All Episodes - Maine Better
Discussions of community and connection with the Maine Better Transportation Association.
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Maine Transportation News Update 4/16/25
Here are some of the top Maine Transportation news stories for the week: MaineDOT rolls out a 3-year, $4.8 billion plan to fix infrastructure says WGME; legislators land airport habitat bill after turbulent takeoff says Maine Monitor; a big upgrade is almost done for one of Maine’s last swing bridges says BDN. Maine Better Transportation Association members can find links to these stories and more in the Transportation News Clips email and you can find out more about MBTA events like May 22nd’s Annual Meeting in Freeport at www.mbtaonline.org
Maine Transportation News Update 4/9/25
Here are some of the top Maine transportation news stories for the week: Technical problems force MaineDOT to reapply for $3M in federal grants says the BDN; the Transportation Committee has been presented with more than six bills on car inspections says WABI; Maine lawmakers reject a proposal to extend a conservation easement on Sears Island, which has been targeted for development of a wind port; and a photo show at the Jetport celebrates Portland’s workers says the Press Herald. MBTA members can find links to these stories and more in the Transportation News Clips email and check out Maine Better Transportation Association events at www.mbtaonline.org like MBTA’s 86th Annual Meeting on May 22nd in Freeport and the May 3rd Hike for Hope in Bangor.
Maine Transportation News Update 4/2/25
Here are some of the top Maine Transportation news stories for the week: Maine has the fourth-highest rate of poorly-rated bridges in country say WMTW. Public transportation is meeting just 11% of need in Maine says Maine Public. Crews to replace 130,000 railroad ties along the Downeaster’s route says WMTW. MaineDOT announced Squirrel Skywalks for April Fools’ Day. Sponsorships are available for MBTA’s 86th Annual Meeting, which is May 22nd in Freeport. Find out more about Maine Better Transportation Association events like April 10th’s Transportation on Tap or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Hike for Hope at www.mbtaonline.org
Maine Transportation News Update 3/26/25
Here are some of the top Maine Transportation news stories for the week: Maine Maritime Academy has named a new president says Mainebiz; Maritime officials fear ‘catastrophic’ outcome if mariner shortage worsens says the Maine Monitor; NTSB warns the Memorial Bridge connecting Maine and New Hampshire is missing ship strike assessments says WGME. Great photos and stories from the Building Wellbeing for ME mental health summit can be found in MBTA’s Maine Trails magazine! Join Cianbro, Sargent, Northeast Paving, and Pike Industries as a sponsor of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Hike for Hope. Find out more about Maine Better Transportation Association events like April 10th’s Transportation on Tap at www.mbtaonline.org/event MBTA members can find links to these stories and more in the Transportation News Clips email.
Maine Transportation News Update 3/19/25
Here are some of the top Maine Transportation news stories for the week: the Maine Turnpike Authority names a new executive director, pending legislative confirmation says the Press Herald; Transit hub for travelers to Bar Harbor is opening in June says BDN; Despite airline industry turbulence, Maine airports see spring traffic taking off says Mainebiz; Long-term road project will detour traffic at Veterans Bridge and I-295 in South Portland says the Press Herald; Debate over future of Sears Island returns to the Maine State House says Spectrum News. Learn more about the Maine Better Transportation Association’s scholarship recipients in Maine Trails magazine and sign up for MBTA’s first Transportation on Tap event on April 10th at mbtaonline.org MBTA members can find links to these stories and more in the Transportation News Clips email.
Maine Transportation News Update 3/13/25
Here are some of the top Maine Transportation news stories for the week: Bangor Daily News has what you need to know about Maine’s new license plate rollout. Mainebiz says the Wells train station renovations will allow for additional routes for southern Maine travelers and Mainebiz also chronicles how Maine businesses are navigating the new reality of tariff whiplash. Press Herald says Maine DOT will review alternatives to the Gorham Connector and also says Freeport is partnering with MaineDOT to rework Route 1. Bangor Daily News says the State has awarded the contract for suicide barriers on Penobscot Narrows Bridge. Today, support for mental health is needed more than ever so Maine Better Transportation Association, AGC Maine and Northeast Paving are asking you to join them in the Hike for Hope, find out more at mbtaonline.org/event
Maine Transportation News Update 3/5/25
Here are some of the top Maine Transportation news stories for the first week of March: Bangor Daily News says new rail push for Bangor has won over Republican skeptics; Press Herald says Maine has already seen six pedestrian deaths this year — a sharp contrast to zero fatalities at this time last year; Press Herald also says Maine lawmakers are playing chicken with the supplemental budget; Bangor Daily News says Delta is adding seasonal flights from Bangor to Detroit; News Center Maine says Women of Aviation Worldwide Week helps inspire the next generation of aviators. It’s worth noting that WTS-Maine Chapter's application deadline for high school and undergraduate scholarships is March 7. Finally, mark your calendars to join MBTA along with cohosts, WTS-Maine, for the first Transportation on Tap event of 2025 on April 10th at Baxter Brewing Lewiston. Register now at www.mbtaonline.org/event and Maine Better Transportation Association members can find links to these stories and more in the Transportation News Clips email.
