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January 2015    

METRO Connects 
METRO's Mission:
Provide safe, frequent, efficient, reliable and affordable transportation throughout the Greater Portland Region. 
 
We Hope You Enjoy Reading METRO Connects
In this issue: Route and Service Updates, Northern Towns Bus Service, Dispatches and more.
 

Route & Service Updates:
Schedule Changes were Effective January 11, 2015 
New Service week of January 11, 2015: METRO Route 1 on Congress Street heading toward the Portland Transportation Center. 
METRO Route #1
- New Service to PTC 
 
METRO Route #4 - Improved commuter times, service changes to Shaw's/Riverside schedule. 
 
METRO Route #5 - Improved service to Jetport and Outer Congress Street locations. New service to DHHS/Career Center/VA office at new building near Jetport.

Click here for updated schedules.and route information.
Schedules are posted on METRO's website, on buses and at the METRO Pulse and locations throughout the region.

PLEASE NOTE:
Bus schedules and brochures for Route #1, #4 and #5 have been updated. Do not use Regional Transit Guides or older schedules.
Please be sure you are using updated Jan 2015 schedules. 
Holiday Schedule: 
 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 19, 2015

Regular METRO Bus Service
METRO Pulse at Elm Street - OPEN
METRO office, 114 Valley St. - CLOSED 
 
UPDATE
Northern Towns Bus Service:
PACTS (Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System) has approved this project. Final approval is expected at the PACTS Executive Committee Meeting on February 3.

METRO staff & board members along with representatives from Yarmouth and Freeport are planning aspects of the service in anticipation of an August launch.

Visit gpmetrobus.com for updates on this project. 
 
Winter has arrived
and with it . . . a few reminders

A driver's view of Congress Street on a wintry morning.
METRO staff works hard to provide safe, convenient service during stormy weather. No need to drive in slippery conditions or deal with parking. Instead of shoveling out your car, take a different route to work and take the bus.

If we need to limit or cancel service (very, very rare), updated information will be posted on the website (gpmetrobus.com) and facebook page and passengers and the local media will be updated at least two hour prior to any major changes in service.   
Service can be delayed due to poor weather conditions. If that is the case, check the website and METRO's facebook page for possible updates.

There are hundreds of bus stops throughout the METRO system. While it's not possible to keep all of the stops cleared of snow, there are a few safety tips to remember.

1. Wait at the bus stop if possible and move to a safer location, such as a driveway, if the stop is snow covered, when the bus arrives to board. If it's not possible to wait at the stop, wait as close as possible -- but not in the street. Be safe!

2.  Signal to the driver as he/she approaches the stop. A simple hand wave lets the driver know you want to board the bus and you're not just waiting to cross the street or for another bus. At night, a flashlight (or cellphone light) helps a driver know a passenger is waiting to board the bus.

3. It's not a good idea to use the back door of the bus to disembark unless the area is completely clear of snow. Always watch out for slippery surfaces when boarding and exiting the bus.

4. We continue to look for volunteers to help us keep bus stops shoveled and clear of ice. If you or someone you know can help out, check out the Adopt a Stop website to learn more. If you have a bus stop near your home or business and have a few minutes to shovel, that is also appreciated!

Stay safe and warm and Ride the Bus!

 
We hope you enjoyed this edition of METRO Connects.
Let us know if you have any questions about the above articles or ideas for a future story, and please forward METRO Connects to your friends and find us on Facebook at METRO Greater Portland Transit District.

Don't forget to let us know... Why YOU go METRO!
   
Sincerely,

Denise Beck, Director of Marketing
GREATER PORTLAND TRANSIT DISTRICT (METRO)
In This Issue
Route and Service Updates
Holiday Schedule
Freeport - Yarmouth Bus Service
Winter Weather
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Call 207-774-0351 for assistance in planning your trip, stop by the METRO office, 114 Valley Street in Portland or the METRO Pulse in downtown Portland, across from the Portland Public Library. 

 

METRO Office hours:

Mon.-Thurs.: 8am - 4:30pm 

Friday: 7:30am - 4pm. 


Schedules, maps, route information and more, online at: www.gpmetrobus.com

 

 







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Holiday Service Reminders, Discounts, Detours, Fun Facts, Events and More.