![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)
A Bates haunt since the 1950s, Luiggi’s Pizzeria, next door to the Blue Goose on the corner of Sabattus and Horton streets, is named for its founder, Luiggi Carmino Talarico.
From Albi to Lewiston
Luiggi “Louis” Talarico was born in 1922 in Albi, Italy. After immigrating to America and settling in Lewiston, he and his wife, Annis, founded the pizzeria at the corner of Horton and Sabattus streets in 1953. A former deputy chief of the Lewiston Fire Department, he died in 1992.
His brother Frank, born in Lewiston 14 years later, was the well-known public face of the family business for years.
Luiggi’s is now owned by several partners, including the St. Hilaire family, who also owns the Blue Goose pub next door. “Bates alumni know us pretty well,” says co-owner Angie St. Hilaire.
![Images and details of stained glass images in Gomes Chapel, including Newton, Fra Angelico, Shakespeare, Beethoven .Luiggi’s restaurant in Lewiston.](https://www.bates.edu/news/files/2021/02/200723_luiggi_sign_lewiston_4901_hjb-1-700x900.jpg)
‘Two with Onions’
The 1955 Mirror published photos and comments about five popular hangouts:
- Luiggi’s: “two with onions!”
- Blue Goose: “pre-exam paradise”
- Steckino’s: “rolls and real butter”
- Kenmore Hotel: “Saturday p.m. jazz sessions”
- Ye Olde Hobby Shoppe: “Mike and the gang,” a nod to Mike Buccigross ’41, who owned the popular, 1950s-style malt shop.
The latter three are long gone, and the Hobby Shoppe building is now headquarters for Bates Campus Safety.
![](https://www.bates.edu/news/files/2021/02/Screen-Shot-2021-02-25-at-10.54.03-AM.png)
The Fergy
Created in the 1960s, Luiggi’s signature sandwich, the Fergy, is named for Lewiston police officer Arthur Ferguson, a friend of the Talarico family, who “should receive a pension for conceiving it,” noted The Bates Student in 1974.
Ferguson “was like 6-4 and took no crap,” says a reviewer on Yelp!, where the restaurant garners four stars out of five. “He worked with another officer named Murphy, and when Murphy and Ferguson were on the beat down on Lisbon Street all was quiet. Those guys were tough as nails.”
Ingredients for a Fergy: ham, American cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce, and mayo on Italian bread.
![](https://www.bates.edu/news/files/2021/02/55769986_10156189160033947_642637805968687104_o.jpg)
Rule of Three
The distance from the steps of Hathorn Hall to the front door of Luiggi’s is exactly 3,000 feet.
Dogging It
By virtue of its meals being available for takeout, Luiggi’s is included in Dog-Friendly New England: A Traveler’s Companion.
Meat Me There
Iconic eateries have their quirks, and this is Luiggi’s’: All their pizzas, even a “plain” cheese pizza, have meat on them, a kind of luncheon meat.
![](https://www.bates.edu/news/files/2021/02/120327_Luigis_9295.jpg)