Maine Transportation News Update 2/27/25
Here are some of the top transportation news stories as February comes to a close. Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and Amtrak Downeaster will be speaking about passenger rail service at the Maine Better Transportation Association's Cumberland County dinner meeting on March 6th at the Portland Sheraton in South Portland. Register now to attend or sponsor at www.mbtaonline.org/event
Marshall Elizer at the 73rd Maine Transportation Conference
At the 73rd Maine Transportation Conference, a crowd of experts, engineers, planners, and policymakers gathered to consider the future of how people move—by foot, by bike, by bus, behind the wheel and more. It was fitting that Marshall Elizer of the Washington State Department of Transportation and Vice-Chair of the AASHTO Committee on Design, opened the event with a talk that melded the technical with the philosophical. What stood out in his speech wasn’t just his technical expertise, but his ability to connect the arcane world of geometric road design to something much larger: the way we live, work, and build our communities. This is an excerpt of that speech and conference slides can be viewed at https://mbtaonline.org/73rd-maine-transportation-conference-slides/ “Geometric design,” Elizer began, “is impactful not just to those who are actually performing it on a daily basis, but also to any of us who walk, bike, or drive. It says a lot about how our life works—or doesn’t work—as we move around our communities.” For many, the phrase “geometric design” may conjure visions of technical manuals filled with precise dimensions for traffic lanes and curves. But Elizer’s message went far beyond the Green Book, the manual that serves as the bible for roadway design in the U.S. Yes, the Green Book provides engineers with standards for road widths, speed limits, and alignments, but Elizer urged his audience to think of it as a starting point—not the final word. “The Green Book allows a design that fits in this big box, but we’re really comfortable in this little box in the middle. That’s where we feel most comfortable, and that’s where we want to stay. But that flexibility says, look outside the small box. Think about the alternatives.” This push for flexibility reflects the challenges of modern road design. The days of building entirely new highways through untouched land are largely behind us. Today’s transportation professionals are grappling with how to retrofit and adapt aging infrastructure to meet modern demands: safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, more efficient traffic flows, and designs that harmonize with community goals rather than bulldozing over them. Elizer’s perspective is grounded in pragmatism, but also urgency. He didn’t shy away from addressing the sobering reality of safety on America’s roadways. Each year, approximately 1.2 million people die on roads worldwide. In the U.S. alone, more than 42,000 lives were lost in 2022. Pedestrians, he noted, are especially at risk. “Good geometric design equals safety and efficiency for all users,” Elizer said. Elizer also touched on the broader systemic factors that put Americans at greater risk than their global peers. He cited a global ranking that placed the U.S. 26th in road safety, behind countries like Norway, United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada. One reason, he suggested, is that America’s land-use policies often favor suburban sprawl, which forces people into cars and increases exposure to risk. In contrast, many European countries emphasize compact, walkable urban planning, coupled with stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Despite these challenges, Elizer struck an optimistic tone about the future. He highlighted the Safe System Approach, an international framework that the U.S. Department of Transportation has adopted to eliminate traffic fatalities. It’s a bold goal—Vision Zero, as it’s called—but one that Elizer believes is achievable if professionals embrace innovation and flexibility. In the end, Elizer’s speech was about more than roads. It was a call to rethink how we design the spaces that connect us—to create systems that don’t just move people efficiently, but also protect their lives and reflect their communities’ values.
