FORT KENT (AP) -- Taking its cue from cargo carrier UPS, a northern Maine school system is urging its bus drivers to modify their routes by making fewer left turns, a change designed to promote efficiency and save gasoline.

Directors of School Administrative District 27 in the Fort Kent area said the voluntary measure took effect with the start of the school year earlier this month.

In a letter to district residents, Superintendent Patrick O'Neill said UPS saved millions of dollars in one year by changing driving patterns to minimize left turns and reduce the amount of time spent idling in traffic waiting to turn.

O'Neill said the district's board is looking to cut costs wherever they can without hurting education.