Small cities could boost transit options with transportation climate funds

"A new bus service in Presque Isle, Maine, is attempting to prove the viability of transit in a smaller community.

Six months ago, residents of Presque Isle, Maine, had few good options for getting around their small but sprawling city other than by car.

Now, a fledgling bus service is expanding there as it begins its fifth month of service in the city of about 9,000, just across the border from Canada.

Supporters say services like the Presque Isle Loop could be a boon to Maine’s economy, especially with added revenue from a proposed multi-state, regional compact to cut transportation emissions in the Northeast.

While some critics worry the Transportation and Climate Initiative will hurt more rural, car-dependent communities, Presque Isle is showing the potential value of transit outside the region’s urban corridors."