Private business perceptions of transportation issues and the island explorer bus system at Acadia National Park, Maine

National Parks and communities that surround them often must work together to create the best possible experience for the visitors to the area. In the case of Acadia National Park in Maine, the surrounding communities and the park have worked together to face the issue of congestion in the area caused by too many automobiles. The Island Explorer Bus alternative transportation system was integrated in 1999 to begin dealing with this problem. This exploratory study was designed to assess the perceptions of private businesses on transportation issues in and around Acadia National Park and the Island Explorer Bus alternative transportation system. In-person interviews were conducted with managers or owners. The businesses included hotels, motels, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and in town stores. The results from the interviews will be used to assist in the planning of Intelligent Transportation System information to be integrated with the Island Explorer Bus alternative transportation system in late Summer, 2001. Also, the results will help with the design process of an in depth mail survey of businesses on Mount Desert Island, to evaluate transportation and the Intelligent Transportation Systems technologies associated with the Island Explorer Bus system in late Summer, 2002.