HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-28 16-117 ORDERCOUNCIL ACTION
Item No. 16-117
Date: March 28, 2016
Item/Subject: Order, Approving and Adopting Title VI Environmental Justice Non -
Discrimination Plan for Community Connector Public Transit Service.
Responsible Department: Executive
Commentary:
This Order would approve and adopt a Title VI / Non -Discrimination Plan for the Community
Connector transit system. This Plan is required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for
entities that are direct recipients of federal funds. The City is required to adopt a Title VI /
Non -Discrimination Plan and submit to the FTA for approval.
The Governmental Operations Committee reviewed and recommended approval and adoption of
the Plan to the City Council at its March 21, 2016 meeting.
Manager's Comments:
Recommend Approval
Associated Information: Order, Non -Discrimination Plan
Budget Approval:
Legal Approval:
Introduced for
X Passage (Consent Agenda)
First Reading
Referral
Department Head
slYl �
City Manager
Page _of_
Finance Director
City golicitor
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Assigned to Councilor Nichols
RA
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CI`T'Y OF BANGOR
gTED,f
(TITLE.) ORDER, Approving and Adopting Title VI/Environmental Justice Non -Discrimination
Plan for Community Connector Public Transit Service.
WHEREAS, the City of Bangor operates Community Connector serving six communities and the
University of Maine; and
WHEREAS, federal funding to assist with operational and capital costs; and
WHEREAS, federal funding will be received and administered by Community Connector is a
Direct Recipient; and
WHEREAS, all Direct Recipients of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding must approve
and adopt a Title VI Environmental Justice Non -Discrimination Plan in order to remain
eligible to receive federal funding.
By tfae O?ty Couna/ of #re City of Bangor.
ORDERED, That the attached Title VI Environmental Justice Non -Discrimination Plan dated
March 31, 2616 is hereby approved and adopted for purposes of meeting the requirements of,
and submission to, the Federal Transit Administration
IN CITY COUNCIL
MARCH 28, 2016
PASSED
CITY CLERK
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MARCH 28, 2016
To: Government Operations Committee
From: Laurie Linscott, Community Connector Superintendent
Subject: Title VI / Non -Discrimination Plan
Date: March 15, 2016
City of Bangor, Community Connector is required by Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) to have a Title VI / Non -Discrimination Plan as part of being a
direct recipient of federal funding. The VI program refers to a document
developed by an FTA recipient to demonstrate how the recipient is complying
with Title VI requirements. Direct and primary recipients must submit their Title
VI programs to FTA every three years. The Title VI program must be approved by
the recipient's board of directors or appropriate governing entity or officials
responsible for policy decisions prior to submission to FTA. Our first plan was
approved Dec 26, 2012 and expires May 31, 2016. The Title VI plan needs to be
submitted to FTA 60 days before it expires. Our plan is due to FTA April 1, 2016.
The City of Bangor, Community Connector is committed to ensuring that no
person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit
services on the basis of race, color, or national origin. This plan was developed
pursuant to FTA Circular 4702.113 to guide Community Connector and its
administration and management of Title VI -related activities.
Our Title VI Plan outlines in detail how Community Connector will address certain
issues related to discrimination, such as public outreach , public participation, LEP
Analysis and LEP Plan, Title VI Complaints, Public Notification, Title VI
Investigations, Service Standards, and Service Policies.
Staff recommends that the Committee endorse our updated Title VI Plan and
forward to the City Council with a recommendation to approve as written. After
City Council approval, the plan will be submitted to FTA for review. At that point,
the FTA will either approve the Plan as submitted, or recommend modifications
so that the Plan will be in compliance.
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Service stand
Title VI/Environmental Justice
Non -Discrimination Plan
For Discrimination based on Race, Color, National Origin
City of Bangor
Community Connector
481 Maine Avenue
Bangor, Maine 04401
207-992-4670
March 31, 2016
Contents
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Page
Introduction........................................................................................................1
1. Community Connector Public Outreach Plan ....................................................... 2
2. Community Connector LEP Analysis and Plan ..................................................... 3
3. Title VI Complaint Procedure................................................................................ 6
Discrimination Complaint Form............................................................................. 7
4. Notifying the Public of Rights under Title VI .......................................................... 9
5. Community Connector Title VI Investigations..................................................... 10
6. Racial Breakdown of Board............................................................................... 10
7. Efforts of Primary Recipient to Ensure Title VI Compliance of Sub recipients .... 10
8. Title VI Analysis for Facility Construction............................................................ 10
9. Service Standards.............................................................................................. 11
10. Service Policies.................................................................................................. 14
Introduction
Plan Statement
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Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended prohibits discrimination on the basis of
race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Specifically, Title VI provides that "no person in the United States shall, on the ground of
race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial
assistance" (FTA) 42 U.S.C. Section 2000d).
