Submitted by bostonglobe t3_1250cq2 in Maine

From Globe.com:

Visitors to Acadia National Park in Maine will pay more to enter starting Friday, according to the National Park Service.

The agency said Tuesday that the new fees will be $35 for a seven-day private vehicle pass, up from $30; $30 for a seven-day motorcycle pass, up from $25; $20 for a seven-day pedestrian and cyclist pass, up from $15; and $70 for an annual pass, up from $55.

“The majority of Acadia’s entrance fee revenue is retained locally to fund the Island Explorer bus system and other projects that directly benefit visitors and protect park resources,” the Park Service said in a statement.

The added revenue, officials said, “will allow Acadia to expand Island Explorer service over the coming years to help alleviate traffic and parking congestion and parking in the park, which is a key part of implementing the park’s Transportation Plan.”

Before approving the fee hikes, authorities said, the Park Service solicited public feedback during a 30-day comment period that ended Dec. 30.

“The NPS also consulted with the Congressional delegation and other key partners and stakeholders before approving the fee increase,” the agency said.

The service said visitors under 16 can enter Acadia for free, and that there are also four free entrance dates remaining this year for all patrons on April 22, Aug. 4, Sept. 23, and Nov. 11.

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Comments

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benevolentmaster111 t1_je2945v wrote

I just had a 23 dolla cheeseburger the other day so this isn't startling me a whole lot.

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robotpizza13 t1_je2o0m1 wrote

It would be cool if Amtrak went to Bangor and a seasonal branch line connected to Bar Harbor. It wouldn’t be PRoFitAble but it would improve traffic, carbon emissions, and be cool because trains are cool damnit!

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Suitable54 t1_je3khsy wrote

In the 19th century, there used to be a train that went down from Bangor through Brewer to Ellsworth, turning east and ending at Hancock where a ferry at Hancock Point would bring people to Bar Harbor. Not the strangest idea I've heard 🤷‍♂️

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1stepklosr t1_je3ak1z wrote

Certainly couldn't get it to directly to Bar Harbor, but a connecting Island Explorer station in Trenton would be awesome.

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Honkytonkywonk t1_je4jqi0 wrote

FYI That’s actually in the works

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1stepklosr t1_je4w7ao wrote

Yes, I meant a train stop there as well.

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hike_me t1_je6p4t2 wrote

I believe someone was working on a proposal to revive a tourism train from the Bangor area to Ellsworth or Trenton (currently the Downeast Scenic railroad operates on part of the proposed route).

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