Please check back soon for information about the 2018-2019 Mountain Explorer schedule and new Mountain Express bus routes!
Mountain Explorer Operating Hours
2017-2018 Season
UPDATED APRIL 16, 2018
Thanks to all of our sponsors and riders for an excellent season. Our ridership was up by 7.5% over last year, carrying a total of 23,819 riders. We’re already looking forward to next season!
UPDATED March 19, 2018….
Hard to believe, especially with all the fabulous snow in Western Maine… but it’s that time of the ski season when the Mountain Explorer is now providing only Sat & Sun service Mar 24-25, Mar 31-Apr 1, Apr 7-8 … Sun Apr 8, service ends at 5:00 PM.
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Service Notes:
Service is subject to change without notice.
- All times are for departures unless otherwise noted.
- All times are cell phone-based. Buses may run late.
- Please be at your stop 5 minutes before scheduled departure.
- Please allow riders to get off the bus before you board.
- As you board, please tell the driver your destination.
- Please be courteous with bulky equipment.
- Packages are limited to those a rider can carry aboard in one trip.
- All equipment/bags must be secured safely at each rider’s seat.
- No smoking, vaping or open alcoholic beverages allowed.
- No eating or drinking from uncovered containers.
- No abusive or obscene language, lewd gestures or behavior.
- No weapons or dangerous goods.
- Seatbelt use is required by law. Extenders are available.
- Electronics must not bother other riders.
- Please be ready for your stop.
Flex-Route
LOCAL RESIDENTS & GUESTS…Announcing flex-route service! Now you can request a pick-up or drop-off within 3/4 mile of the bus route on public roads if it is safe for the bus. To learn more or schedule a ride, please call 207-330-3304, at least 24 hours in advance.
You can use the Mountain Explorer for more than going to the mountain…you can ride to work, restaurants and pubs, shopping, banks, local hair, healthcare, dental or eye appointments or almost anywhere in-town, FREE!
Ability to serve any location is based on safety, ability to turn the bus around and that it must be on a public road. The green outline below is approximate.
Service is at the discretion of the operator.
Service is provided only during normal hours of operation and may require riders to be on the bus for an extended period of time depending on pick-up and drop-off locations.
ABOUT THE MOUNTAIN EXPLORER:
The Mountain Explorer was founded in 2000 and is open to the public to provide safe, free, more environmentally-friendly transportation for residents and winter visitors, and a reliable designated driver option. The Mountain Explorer is operated by Western Maine Transportation Services and supported by the towns of Bethel and Newry, the Federal Transit Administration, Maine Department of Transportation, Sunday River, Gould Academy, The Bethel Inn Resort, local businesses, associations and other sponsors listed on this schedule.
NON-DISCRIMINATION, CIVIL RIGHTS & TITLE VI INFORMATION:
Suggestions & Complaints
Complaints and suggestions, of any nature, are taken seriously by WMTS. A complaint or suggestion may be made by telephone 1-800-393-9335 press 7, by e-mail at [email protected], in person or in writing at the address below. Complaints will be investigated and a determination made as to what action is warranted within five to ten business days. Anonymous complaints will be investigated and, to the best of our ability, we will respond as appropriate. Verbal complaints will be investigated and a verbal response provided within 5 business days. Written complaints will be investigated and a written response provided within 10 business days. All complaint forms are kept on file and include the complainant’s name; address; date of complaint; name of person investigating; resolution and date and manner of notification of resolution.
Title VI, Non-Discrimination & Civil Rights
WMTS will not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. If you feel you have been subject to discrimination under Title VI, you may submit a complaint to: FTA Office of Civil Rights, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590. On-line, search “File a Title VI Complaint with FTA”. You may also submit a complaint to: Civil Rights Office, MaineDOT, 16 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0016, or contact the Western Maine Transportation Services General Manager at the address below, at [email protected] or call 207-333-6972, extension 207.
Western Maine Transportation Services, 76 Merrow Road, Auburn, ME 04210
1-800-393-9335 [email protected] www.wmtsbus.org
ACCESSIBILITY:
If a disability prevents you from accessing a Mountain Explorer bus stop, please call 800-393-9335 selection 2, from 9 AM to 5 PM Mon-Sat, at least 24 hours in advance, to arrange for at-curb pick up within 3/4 mile of the route on publically-maintained roads. Mountain Explorer buses are wheelchair lift-equipped and can carry up to 2 riders in wheelchairs. Please note combined weights of some wheelchairs may exceed lift manufacturer’s safety limits. Trained service animals under control of the rider or small pets in carriers are permitted. Oxygen tanks and concentrators must be safely secured to users or their wheelchairs.
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow the Mountain Explorer on Twitter at MtnExBus for delays or service changes due to weather, special events and other circumstances.
Like us on Facebook at Mountain Explorer Supporters
You can help keep the free Mountain Explorer buses rolling! Please donate today. All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you!