The City of Bangor's transit system, Community Connector, is committed to ensuring that no
person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit services on the
basis of race, color, or national origin. This plan was developed pursuant to FTA Circular
4702.1 B to guide Community Connector (CC) and its administration and management of Title
VI -related activities.
Title VI Coordinator Contact Information
Laurie Linscott, Superintendent, Community Connector, 481 Maine Avenue, Bangor, Maine,
04401, 992-4672.
Subcontractors and Vendors
All subcontractors and vendors who receive
funding originates from any federal assistance
Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended. Wrift
language, either directly or through the bic
associated component of the contract.
Record Keeping
payments from Community Connector where
are subject to the provisions of Title VI of the
an contracts shall contain non-discrimination
I specification package which becomes an
The Title VI Coordinator shall maintain permanent records which include, but are not limited
to, copies of Title VI complaints or lawsuits and related documentation, and records of
correspondence to and from complainants, and Title VI investigations.
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1. Community Connector Public Outreach Plan
Public outreach is essential to the success of Community Connector, the public transit
system operated by the City of Bangor that serves Bangor, Brewer, Old Town, Orono, Veazie
and Hampden. Community Connector's ongoing public outreach efforts extend beyond
maintaining a website and marketing its services through brochures and schedules to include
public workshops. These workshops benefit both Community Connector officials and the
general public in a number of ways:
• They provide users of the transit system with an opportunity to describe what they like
about the system and what they would like to see changed;
• They introduce potential riders of Community Connector with basic information about
how the system works and how it can meet their needs;
• They engender a sense of ownership among people, especially those who are often at
the mercy of their surroundings;
• They help Community Connector officials design a transit system that meets the needs
of the public within the constraints of available funding;
• They help Community Connector officials gauge the success of the transit system; and
• They provide Community Connector officials with new ideas and alert them to potential
environmental justice issues.
The following is a summary of public outreach efforts undertaken by Community Connector
during calendar year 2013-2015. These outreach efforts are aimed at helping these
organizations understand the transit services provided by Community Connector. While all of
the meetings are open to the public, some of the meetings are focused on smaller groups
with a unique interest. Participation at meetings of groups that target either minority, elderly
or low income populations are underlined. Presentations were made to the following
organizations:
Brewer Affordable Housing
Local Schools
University of Maine —Student Orientations
University of Maine — Commuter Day
University of Maine — International Students
Husson University - International Students
Eastern Maine Community College
City of Bangor Council — Government Operations Committee
Veazie Town Council
Hampden Town Council
Transportation for All Committee
Bangor House
Ellen Leach Home -Brewer
Community Connector makes available one-on-one training to help all passengers to learn
how to navigate the transit system. The Bus Ambassador Program was started in 2015. This
is a group of trained volunteers who want to teach people how to ride the transit bus. Call the
Community Connector office or The Bus Ambassador office to reach a trained volunteer who
is
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will assist you. Community Connector's Public Outreach Plan is to continue efforts similar to
those listed above into the future.
2. Community Connector LEP Analysis and Plan
Introduction
On August 11, 2000, President Clinton signed Executive Order 13166: Improving Access to
Service for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, which requires meaningful access to all
federally assisted programs and activities by persons with limited English proficiency (LEP).
Executive Order 13166 states that individuals who do not speak English well and who have a
limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English are entitled to language assistance
under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with respect to a particular type of service,
benefit or encounter. It reads in part:
Each Federal agency shall prepare a plan to improve access to its federally conducted
programs and activities by eligible LEP persons. Each plan shall be consistent with the
standards set forth in the LEP Guidance, and shall include the steps the agency will
take to ensure that eligible LEP persons can meaningfully access the agency's
programs and activities.
