![APPROVED, Alan Wang ’24 on College Street in front to Parker Hall where covered bus stop will be built on lawn behind him. 11/13/2023 16:25:54 Transportation for Bates awang3@bates.edu 5075817683 Student Better Bus Stop for Bates The MaineDOT is planning on implementing a commuter bus line between Lewiston and Portland. The bus line is set to terminate at Bates near Underhill Arena. However, the bus stop might not be pleasant and intuitive to use. Study from University of Minnesota show that bus stop amenities have a direct relationship with rider's perceived waiting time; having a bench can reduce the perceived waiting time by half compared to a stop without a bench. A well-equipped bus stop can entice more people to use it, thus reducing Bates' carbon footprint. "A bus shelter costs around $5,500. I want to apply for the full $2,000 grant to ultimately put this money back in the school's pocket, in the form of a well-designed bus shelter. This green fund can be a part of a larger funding package, I'm assuming that MaineDOT and the operator of this bus line will both pitch in to fund this shelter. The bus shelter should protect riders from weather elements, display proper signage and maps, equip with lighting and seating. MaineDOT also recommends installing bike racks and trash cans. The green grant can be used to achieve aspect(s) of the above objectives. " Increase comfort level when using public transportation. Reduce perceived waiting time. Encourage faculties and staff to commute using public transportation, thus reducing GHG emissions and free up parking spots.](https://www.bates.edu/news/files/2024/05/240522_Green_Grant_Recipients_0557-200x133.webp)
Bates College Receives Maine Development Foundation's Champion for Economic Growth Award
The Maine Development Foundation (MDF) presented its 2000 Champion for Economic Growth Award to Bates College at the organization’s 22nd annual meeting held in Lewiston on Sept. 12.
Accepted by President Donald W. Harward, the award cited Bates, under the direction of its president, for strengthening its relationship with the Lewiston/Auburn community. The culmination of this commitment, according to the foundation, resulted in L/A Excels, a community-based project of revitalization and aspiration. Maine Governor Angus King has called L/A Excels “the most extensive community development project in the history of the state.” Harward, project founder and prime mover and shaker of L/A Excels, sees the same picture, calling the organization “heroic in scope.” Most recently, L/A Excels has hired the Washington, D.C.-based Economic Research Associates to conduct an area feasibility study for a conference center and regional center for the Arts in Lewiston-Auburn.
MDF champions sustainable, long-term economic growth for Maine and serves as a catalyst for supporting leadership, higher education and the development of new approaches to solve problems. Past award recipients are L.L. Bean, Bath Iron Works, The Maine Chamber of Commerce and Envisionet.