Senior Citizen Center

Renys, Soup Kitchen

Depends on the weather

Bath NB F

Shopping, Shaws

Try to minimize trips

Bath SB F 71 Oak Grove Shaws 5 No Bath

SB M 59 172 Washington St

DT, Shaws 5 Cooks Corner 50 cents

Brunswick WB M 47 Parkview

Hannaford, Sweetzer

1 Topsham Medical Center

$1.10

Brunswick WB M Hannaford

Mallard Pond

5 Topsham (Renys)

Double

Brunswick WB F

Pheasant Run

Hannaford 5 Freeport: LL Bean; Bath: Downtown

$2-3

Brunswick

EB F 60 Creekside Village

Hannaford, Wal-Mart

5 Topsham: Mall, Goodwill

1.5x cost of current monthly pass


Brunswick

EB F 55+ Everywhere Wal-Mart, Shaws

1-2 Topsham Fair Mall, Bath, Lewiston

Less than $14 (cost of cab)

Brunswick WB M 30 PeoplePlus

Cooks Corner (for work)

5 Topsham Fair Mall

$1 commuter

Brunswick

EB F 31 Hannaford

Midcoast, Wal-Mart (for work at Days Inn)

5 Topsham Fair Mall

$1 commuter

Brunswick WB F 80+

Mallard Pond

Hannaford occasionally Bowling Alley

Brunswick F 80+

Mallard Pond

Soup Kitchen

2-3 Midcoast Medical Center

probably not

Brunswick

EB F 28 PeoplePlus

Wal-Mart, Cooks Corner, Parkview

1

Topsham: Mall, Target, Renys; Would like a connection to Bath

yes

Brunswick EB F 40s Hannaford Wal-Mart 1

Topsham Fair Mall

$1

Brunswick

WB F 45 Mallard Pond

Parkview, Mid-Coast

2-3x a month

no

heard about bus from case manager at Sweetser

Brunswick

WB F 50s Pejebscot Terrace

Shopping 5

Freeport: Downtown; Brunswick: Androscoggin Mill

yes temporary situation

Brunswick

EB M 65 Woodlawn Terrace

Wal-Mart, Hannaford

3 Topsham: Renys, Goodwill

yes - as long as it's cheaper than a cab

otherwise takes a VA shuttle, but can only pick it up in Freeport

Brunswick EB M Sweetser 2-3 Brunswick

WB F 60+ Towers Walmart (commuter)

5 Topsham Fair Mall

75 cents commuter


Brunswick WB F 18

Pejebscot Terrace

Shaws (commuter), Wal-Mart

5 Topsham Fire Department

$1-2 commuter

Brunswick WB M 78 Woodlawn

Hannaford, Wal-Mart, Sweetser

4-5 Brunswick Restaurants

Brunswick

WB F 27 PeoplePlus

Bowdoin Medical and Wal-Mart

1-2x/month

midcoast council of governmentsmidcoastcog.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/mcog-2012-regional... ·...

Documents