In addition to the requirement that federal agencies prepare LEP plans, all recipients of
federal financial assistance have to comply with Title VI and LEP guidelines of the federal
agency from which funds are provided. The Federal Highway Administration has mandated
that all "...recipients must take reasonable steps to ensure that such persons have
meaningful access to the programs, services and information those recipients provide, free of
charge..."
Who is an LEP Individual?
According to FTA Circular 4702.113, "Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons refers to
persons for whom English is not their primary language and who have a limited ability to
read, write, speak or understand English. It includes people who reported to the U.S. Census
that they speak English less than very well, not well, or not at all."
The Four Factor Analysis
Under the provisions of FTA Circular 4702.1 B, Community Connector is obligated to
determine the extent of its obligation to provide LEP services to its transit -dependent
population. This determination must be based on an analysis of four factors as described in
the paragraphs below.
Factor #1: The number or proportion of LEP persons eligible to be served or likely to
be encountered by the program or recipient. The 2010-2014 American Community
Survey 5 -Year Estimates shows that the number and percentage of persons who speak
English less than very well within four major groups in each of the six municipalities served
3
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by Community Connector falls below the 1,000 person/5% threshold, as shown in the table
below.
Table 1
Summary of Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Persons 5 Years and Older
Community Connector Service Area
2010-2014 Census Estimates
Total 5%
Persons Threshold
Persons S akin En lish
Less than
Very Well
Spanish Indo-
European
Asian or
Pacific
Other
Bangor 31,230 1,562
57 128
268
6
Brewer 8,899 445
0 63
0
0
Hampden 7,041 352
0 23
17
0
Old Town 7,244 362
01 59
83
0
Orono 10,252 513
0 1 531
83
1 0
Veazie 1,902 95
01 51
01
0
Source: 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5 -Year Estimates, Table DP02
a. How LEP persons interact with the Agency. LEP persons can potentially interact
with Community Connector when they telephone the agency, when they board or exit
a transit vehicle, or when they attend a meeting sponsored by Community Connector.
b. Identify LEP communities by language group and assess the number of
proportion of LEP persons from each language group to determine the
appropriate language services for each language group. As shown in Table 1, the
number and percentage of persons within each of the four major language groups falls
well below the 1,000 person/5% threshold. Based on these relatively small numbers,
Community Connector's use of a language poster, the use of "I Speak" cards, and the
potential to use one of the translator services in Maine, is an appropriate level of
service.
c. The literacy skill of LEP populations in their native languages, in order to
determine whether translation documents will be an effective practice.
Community Connector has no data that suggests that the literacy skills of LEP persons
are a barrier to using Community Connector's services. There have been no requests
for translation services, and no requests for documents in another language.
d. Whether LEP persons are underserved by Community Connector due to
language barriers. Community Connector has no data that suggests that LEP
populations are underserved in our programs and services.
Factor #2: The frequency with which LEP persons come in contact with programs,
activities or services. Language barriers have not been an issue.
4
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a. Buses. Community Connector has no data that suggests that LEP populations are
using its buses. Although LEP persons connected with the University of Maine,
Husson University, and Eastern Maine Medical Center do use the buses.
b. Public meetings. Community Connector has no data that suggests that LEP
populations are attending its meetings.
c. Customer service interactions. There have been few customer services interactions
with LEP persons during the last three years.
d. Surveys. Community Connector has no data that suggests that LEP populations have
participated in any customer surveys during the past three years.
Factor #3: The nature and importance of programs, activities or services to the LEP
population. The bus service may be important to some LEP individuals. Community
Connector is not aware of any LEP population in its service area that is unable to use the bus
system because of language barriers.
Factor #4: The resources available to the recipient for LEP outreach, and overall costs
to provide LEP assistance. Community Connector bus drivers and administrative staff have
"I speak" language identification cards for use in the event that they encounter an LEP person
who needs language assistance. In the event that an LEP person requires language
assistance, Community Connector would utilize one of the translation services identified by
MaineDOT at a cost of about $50 - $65/hour.
Language Assistance Plan
a. Results of the Four Factor Analysis, including a description of the LEP
Population(s) served. The 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5 -Year
Estimates shows that the number and percentage of persons who speak English less
than very well within four major groups in each of the six municipalities served by
Community Connector falls below the 1,000 person/5% threshold. There are no
known LEP communities in Community Connector's service area.
b. How Community Connector provides language assistance services by language.
