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 8 pre-planned routes, taking visitors from their lodgings to a downtown Bar Harbor bus depot and then out to various must-see sites 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 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.

For more information, please visit the Clean Cities website. You can also view recent segments by clicking here.