Yarmouth - MaineDOT is pleased to announce that a Park & Ride Lot located on US Route 1 in Yarmouth is now open for public use. The lot can be accessed using Exit 15 on I-295 ? both northbound and southbound ramps. The lot provides for 300 parking spaces, 8 handicapped parking spaces and bicycle racks. It is also designed to accommodate bus turnarounds.
This project was identified as a regional priority in various planning studies and responds to an increase in carpooling and commuting activities in the region. The new lot at Exit 15 provides commuters with additional parking spaces as the existing lot at Exit 17 in Yarmouth is more limited and is often times at capacity.
The Park & Ride Lot Program is a statewide program that originated from a 1986 Transportation Needs Study to reduce congestion and air pollution, improve air quality and reduce dependence on foreign oil. To date, there are 52 Park & Ride lots available to the public and provide for safe, secure and convenient commuter facilities for the traveling public. They encourage carpooling, vanpooling and use of public transportation systems.
The facility at Exit 15 is open to the general public and does provide for overnight parking, but requires permission from MaineDOT to use the facility beyond a 24 hour period. MaineDOT works in conjunction with the Maine Turnpike Authority in administering the statewide program. For more information regarding the Park & Ride Lot Program, please visit the department?s website:http://www.exploremaine.org/commuters/parknride/index.shtml