PORTLAND, Maine — Who knew the sound of a coach bus could serve as a sign of a sense of normalcy?
Several transportation companies operating in Maine are close to restoring full service.
This, after travel as we knew it came to a screeching halt.
For example, Amtrak says before the coronavirus hit Maine, there were more than 42,000 riders on the Downeaster in February. In March, just half of that amount and then just a few hundred in April. By May there were zero riders when services were suspended.
"It was the best January and February we ever had," said Benjamin Blunt, the Vice President of Concord Coach Lines about ridership.
"And it dipped and the middle of march it fell off a cliff."
After suspending service in New England months ago, Concord Coach Lines will be back in operation on August 16.
"We think we can get back on the road and we think we can do so safely," said Blunt.
Blunt said there are new safety protocols in place and significant upgrades were made to the fleet which includes plexiglass dividers between rows of seats that cost $1,000 per bus.
"We want to make sure that we aren't cutting any corners," he said. "If that means we have to spend a few bucks then that's what we have to do, so, we feel strongly that the Plexi dividers provide a strong peace of mind and one more layer of protection for folks."
Downeaster services have also picked back up with new safety protocols. Amtrak is also limiting the number of bookings per trip to allow for physical distancing.
"We've increased our cleaning protocols," said Tony Caruso, Director of Bangor International Airport.
Bangor International Airport has released a video to show some of its new safety protocols in action.
"We're open, we're safe, and we're ready for you when you decide to come back and travel."
For the bus, services in the Greater Portland area, South Portland, Biddeford, Saco, and Old Orchard Beach are working towards restoring full service.
Riders do not have to pay a fare – and won't have to for a few more weeks as the three local bus agencies are working to release a new electronic fare system.
No matter the type the travel experience will look different than before as we navigate a new normal.
ROAD TRAVEL BY THE NUMBERS
On the Maine Turnpike traffic is down 25 percent so far this year compared to the same time last year, according to the Maine Turnpike Authority.
Usually, the first two weekends in August are the busiest. This past weekend, traffic was down 21 percent.