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I still remember the first time I saw a Bangor Area Transportation bus. To this day, I still think the logo is downright absurd, despite the legitimacy of the acronym, BAT. Yes, I will admit, there are bats in Bangor, but how is this small mammal representative of transportation or the Greater Bangor metropolis?
Regardless of imagery, the BAT bus system gets riders to their destinations. As virtually the only form of public transportation in Bangor, the BAT is especially important to those in Greater Bangor’s outlying communities – Brewer, Hampden, Orono and Old Town. In 2008, the BAT served more than 800,000 riders. Due to the current economic turmoil, an increased emphasis upon resource preservation and fluctuating fuel prices, public transportation is being used now more than ever.
When riding the BAT in Orono, I encounter convenience and the company of many fellow students. Most live just a few minutes away. However, there have been a few times when I needed to journey into Bangor via the BAT. It is then that I find the ease of use significantly diminishes, and my impatience to reach my destination significantly increases.
The BAT is necessary to the survival of alternative transportation in Bangor, a strong sense of community and individual independence. In order to better the system and its complements, improvements such as better designation of bus stops and stations or extended hours – past 7:05 p.m. would be nice – should be taken into consideration.
An additional problem addressed by Eric Russell last week in the Bangor Daily News is the state of many of the buses, some of which are more than 12 years old. This is not just occurring in Bangor’s public transportation department, but statewide. Public transportation is extremely under funded. Ironically enough, this deficit is taking place in a time when there is an unprecedented enthusiasm and need for public transportation.
Speaking of having an enthusiasm for public transportation, according to Wikipedia, the model names of the 18-bus BAT fleet are the Orion 5, the Thomas Vista 3600 mini-bus, the Thomas TL960, the 2001 Dennis, the NABI Bluebird Ultra LF and the Champion Bus Incorporated Defender mini-buses. Did I miss something? Since when are the names of middle-aged men, spaceships and members of the avian classification representative of a swooping BAT bus? Seriously, how were these names determined? I would have enjoyed being present at that meeting.
The BAT bus system is often complained about for what it lacks in comparison to “big city” modes of public transportation. In order to compete and offer the best service possible, the BAT bus must undergo some serious changes in order to remain efficient and practical, as the need for public transportation is only going to increase. That being said, I sincerely hope they do not attempt to “improve” the name of the NABI Bluebird Ultra LF – or any of the others for that matter. The names have character – the one thing the BAT does not lack.
Madeline Glover is a junior child development student.
