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Selectboard approves $34,730 seed funding for Shoreland Trolley pilot amid concerns over business benefit
Summary
The board approved $34,730 to support a seasonal on‑demand trolley pilot, including $25,000 in local seed funding and $9,730 for Wave service, while several members urged hotels and restaurants to contribute and one or two members opposed taxpayer funding for a service perceived to benefit businesses.
The Wells selectboard voted to provide $34,730 in seed funding to support a two‑van, seasonal Shoreland Trolley pilot intended to close the "last mile" between the train station and Wells businesses and lodging.
Mike (staff) explained the pilot would run approximately 100 days from Memorial Day to Labor Day, about 12 hours per day, and would amount to roughly 1,200 hours of service; federal and state partners (FTA and others) are expected to cover a large share of eligible operating costs. "The FTA funds cover 50% of the eligible operating expenses for the transit service," staff said, and the town's $25,000 was framed as local match and seed money to secure federal timing.
Several board members questioned whether lodging and restaurant businesses that stand to benefit should contribute to the pilot rather than rely on taxpayer funds. "I have a hard time putting another $20,000 or $25,000 up front here and not having a commitment on the lodging fees," one member said. Proponents described the contribution as an inexpensive test to prove the concept and to encourage private sponsorship if the pilot performs well.
Brian moved the full $34,730, with the expectation staff would pursue sponsorship and business contributions; the motion passed with recorded opposition from one or two members. The board asked staff to provide more detail on operational routes, partnering agencies, and expected matching sources ahead of the program's launch.
