The Bangor City Council's Government Operations Committee convened on August 4, 2025, to discuss the Community Connector FAIR study, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the local transportation system. The meeting featured a presentation by Reynaldo Germano from the consulting firm Foursquare, which has been commissioned to analyze the fare structure and operational efficiency of the Community Connector.
The presentation began with an overview of the study's objectives, which include maximizing efficiency, generating new revenue, and maintaining service quality. Germano highlighted the extensive assessment conducted, which involved analyzing ridership data, service operations, and surveying nearly 250 riders and non-riders to gather insights on the current fare structure.
Key findings from the assessment revealed that significant investments have been made in the Community Connector system over recent years. These include the establishment of a new administrative building, the introduction of new service vehicles, and the opening of a new transit center. Additionally, the transition to fixed bus stop operations and the implementation of advanced technology for real-time data reporting have positioned the Community Connector to recover ridership levels post-pandemic.
The committee noted that no immediate actions were required during this meeting, as the presentation served primarily as an update. Future phases of the study will include public participation to gather further community input on the proposed fare structure changes and recommendations.
Overall, the Community Connector FAIR study represents a proactive approach to improving public transportation in Bangor, aiming to adapt to changing ridership patterns and enhance service delivery for the community.