Community Connector has "I Speak" language identification cards available on its
buses and at public meetings. Should the need arise, Community Connector can
utilize translation services identified by MaineDOT.
c. How Community Connector provides notice to LEP persons about the
availability of language assistance. Community Connector has "I Speak" language
identification cards available on its buses and at public meetings. Community
Connector also posts Title VI posters in its offices and at other prominent places.
d. How Community Connector monitors, evaluates and updates the language
assistance plan. On a yearly basis, Community Connector's title VI Coordinator will
review the Title VI plan in conjunction with Census data, FTA requirements, and any
developments that would impact the plan including complaints and requests for
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language assistance services. Based on this review, Community Connector's
Language Assistance Plan will be updated accordingly.
e. How Community Connector trains employees to provide timely and reasonable
language assistance to LEP populations. Periodically, Community Connector
includes Title VI training and one of its training sessions. Training includes providing a
copy of the Title VI plan to employees, and highlighting key features of the Plan
including a definition of LEP persons, and the steps that Community Connector has
agreed to take to assist LEP persons, including the use of "I Speak" cards.
3. Title VI Complaint Procedure
Any person who believes she or he has been discriminated against on the basis of race,
color, or national origin by the City of Bangor Community Connector (hereinafter referred to
as "the agency") may file a Title VI complaint by completing and submitting the agency's Title
VI Complaint Form. The agency investigates complaints received no more than 180 days
after the alleged incident. The Authority will process complaints that are complete.
Once the complaint is received, the agency will review it to determine if Community
Connector has jurisdiction. The complainant will receive an acknowledgement letter informing
her/him whether the complaint will be investigated by the agency.
The agency has 30 days to investigate the complaint. If more information is needed to
resolve the case, the agency may contact the complainant. The complainant has 30 business
days from the date of the letter to send requested information to the investigator assigned to
the case. If the investigator is not contacted by the complainant or does not receive the
additional information within 30 business days, the agency can administratively close the
case. A case can also be administratively closed if the complainant no longer wishes to
pursue her/his case.
After the investigator reviews the complaint, she/he will issue one of two letters to the
complainant: a closure letter or a letter of finding (LOF). A closure letter summarizes the
allegations and states that there was not a Title VI violation and that the case will be closed.
An LOF summarizes the allegations and the interviews regarding the alleged incident, and
explains whether any disciplinary action, additional training of the staff member, or other
action will occur. If the complainant wishes to appeal the decision, she/he has 30 days after
the date of the letter of the LOF to do so.
A person may also file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration, at FTA
Office of Civil Rights, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
C9
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DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT FORM
Community Connector
Title VI/Environmental Justice and Related Statutes
I Ilk
Name:
Address:
Telephone (Home):
Telephone (Work):
Electronic Mail Address:
Accessible Format
Requirements?
Large Print
Audio Tape
TDD
Other
Section If:
Are you filing this complaint on your own behalf?
Yes*
No
*If you answered "yes" to this question, go to Section Ill.
If not, please supply the name and relationship of the
person for whom you are complaining:
Please explain why you have filed for a third
party:
Please confirm that you have obtained the permission
of the aggrieved party if you are filing on behalf of a
third party.
Yes
No
Section fit:
I believe the discrimination I experienced was based on (check all that apply):
[ ] Race [ ] Color [ ] National Origin
Date of Alleged Discrimination (Month, Day, Year):
Explain as clearly as possible what happened and why you believe you were discriminated
against. Describe all persons who were involved. Include the name and contact information
of the person(s) who discriminated against you (if known) as well as names and contact
information of any witnesses. If more space is needed, please use the back of this form.
Section IV
Have you previously filed a Title VI complaint with this
agency?
Yes
No
Section V
Have y6u filed this complaint with any other Federal, State, or local agency, or with an
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Federal or State court?
[]Yes []No
If yes, check all that apply:
[ ] Federal Agency:
[ ] Federal Court [ ] State Agency
[ ] State Court [ ] Local Agency
Please provide information about a contact person at the agency/court where the complaint
was filed.