Sargent President Eric Ritchie on Attracting & Retaining Employees in Construction
Eric Ritchie’s journey from a Downeast small-town kid with a love for Tonka trucks, to the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the employee-owned construction company Sargent, reads like a quintessential American success story. But it’s more than that—it’s about passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to the transportation and construction industry. In a candid podcast interview, Ritchie, who also just ended his term as the president of the Maine Better Transportation Association (MBTA), shares insights into his career and the critical role infrastructure plays in Maine’s future. “I grew up in the very eastern part of the state of Maine, in Perry, and had an affinity for construction even as a child,” Ritchie says. “My father dabbled in it. I was a big Tonka truck owner and that's really where it all started.” That early fascination with trucks and building things became more than just child’s play when Ritchie saw Route 9 being reconstructed from “the old goat path” it used to be. After earning a degree in engineering from the University of Maine and spending 16 years with The Lane Construction Corporation, Ritchie found his way to Sargent. Today, he leads a team of over 500 employee-owners from Maine to Virginia. Since joining Sargent, the company has grown significantly, expanding from 300 employees in just a few short years. When asked how he ended up as a leader both at Sargent and the MBTA, Ritchie reflects on his humble rise. “It’s a long story, so I’ll try to shorten it,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve been very blessed in life… I got involved in MBTA a long time ago, early in my career… I've got a tremendous passion for the industry. I love what I do. I love the company I work for. I love MBTA and its mission is a very critical mission, not only to the maintenance of our state's infrastructure, but also to getting to a point that we can leverage our infrastructure better to become a more economically viable state at the end of the day. So, I encourage young people all the time, cut your teeth in this organization. It's a great place to get to know people.” One of the biggest challenges facing the industry today is recruiting and retaining young workers. “Most of my career, and I think probably 95% of the people you talk to in this business, there's been a lot of baptism by fire in a person's career.” Sargent has been working to ease some of those transitions and take some of the harshness out of it, “trying to help folks see that this can be a career for you. This can be where you make your living, and where you make your mark for your own legacy. And educating folks around benefits, educating folks around retirement, something I wish I had more of when I was a young guy.” Ritchie fondly recalls the mentorship and support he received from Herb Sargent, “Herb said something years ago that really stuck with me, and you know it's nice when you find folks that have philosophies like you, he said that ‘someone who works for this company for a long time should retire with a surplus of dignity.’ And I truly believe that if you're going to put your life, heart, and soul into this business, which isn't always easy, you should be able to retire and live a healthy life.”
Maine Rep. Jack Ducharme on Funding Infrastructure
As the ranking Republican on the Appropriations Committee, Representative Jack Ducharme of Maine House District 71 (Madison, Norridgewock, and Cornville) focuses on the needs of rural Maine in this interview with Orion Breen of the Maine Better Transportation Association (MBTA) discussing financial responsibility, economic development and the importance of transportation infrastructure.
Maine Legislature News with Sen. Brad Farrin & Rep. Lydia Crafts
Senator Brad Farrin of Norridgewock and Representative Lydia Crafts of Newcastle give a bipartisan view of the big transportation news coming out of the Maine State Legislature and Transportation Committee, with hosts Patrick Brady and Orion Breen.
Advanced Clean Trucks with the American Trucking Associations
Jacqueline Gelb and Paul Ruiz of the American Trucking Associations share their perspective on California's Advanced Clean Trucks Rule that is in the process of being adopted by multiple states and has a public hearing on August 17 with Maine's Board of Environmental Protection.
Funding Transportation Infrastructure with Sen. Brad Farrin and Rep. Lydia Crafts
Senator Brad Farrin of Norridgewock and Representative Lydia Crafts of Newcastle give us bipartisan view of the big transportation news coming out of the Maine State Legislature and the Transportation Committee, including highway funding.
Maine State Treasurer Henry Beck Talks Bonds
Everything you always wanted to know about state bonds and more with Maine State Treasurer Henry Beck.
Senator Angus King on Bipartisan Infrastructure Plans
Senator Angus King talks about infrastructure negotiations right before President Biden agreed to the bipartisan deal. Senator King also shares his views on voting rights, innovative forest products and sense of pride fixing his first car as a teenager.
Senator Susan Collins on Big Infrastructure Plans
Maine Senator Susan Collins shares her perspective on the big infrastructure plans being discussed in D.C.
Kyle Bailey of Gorham
Representative Kyle Bailey of Gorham talks about creating opportunity and prosperity in Maine through his proposed bond bill for improvements to the Portland and Bangor international airports, and more.
