I finally tried the free EMTA shuttle service around Presque Isle. It was a pleasant trip. I was the only one on the ride out, and of course that was great for me ;)
They use a CNG gas bus that is smaller and quiet. The one I was on was one of newer buses that some call “blue buses.”
The seats are hard plastic, which is a lot easier to keep clean and sand-free.
A broom was kept by the door, probably to keep up with the sand.
Driver was pleasant and helpful. And the bus was on time.
Recorded announcements were made at various points, announcing the various beaches and other spots of interest. Not that many to be annoying, and this would be especially helpful for people who are not familiar with this seven-mile long park.
The bus went all the way around the park, stopping shortly at Beach 11, which is near the eastern tip of the park. From there it turns around and heads back. I got off in the Waterworks/Cookhouse/Beach 7 area to relax and take some photos.
I regret not using it earlier in the season. The trip, though relatively short, was quite enjoyable.
I do have a few suggestions and thoughts.
- Park bus stops should have a printed schedule on them. The ones I saw omitted good old reliable print but included stop ID text info and QR barcode. There's nothing wrong with having those things, though since reception on the park is iffy, this seems a questionable first and second choice. Also, plenty of people still can’t or don't feel comfortable doing that “that other stuff” with phones.
- Passengers should be made aware that there are reception problems at the park, so that they can prepare accordingly.
- Print schedules for that route should be provided on the bus itself. Although I understand they were there at the beginning of the season, there weren’t any available on the day I took the shuttle. There was one taped to the wall.
- I would like to have known where the other stops were. I got off at a popular location and took note of where the stop was. But I was really in the mood for a walk, and decided against it when I realized I didn’t know where I would find the next stop. This could be a little distressing especially for those unfamiliar with the park or who got off in one of the more remote areas.
- Pocket park map on shuttle would be nice, as it offers a fuller understanding of the park. It is a pleasantry, yes, but also people venturing into the remote areas might be encouraged to take a map with them so they don’t become disoriented and panic, especially if they realize they can't call or they miss the last bus out.
- The many businesses in and around the shuttle area might be a source of targeted advertising. Places like restaurants and stores might find it appealing to advertise to people who will be right in their locale when they come back from the shuttle.
- Feedback and suggestions from riders—those who used the shuttle, and those who meant to but couldn’t or didn’t should be emcouraged.. I would suggest an online space where people could make suggestions, comments, observations, etc. Yes, they will get comments that are less than helpful and sometimes obnoxious, but that shouldn’t prevent the effort to find out what people think. Also, sending out the appeal beyond the Facebook followers and people who normally use the bus would probably yield some different outlooks.
- Lately there has been increased concern about the human congestion on the peninsula, and bus service there needs to connect with that concern and those who have expressed it.
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| Look at all that white space! What could we put there? |
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| Easy to clean seats for sandy passengers |
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| Bus stops at Waterworks/Cookhouse area by Pedestrian X-ing |
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