The County's new transportation director plans to bring more people to more places
PHOTO / FRED FIELD
Aroostook Regional Transportation System’s new executive director, Micah Desmond, said he aims to expand the organization as a go-to for transportation needs in the County.
In Aroostook County, destinations can be far away and public transit options are few.
Micah Desmond, the new executive director of Aroostook Regional Transportation System Inc., said he aims to expand the organization as a go-to for transportation needs in the County.
“I look forward to working with our dedicated staff and drivers, our local agency partners, and our community members to provide safe, reliable, and affordable transportation services,” Desmond said in a news release. “ARTS has a great potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many people in our region.”
The nonprofit organization based in Presque Isle, was founded in 1979 and provides demand-response door-to-door transportation services for the general public, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly in Aroostook County and parts of Penobscot and Washington counties.
Desmond has a bachelor of arts degree in international studies from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Husson College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Husson University.
He has worked for 10 years in various roles in manufacturing and eight years as a director in the health care industry.
Desmond said he has several goals: adding service areas; expanding hours and services to all County communities; expanding agency partnerships; adding to the fleet; and creating a culture of service within the organization.
Aroostook County is the largest county east of the Mississippi — but with just 70,000 residents, it’s also one of the most sparsely populated. Sheer distance is one of the biggest challenges faced by residents. Shortage of transportation, including public transit, was cited as one of the top concerns in a 2022 report by the Aroostook County Action Program, a nonprofit services and resources provider based in Presque Isle. The need includes the working poor, the elderly and young families.
The service has 25 employees and a fleet of 20 buses and vans. Transportation services are provided for the general public, individuals with disabilities and the elderly. Services are provided to Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, Central Aroostook Association, LogistiCare (MaineCare) and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services through a contracted rate with no charge to the individuals.
ARTS demand-response door-to-door services are provided by buses or vans that are all handicapped-accessible.
Modes of transportation include the organization’s bus system, volunteer drivers, private drivers and taxis. The organization receives federal and state grant funding through the Maine Department of Transportation and Department of Health and Human Services, local contracts through a variety of agencies, and fares from individuals riding.
In 2020, the system averaged 1,600 trips per week. The system is considered vital for connecting outlying communities with town centers for needs such as medical appointments, shopping and social visits.
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How about getting some train service here??!
How about getting some train service here??!
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