My friend Elmer used to be too cheap to buy gas much, so he stayed at home, mostly. Last month he got himself one of those new plug-in electric cars, and now you see him tooling all over the county.

Transportation Posts

TRANSPORTATION: A HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT

Depending on whom you talk to, we in Maine spend 50-70% of our energy dollars on transportation. So, we stand to gain the most savings by exploring all the ways we can conserve and convert our fuel usage for a more sustainable ride.

Jory Squibb's handmade mini-car, "Moonbeam"

Jory Squibb of Camden shows off his home-made,100 mpg microcar "Moonbeam" at the AltWheels festival in Boston.

Transportation Blog Posts

It's Commute Another Way Week

05/15/2013 - 10:00pm

roller skaters going to work Originally a program of Go Maine!, Commute Another Way week encourages us all to try a “carbon-free” way to get to work or run errands to reduce pollution, save money, and have fun, too.

05/13/2013 - 10:31am

On May 4, 2013 the Common Ground Learning Solutions and Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) at the South Portland Campus held the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fair in the Sustainability and Energy Alternatives Center. The event celebrated Earth Day and included information on solar, wind and geothermal energy.

Think Spring, Think Bicycling Safety

04/25/2013 - 2:34pm

a woman on a bicycle with a bowler hat on her backpack by Harold Roberts How many of us have been watching every day for the street sweeper to clear winter's sand off the road shoulders so we can get out on our bikes?

03/21/2013 - 8:42pm

Rep Barry Hobbins and Senator Jim Boyd talk about energy at the E2Tech event in March 2013 in Augusta Maine On March 21, 2013, the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine (E2Tech) partnered with the New England Clean Energy Co

02/24/2013 - 2:24pm

participants in the 2011 junior solar sprint in rockland Maine Say what? You're a middle school teacher, you teach science and your students have never participated in the Junior Solar Sprint?

02/06/2013 - 4:24pm

An unusual structure with a wind turbine in Denmark by University of Southern Maine Would you like to see some bold innovations and examples of a nationwide commitment to sustainable energy and resilience?

Running Your Vehicle on Solar Power

02/01/2013 - 11:36am

Marc Lausier with the first Nissan Leaf vehicle sold in Maine Marc "Gadge" Lausier of Greater Portland shares the thought process that lead to his decision to install solar panels to charge his electric vehicle:<

A New Analysis Tool for Energy Planners

01/10/2013 - 12:26pm

the sun sets behind giant power transmission towers courtesy of US-DOE The US Department of Energy now offers a free, interactive online tool to help researchers, educators, and stud

Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credits Extended

01/09/2013 - 6:01pm

Interior View of the reading room inside the dome of the US Cogress You can say what you want about congressional antics around the much-sung "fiscal cliff".

Read All Transportation Blog Posts

Transportation News

Rail Extension Project Begins at the Auburn Transportation Hub

04/24/2013 - 7:33pm

On April 17, 2013, officials announced a $3 million railroad renovation that will connect business parks in Poland and Auburn to Auburn's intermodal transportation hub. According to the Sun Journal, the funding for the project comes from a state bond that was issued several years ago. The extension will restore 6,600 feet of the old Rangeley Branch line, build a 400-foot spur and provide direct rail access to approximatly 400 acres of land in Auburn and Poland. Additionally, 1,500 feet of siding will be built allowing trains to more easily pull over and let another pass, decreasing congestion. The restoration and additions to the railroad will create more room for businesses to tie in and connect to rail in Auburn and Poland. The construction is projected to be finished by this coming fall.

Read more at Mainebiz and the Sun Journal.

Funding Secured for Downeaster Maintenance Facility in Brunswick

03/26/2013 - 4:14pm

Amtrak Downeaster Train by Car Free Maine The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) announced on March 25, 2013 that it has awarded a $12 million construction contract to Consigi Construction Company of Portland to build a layover and maintenance facility in Brunswick. Once the facility is complete, the Amtrak Downeaster will be able to add one daily round trip to Boston. Funding from a new federal source enabled NNEPRA to use Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds for the project.

Read more from the NNEPRA and in Mainebiz. Photo courtesy of Car Free Maine.

Mt Abram Ski Area Installs Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

01/21/2013 - 1:05pm

Mount Abrams electric vehicle charging station sign in Greenwood Maine Mt. Abram Ski Area in Greenwood, Maine is the second ski area in the USA to install charging stations for electric and hybrid/electric vehicles. The two 220-volt charging centers are located close to the main lodge, rewarding guests who arrive in electric and hybrid cars.

For further information, see the announcement from Mt. Abram.

Portland Decides to Study Train Route to Twin Cities

01/09/2013 - 1:36pm

The Amtrak Downeaster train in Portland, Maine On January 7, 2013, the Portland City Council passed a resolution which directs city staff to continue research into a public rail transit link to Lewiston-Auburn, in collaboration with officials from Lewiston, Auburn, the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System and the Androscoggin Transportation Resource Center. City leaders in L-A plan to study the possibility, as well.