Name:
Title:
Agency:
Address:
Telephone:
Section VII
Name of agency complaint is against:
Contact person:
Title:
Telephone number:
You may attach any written materials or other information that you think is relevant to your
complaint.
Signature and date required below
Signature
Date
Please submit this form in person at the address below, or mail this form to:
City of Bangor Community Connector
481 Maine Avenue
Bangor, Maine 04401
9
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4. Notifying the Public of Rights under Title VI
City of Bangor
Community Connector
• The City of Bangor operates Community Connector without regard to race, color and national origin
in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Any person who believes she or he has been
aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI may file a complaint with
Community Connector.
• For more information on Community Connector's civil rights program, and the procedure to file a
complaint, contact 207-992-4670, or visit our administrative office at 481 Maine Avenue, Bangor,
Maine 04402.
• A complainant may file a complaint directly with the Federal Transit Administration by filing a
complaint with the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th
Floor -TCR, 1200 New Jersey Avenue., SE, Washington, D.C. 20590.
• If information is needed in another language, contact 207-992-4670.
Note: this notice will be prominently and publicly displayed at the Community Connector
dispatch center, and on transit buses. This notice will also be posted on Community
Connector's website and will be distributed whenever specialized training or assistance is
provided to disabled or visually impaired customers. Additional information relating to
nondiscrimination can be obtained from the Title VI Coordinator. Title VI information shall be
disseminated to Community Connector employees annually. During new employee
orientation, new employees shall be informed of the provisions of Title Vl, and Community
Connector's expectations that they will perform their duties accordingly.
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5. Community Connector Title VI Investigations
There have been no Title VI investigations, complaints or lawsuits filed with the agency
during the past three calendar years (2013, 2014 and 2015). In the event that there are any
investigations, complaints or lawsuits in the future, Community Connector plans to use the
following form for documenting them.
6. Minority Representation on Governing Board
Community Connector is governed by the Bangor City Council, an elected body consisting of
nine members. The requirement in FTA Circular 4702.1 B to include a table showing the racial
breakdown of the governing board does not apply to boards consisting of elected officials.
7. Efforts of Primary Recipient to Ensure Title VI Compliance
by Sub -recipients
Community Connector is a primary recipient of FTA funds and does not have sub -recipients.
8. Title VI Analysis for Facility Construction
Community Connector has not constructed a facility such as a vehicle storage facility in the
last two years. In the future, construction of any such facility will require a Title VI analysis
with regard to the location of the facility.
11
Date Summary (include basis
(Month, of complaint; race, color, Status Action(s) Taken
Day, Year) or national origin)
Investigations
1.
2.
Lawsuits
1.
2.
Complaints
1.
2.
6. Minority Representation on Governing Board
Community Connector is governed by the Bangor City Council, an elected body consisting of
nine members. The requirement in FTA Circular 4702.1 B to include a table showing the racial
breakdown of the governing board does not apply to boards consisting of elected officials.
7. Efforts of Primary Recipient to Ensure Title VI Compliance
by Sub -recipients
Community Connector is a primary recipient of FTA funds and does not have sub -recipients.
8. Title VI Analysis for Facility Construction
Community Connector has not constructed a facility such as a vehicle storage facility in the
last two years. In the future, construction of any such facility will require a Title VI analysis
with regard to the location of the facility.
11
9. Service Standards
Vehicle Loads
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The average of all loads during the peak operating period should not exceed the
vehicles' achievable capacities which are shown in the table below.
BUS NO.
