The public transit agency says it will suspend planning for a new loop around the Portland peninsula to focus on an upcoming regional transit overhaul.
Greater Portland Metro
Posted inThe Forecaster
Southern Maine bus, train and ferry operators team up for COVID-19 safety campaign
Southern Maine’s eight transit operators have launched a educational campaign about traveling safely on public transportation during the pandemic. A website, TransitTogether.org, has been created to provide information about proven safety protocols each agency has in place and general information about transit safety. The website also features an interactive map and regional schedules. The Greater […]
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Posted inAmerican Journal, The Forecaster
METRO cuts passenger capacity due to rising COVID numbers
PORTLAND — Greater Portland METRO has reduced its passenger capacity per bus to 20 from 30 because of the increase in COVID-19 cases in the area, including among two METRO employees. Limiting the number of passengers to 20 allows for greater social distancing aboard the buses, which are cleaned and disinfected daily, METRO said. Masks […]
Posted inAmerican Journal
METRO financial hit unlikely to impact local budgets
Westbrook’s share will see a slight decrease, while Gorham’s share is slated to remain stable.
Posted inThe Forecaster
Hearings next week on bus route proposed for Portland’s peninsula
PORTLAND — Greater Portland METRO will hold two virtual meetings next week to hear feedback on plans for a new circular route servicing Portland’s peninsula. The route, recommended by the Peninsula Route Planning Task Force, would replace the current Route 1 and Route 8 loops in 2022. Service would be more frequent and extend onto […]
Posted inThe Forecaster
METRO buses now outfitted with yield to buses lights
PORTLAND — Greater Portland METRO buses, equipped with “yield to bus” lights, will have the right of way to merge into traffic starting next week. Seven new METRO buses are equipped with the yellow yield signs, which bus operators will begin using Nov. 15. Under a law signed by Gov. Janet Mills in June 2019, […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Portland Forecaster, Southern Forecaster
Southern Maine bus operators resume charging fees
Bus operators hope new system will be easier for riders and bring in much-needed revenue.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Metro to resume charging riders Thursday, with fares up to $2
The bus service, which suspended fares when the pandemic hit in March, also will return to front-door boarding and debut a new payment system
Posted inPortland Forecaster
Art starts at bus stops
Federal art funding has allowed the works of Maine artists to adorn Portland bus shelters on Bedford, Congress and St. John streets.
Posted inThe Forecaster
Public transit eliminates fares, reduces hours
PORTLAND — Greater Portland METRO, Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, South Portland Bus Service and the Regional Transportation Program have suspended fares and cut back on some service in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Bus fares have been suspended to eliminate the cross-handling of cash and paper receipts between bus drivers and passengers in […]