Riders can no longer flag down Bangor’s Community Connector buses starting Monday.
That’s when the public bus system completes its transition to fully fixed-stop routes, the city said Thursday.
The change, which began rolling out last June, is part of a broader effort to improve the Community Connector’s on-time performance and boost ridership. It also will allow for the use of real-time bus tracking.
The city of Bangor has installed more than 300 bus stops based on available infrastructure, use and population density. Those stops may be expanded or reduced based on daily ridership. Stops will include, at the very least, a reflective sign and “landing area.”
LED screens have been installed so passengers can see the name of a stop.
As part of the change, riders can use the Bangor Community Connector mobile app to track buses in real time and see the estimated time of arrival. The app will also send out alerts when there are delays. That can be downloaded for free from the Google Play or App Store.
The Community Connector plans eventually to install screens at the transit center in downtown Bangor, where people without smartphones can get the information found on the app.
The Community Connector is owned and operated by the city of Bangor and serves Bangor, Brewer, Hampden, Old Town, Orono, Veazie and the University of Maine.
