An accessible transportation system for Maine means quality rides and safe routes for walking and wheeling are available to people of all ages, incomes, and geographies. Many people in Maine do not drive, either due to age, ability, or affordability. Many more would prefer to drive less than they currently need to. A system that’s fair for everyone is accessible to everyone.

Reducing the cost of transportation to Maine people – especially communities with the greatest cost burden –  pays for itself through social benefits like improved health outcomes, higher worker participation, and lower financial stress. Having options for getting around can reduce reliance on expensive private vehicles, which are increasingly unaffordable. With good choices available to all, many households will save big by spending less to get around.

Getting around should be safe for everyone, regardless of how they move. Our outdated roads were designed to help vehicles go fast, not to keep people safe. Vehicle crashes are one of the top causes of death, injury, loss of work, and skyrocketing health care costs and we undervalue their cost when setting transportation priorities. When appropriately planned and managed, active transportation and public transportation are incredibly safe and provide net health benefits and savings to society.

Freedom of movement is going to look different in different parts of the state and for different cultures, abilities, and needs. People in Maine should be able to get around in ways that work for their needs and beliefs.

People in Maine need ways to get around that they can count on. That means routes and rides that are available year round, regardless of the weather or location. Other rural places with cold climates  have made a variety of transportation choices viable. Maine can too.

People in Maine need viable options for getting around, no matter where they are or where they’re going. Having choices means having freedom of movement and a better quality of life. If we think bigger about our transportation system, many more trips become possible through shared and public transportation and by walking, rolling, and cycling.

Historically, many transportation decisions have harmed communities and the environment, whether by displacing vulnerable populations, fracturing ecosystems, or polluting the air and water. Forward-looking transportation planning should minimize harm and focus on providing benefits for Maine.