Due to a proposed bus transit system, commuters in the Lakes Region may soon become more connected to jobs and cultural offerings in Portland.

The Greater Portland Council of Governments has been working with the Lakes Region Transportation Coalition in recent months to pitch a plan to town officials that would bring a bus line out as far as Bridgton, giving Lakes Region residents easier access to Portland.

On Tuesday, Raymond officials reviewed the proposed plan that would send a coach-style bus to transport commuters and shoppers on weekdays to Portland. The bus line would be handled by the Portland Metro system, which would obtain a coach bus from a private contractor.

David Willauer, planning director for GPCOG, presented the concept, proposed costs, and funding sources to Raymond Board of Selectmen members before listening to their concerns and answering questions.

“We’re looking for a commitment from each town, as soon as you’re ready to do so,” Willauer said at Tuesday’s meeting.

If towns make the commitment quickly, the program could begin a two-year trial period in the fall of 2008. With five round trips each weekday, Willauer said the bus line would benefit both commuters, shoppers and people who want to enjoy Portland’s nightlife and cultural offerings.

Costs per town will be calculated by population size, and if interested, Raymond would be required to contribute about $4,000. Windham, the largest town included in the proposal, would take on 30 percent of municipal expenses. The combined total amount towns will be required to pay is $50,000 a year.

Willhauer said there is a need for transportation in the Lakes Region, based on a survey done by GPCOG in 2001 where 200 residents said they would use the service on a weekly basis.

The cost will be funded by three sources: $50,000 in municipal contributions; $50,000 through the federal Job Access and Reverse Commute program; $50,000 through the federal New Freedom program; and $22,400 in rider fare box revenues, for a total of $172,400 annually.

“I just want to make sure it’s economical. My problem is that you’re using a 2001 survey to support your argument that there is a demand for the service,” said Raymond selectman Joe Bruno.

But some Lakes Region residents have said that with the price of gas going up, and no relief in sight, it may be time for some form of public transportation to replace conventional commuting.

“It may be something that’s well worthwhile, because a lot of people out here work in Portland,” said Todd Crawford of Windham.

Bruno said he feels Mainers may not be ready to switch to public transportation, because they are attached to their private vehicles. Some residents polled by the Lakes Region Weekly voiced the same concerns, saying that a bus trip will be more time-consuming with several stops along the way.

“It depends on how many stops there are, but you’re going to pay either way, whether it’s in gas or stops, so I guess you have to decide which is more important to you,” said Lisa Cote, of Casco.

In order for the Lakes Region bus line to work as proposed, GPCOG and the Lakes Region Transportation coalition must get the towns of Falmouth, Windham, Gray, Raymond, Casco, Naples, and Bridgton to agree to contribute funds. These towns, which abut the proposed route, would be “member towns.” Nearby towns, including Denmark, New Gloucester, Sebago, and Standish, will be “contributing towns,” if interested.

To avoid Route 302 congestion, the route would go through Gray by way of the Maine Turnpike, and hook up with Forest Avenue (Route 302) in Portland. Those towns that do not abut the route, like Standish and New Gloucester, will be asked to contribute a more modest amount.

Most of the response from Lakes Region town officials has been cautiously optimistic, with the caveat that there must be enough interest to support the service.

Derik Goodine, town manager of Naples, has been actively involved with the Lakes Region Transportation Coalition, attending several meetings during the past year. Goodine welcomes a bus line to Portland, but understands they have their work cut out for them, trying to get several other towns on board.

“We still have the road show to sell it to local communities…with the price of fuel right now, I think this is the best time to look at these alternatives,” said Goodine.

In its initial proposal, GPCOG has recommended the use of existing Park & Rides as bus stop locations. Tracy Scheckel, a member of the Gray Town Council, feels there is a need for a bus line, at least in Gray, because the Park & Ride by the turnpike if often packed with morning commuters who carpool.

“I think it would be a huge boon for everyone involved…the reason Gray is what it is today is because it was stop out of Portland on a horse and buggy,” said Scheckel, who has attended two meetings on the bus proposal.

There are some questions that have been raised, such as what will happen if several Lakes Region towns do not approve the expense. GPCOG cannot collect state and federal grant money unless they first receive contributions from the towns, proving there is a desire for the service.

“If we don’t get any towns to contribute, we won’t do the service. If we get half the towns to contribute, we will probably offer a more modest version of the bus line,” said Willauer.

Several details, like fare price and the number of stops, are still up in the air. Willauer said that all aspects of the proposal are subject to change, depending on which towns get involved with the planning of the project, and the ideas they bring to the table.