Maine coastal towns report shifts in parking revenue and enforcement

Maine coastal towns are reporting significant shifts in parking management and revenue. In Bar Harbor, a new premium parking fee schedule generated $2.3 million during July and August, marking a 24% increase compared to the same period last year. This revenue growth occurred despite a slight dip in visitation numbers at Acadia National Park compared to the record highs of 2025. To assist locals, the town council also implemented a coupon program providing residents with two hours of free downtown parking per week.

In Boothbay Harbor, officials reported a smoother summer parking season. Police Chief Doug Snyder noted that the town issued 283 fewer parking tickets than the previous year, attributing the efficiency to the implementation of the ParkMobile app. While parking logistics improved, the Boothbay Harbor Police Department recorded 66 arrests so far this year, surpassing the 47 arrests made during the entirety of 2025. The department suggests this increase may be due to expanded staff coverage.