Restore Saturday Bus Service
Bangor City Council
We're rallying support for an important cause! Join TFA and stand up for restoration of Saturday service for the Community Connector.
The city announced on October 12, 2024, that it stopped Saturday service because it couldn’t find enough bus drivers. But bus drivers aren’t even given full-time employment! When speaking with bus drivers, the top reasons cited for leaving are that there are no full time employment opportunities and low wages. The city needs to offer full time employment status to attract and retain career-minded drivers.
Your voice matters! Let's come together to make a difference in our community.
Sign on to this petition to let Bangor and the other town councils and leadership of the Community Connector know your support for the bus.
Sponsored by
To:
Bangor City Council
From:
[Your Name]
We the undersigned support the restoration of Saturday Community Connector service. We see the best way to do this is for bus drivers to gain full-time employment and to secure a much-needed increase in the Earned Time Off (ETO) benefit. This will address the biggest threat to the system which is the inability to attract and retain drivers.
After consulting with numerous riders, drivers, and supporters, it’s clear that the current part-time status of our bus drivers must change. Offering full-time positions and increased ETO will attract qualified CDL drivers seeking long-term career opportunities with the city.
Transportation for All (TFA) is a Food AND Medicine program which has conducted surveys to gather feedback on improving the Community Connector service. A significant number of respondents expressed the need for service during nights and weekends. Their reasons often fall into four key categories:
1. Employment:
The lack of Saturday service directly impacts businesses and employees who rely on public transportation to access weekend shifts. Many face job loss or must resort to costly, unreliable alternatives like UBER or taxis.
2. Socializing:
Community events and entertainment venues are vital for social connections. People rely on the bus to see families, friends and to engage in community events.
3. Shopping:
Saturdays are crucial for families to shop for essentials, particularly those that work during the week. Without extended evening service, many struggle to find time to gather supplies, often resorting to convenience stores or fast food, which may not meet their needs, nutritionally as well as financially.
4. Faith and Community Services:
Access to church services and community resources, like food pantries and hot meal opportunities, is essential for many residents.
Given these insights, we strongly urge the reinstatement of Saturday service by way of providing full time employment to the Community Connector drivers. Restoring this service will help our community thrive.
Sincerely,
Food AND Medicine / Transportation for All