Thanks to the September 1 introduction of the Brunswick Explorer, the ban prohibiting first years from having cars has become a lot less prohibitive.
From now until November 1, anyone can ride the new public bus system free of charge.
With a pickup location behind Druckenmiller Hall, east-bound and west-bound buses leave every hour.
The bus route stops at frequented locations such as Parkview Medical Center, Bowdoin College, Hannaford Supermarket, Merrymeeting Plaza and Mid Coast Hospital between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Three stops, including Cooks Corner, are considered "request stops." If a request is called in to the main office one hour before boarding, the bus driver will build a drop off into the schedule. Other request stops are Creekside Village and Pheasant Run.
The new buses made their debut on September 1, and according to Brunswick Explorer Supervisor Lenny Wardwell, the first week has been a success.
"We have averaged about 45 people a day...We had four or five, maybe six [Bowdoin students] ride [Monday]," said Wardwell.
Pointing to the lingering effects of the recession, Wardwell said that public transportation provides communities with a convenient and more affordable way to travel.
Starting November 1, the fare will be $1 a ride, $2 for an unlimited day pass and $10 for a 12-ride pass.
"I think I will use it. Especially if it's only going to be a dollar for one-way," said Nate Miller '13. "I probably won't renew my Zipcar membership this year."
Stephanie Langer '11 said, "I think [students] may use it during the day because you can't really get a Safe Ride during day hours."
Associate Director of Housing Operations Lisa Rendall said, "I think there's a certain population who likes to shop in the town of Brunswick and Maine Street doesn't always have what they need."
"As more and more students ride the bus and have positive experiences, I think ridership will increase," wrote Director of Finance and Campus Services and Representative to Midcoast Collaborative for Access to Transportation (MCAT) Del Wilson.
"I rode it for a complete loop the day it started and was impressed by the driver, the cleanliness of the vehicles and most importantly, the fact that it was on time or even a little early at each one of its stops," he said.
Other students, though, expressed concern over limited hours and lack of weekend service.
"I don't think it will make much of a difference," said Melanie Pinette '12.
Jenessa Jules '12 commented on a possible 30-minute wait for a bus, saying that timing was an "issue".
But, for first years on campus who are not allowed to bring cars to school, the bus system offers new opportunities to travel off campus.
"I wasn't aware I had a way to get to Walmart. I need that," said Abigail Geringer '14.
When asked about the scheduled time for the buses she said, "They'll be perfect. It's not like I have class going from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m."
In order to collect community feedback, the Brunswick Explorer is asking for comment cards on its buses and suggestions on its Facebook page regarding such questions, according to Wardwell.
Said Wilson, "If ridership is strong and there is demand for additional service, there is a possibility that service will be expanded in the future. Ridership, however, is key to the success of any service that is offered."
Director of Student Life Allen Delong said that additional hours and days of operation would only be added to accomodate rider demand.
Delong also emphasized that the buses allow students the ability to further immerse themselves in the Brunswick community.
"I think that it will help students think differently about the potential of living in Brunswick," he said, "It's another opportunity for Bowdoin students to see who really lives in their community."
Delong exlained that the absence of a public transportation system "can add to a feeling of isolation" and that the Brunswick Explorer will help to provide "an opportunity to pop that bubble" by making it easier to travel to places such as service sites.
"It's my hope that students will be able to use the Explorer to get to their service sites...it just makes a richer service experience," Delong said.
Interim Director of the McKeen Center For Common Good Sarah Seames said, "I definitely think it is a good opportunity both to get people to service sites and to support the community."
Mentioning the proximity of the stops to service sites such as Midcoast Hospital and Tedford Housing, Seames said, "As an office, we are excited there's some form of public transportation...College vans have been available, but there's such a high demand."
The Brunswick Explorer is in service Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and stops behind Druckenmiller Hall.