Run
Assignment
High
Floor
Low
Floor
Seating
Standees
Total
Load
Factor
ORION
0202
Brewer North
X
29
26
55
1.9
0209
Capehart - 2
X
29
26
55
1.9
0203
Capehart -3
X
29
26
55
1.9
0207
Brewer South
X
29
26
55
1.9
0210
Capehart -1
X
29
26
55
1.9
GILLIG
1046
Old Town - 1
X
31
23
54
1.75
1047
Old Town - 2
X
31
23
54
1.75
1048
Mt Hope
X
31
23
54
1.75
1049
Hammond St
X
31
23
54
1.75
1050
Stillwater
X
31
23
54
1.75
ORION
43
Spare
X
29
25
54
1.9
44
ISpare
X
29
25
54
1.9
ELDORADO
0725
University
X
28
20
48
1.7
0726
University
X
26
18
44
1.7
CHEV. GOSHE
0924
IHampden
X
24
15
39
1.6
CHAMPION
0722
Spare
X
22
15
37
1.7
0723
Spare
X
22
15
37
1.7
BLUEBIRD
0621
Spare
X
32
24
56
1.75
NEW FLYER
0027
Spare
X
25
18
43
1.72
0028
Center St
X
25
18
43
1.72
0029
Mall Hopper
X
25
18
43
1.72
12
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Vehicle Headway
The Community Connector provides service every 30 minutes on four of the routes
(Capehart, Center Street, Hammond Street, Orono Black Bear Express) and every 60
minutes on the remaining routes, as shown in the table below. Service begins and
ends at different times on different routes, as shown in the table below.
Scheduling involves consideration of a number of factors including contract financial
support, cost, ridership productivity, and the density of transit population densities and
activities.
Community Connector — Headway and Service Hours
Weekday Service
Route
Headway
Service Hours
Beginning
Ending
Ca ehart
30 minutes
6:06 am
6:27 prn
Hammond Street
30 minutes
5:55 am
6:15 pm
Center Street
30 minutes
6:15 am
6:08 pm
Black Bear Orono Express
30 minutes
6:55 am
9:55 pm
Brewer South
60 minutes
6:45 am
6:30 pm
Brewer North
60 minutes
7:15 am
6:00 prn
Hampden
60 minutes
6:15 am
6:15 pm
Mall Hopper
60 minutes
6:55 am
6:45 pm
Old Town
60 minutes
5:45 am
7:05 pm
Stillwater
60 minutes
6:45 am
6:45 pm
Mount Hoe
60 minutes
6:15 am
6:15 pm
Saturday Service
Route
Headway
Service Hours
Beginning
Ending
Ca ehart
30 minutes
7:06 am
6:15 prn
Hammond Street
60 minutes
9:15 am
6:15 prn
Center Street
60 minutes
8:45 am
6:15 pm
Black Bear Orono Express
30 minutes
12:13 pm
4:55 pm
Brewer South
60 minutes
6:45 am
6:30 pm
Brewer North
60 minutes
7:15 am
6:00 pm
Mall Hopper
60 minutes
6:55 am
6:45 pm
Old Town
60 minutes
6:15 am
7:05 pm
Stillwater
60 minutes
6:45 am
6:45 pm
Mount Hope
60 minutes
6:15 am
6:15 pm
Note: hampaen is the only route that doesn't have Saturday service.
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On -Time Performance
• Ninety-five (95) percent of Community Connector transit vehicles will complete their
established runs no more than 5 minutes early or late in comparison to the published
timetables. The exception will be inclement weather such as a major snowstorm.
• A transit vehicle is considered on time if it departs a scheduled time -point no more
than 1 minute early and no more than 5 minutes late. The Community Connector's on-
time performance objective is 90% or greater. The exception will be inclement weather
such as a major snowstorm. Community Connector continuously monitors on-time
performance.
Service Availability
• Community Connector distributes transit service so that 98% of all residents in the City
of Bangor's urbanized area are within a 3/ mile walk of bus service.
Community Connector distributes transit service to other communities on a contract
basis. The extent of service is based on the amount of financial support from these
communities as well as federal and state financial support. Service to residents in the
urbanized area of these communities within a 3/ mile walk of bus service is:
Brewer: 100%
Veazie: 100%
Old Town: 100%
Orono: 98%
Hampden: 100%
• Buses will stop at any safe intersection.
14
10. Service Policies
Vehicle Assignment Policy
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• Bus assignments take into account the operating characteristics of buses of various
lengths and loading capacity, which are matched to the operating characteristics of the
route. Routes with lower ridership may be assigned smaller buses with lower loading
capacities. Buses are assigned to routes on a more permanent basis.
• Buses are replaced on a rotating basis, based on bus conditions and the availability of
funds. Replacement buses will be assigned to all routes on an equitable, rotating basis
such that no route will be favored by newer buses.
Transit Amenities. All transit vehicles will continue to have equal amenities such as air
conditioning and all routes will have equal amenities such as signs to the extent that
permission to install signs can be obtained.
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