Ben Lucas of the Maine Jobs Council
The Maine Jobs Council advocates for foundational jobs in the manufacturing, construction, transportation, energy, farming, fishing, forestry and tourism industries.
Brian Langley of Ellsworth
We hope you’ll enjoy learning a little more about Senate District 7 candidate Brian Langley in Maine Better Transportation Association's last interview before the 2020 election, and we would like to thank all the great folks who wish to serve our state! https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Michael Carpenter of Houlton
Michael Carpenter is running for re-election in Maine Senate District 2 and talks infrastructure funding and more with Orion Breen as part of the Maine Better Transportation Association series discussing community and connection https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Duncan Milne of Waldo County
Duncan Milne is running for the Maine Senate in District 11 and says access to transportation is key to a resilient economy and careers with family wages and good benefits. Maine Better is a new series discussing community and connection for the Maine Better Transportation Association https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Rick Bennett of Oxford
Rick Bennett says good roads and broadband will bring employees and employers to rural areas and that we need to be big, bold and audacious to tackle our infrastructure challenges. Bennett is running for the Maine Senate District 19 seat and talked with the Maine Better Transportation Association as part of their new series discussing community and connection https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Sara Gideon of Freeport
Sara Gideon talks with Orion Breen and Patrick Brady about work-life balance as she runs for the U.S. Senate and how infrastructure is an issue that Republicans and Democrats can come together on as it is one of the best places to have a long term impact and put people back to work now. Maine Better is a new series discussing community and connection for the Maine Better Transportation Association https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Senator Susan Collins
Senator Susan Collins gives baking tips, homework advice, tells who inspires her and what it’s like to be the Cal Ripken Jr. of Senate votes. Maine Better is a new series discussing community and connection for the Maine Better Transportation Association https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Dr. Jay Allen of New Harbor
Dr. Jay Allen, Republican running for Congress in Maine's 1st district, answers the Maine Better Transportation Association's infrastructure questions and why after traveling the world he always wanted to live in Maine https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree talks with Orion Breen and Patrick Brady about how being a farmer prepared her for Washington, how an infrastructure bill is the best way to jump start the economy and the terrible heating system of her 1973 VW Bus. Maine Better is a new series discussing community and connection for the Maine Better Transportation Association https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Gordon Page of Owls Head
Gordon Page is running for the District 12 seat of the Maine Senate and talks about railroads, hitchhiking, transportation funding and more with the Maine Better Transportation Association https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Meet your hosts, Patrick and Orion
Ian Ward asks Maine Better hosts Patrick Brady and Orion Breen what they hope to accomplish with these interviews for the Maine Better Transportation Association and who would be their dream guest.
Dana Dow of Lincoln County
Senate Minority Leader Dana Dow talks about how roads are important for commerce, his dream car, his dream job and his favorite place in Maine. Maine Better is a new series discussing community and connection for the Maine Better Transportation Association https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
Dale Crafts of Lisbon
Dale Crafts, Republican running for Congress in Maine's 2nd district, answers the Maine Better Transportation Association's infrastructure questions and what's the worst road in the 2nd congressional district www.mbtaonline.org
Congressman Jared Golden
Congressman Jared Golden talks with Orion Breen about which Maine county has the worst roads, being a truck guy, gorgeous day trips in Maine, the need for accountability and leadership across government and who inspires him. Maine Better is a new series discussing community and connection for the Maine Better Transportation Association https://mbtaonline.org/news/news-releases/
David Miramant of Camden
Senator David Miramant is running for re-election in the District 12 seat of the Maine Senate and talks with Patrick Brady & Orion Breen about flying airplanes, fixing cars and how to fund transportation infrastructure. Maine Better is a new series discussing community and connection for the Maine Better Transportation Association www.mbtaonline.org
Chloe Maxmin of Nobleboro
Representative Chloe Maxmin is running for the District 13 seat of the Maine Senate and talks with Patrick Brady & Orion Breen about why she is running, transportation access for seniors, growing up driving tractors, and what's one of her favorite spots in Maine. Maine Better is a new series discussing community and connection for the Maine Better Transportation Association.
Trey Stewart of Presque Isle
Representative Trey Stewart is running for the District 2 seat of the Maine Senate and talks with Patrick Brady and Orion Breen about why he is running, orphan roads, transportation challenges and what's his dream car (hint: it's not a car). Maine Better is a new series discussing community and connection for the Maine Better Transportation Association.