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JULY / AUGUST  2014     

METRO Connects 
METRO Mission:
Provide safe, frequent, efficient, reliable and affordable transportation throughout the Greater Portland Region.
METRO's routes service Portland, Westbrook, Falmouth and the Maine Mall area of South Portland.
 
In this issue: Route and Service Updates, Cruise Ship Service Plans, School and College Programs, Dispatches and more.
We hope you enjoy reading METRO Connects.
 
Route & Service Updates:
Holiday Schedule: Click for 2014 holiday schedule. 
Monday, September 1 - Labor Day: NO BUS SERVICE
 
Service Changes:  
Bus Stop Update: METRO staff has been working on relocating bus stops in an effort to create a more efficient service for riders, while being mindful of accessibility needs and keeping stops near high frequency areas. Staff has been meeting with neighborhood organizations and other stakeholder groups about plans and reasons for consolidating bus stops along METRO routes.Stops slated for relocation will be posted in September and/or October to allow for public comment. Visit our website for updates.

Schedule Changes:
As part of ongoing efforts to improve service, several schedules will be revised in September.

METRO Routes #2, #3, #4 & #6 will have changes effective beginning Sunday, September 14 (click here for updates).
Visit gpmetrobus.com for new schedules and look for updated Regional Transit Guides and METRO printed schedules.

Detours:
Saturday, August 23: WCSH Art Festival
Congress Street will be closed from app. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The METRO Pulse at Elm Street will be open. Take the bus to this annual event -- bus stops are only a block or two from the Festival!

Saturday, September 6: Bike Maine/Westbrook
Main Street will be closed for a portion of the day for the welcoming parade and  other events.
Visit gpmetrobus.com for details and detour information. 
 
Cruise Ship Service - Reminder cruise-couple-view.jpg
METRO's Route #8 will extend service to Ocean Gateway during large cruise ship visits (1000+ passengers) this season. This is a change from bus service provided previously, but visitors and cruise ship passengers can still visit museums, the Old Port, Arts District, Victoria Mansion and other attractions by boarding the bus at Ocean Gateway or nearby at the corner of India and Commercial Streets.

Click here for route map & additional information on how visitors can get around town on METRO. Copies of this brochure will also be available at Ocean Gateway beginning in mid-August. 
 
students-design-header.jpg
College Students:
METRO and South Portland Bus Service will again offer FREE rides with ID for the first two weeks of September for students attending local colleges. Just show your 2014 photo ID and ride the bus for free from September 2 - September 14 (no bus service on Labor Day - September 1).
Click here for information and details on programs after Sept. 14.

School Students (K-12):
Students throughout the Greater Portland Region can ride METRO for $1 with their 2013/2014 or 2014/2015 photo ID. Students in middle and elementary schools who haven't been issued an ID can still ride the bus for the reduced fare (they may be asked for the name of their school.)
Click here for information and details on student programs.
Last day to use the Summer Youth Bus Pass is August 31. 
 
Dispatches:

METRO Northern Expansion - Update: 
The Freeport Town Council will vote on express bus service at their September 16 meeting. If the Council votes to move forward, service to Yarmouth and Freeport could begin next summer. The Yarmouth Town Council voted unanimously in favor of bus service to their town. The Cumberland Town Council voted 4-3 against participation. Look for updates on this project. 

Transportation for MaineCare Recipients (NEW): 
Logisticare now manages transportation for MaineCare recipients (replacing Coordinated Transit Systems).
Information available at: 1-855-608-5078

Greenfest - New this Year: 
METRO will join several eco friendly organizations at this year's GreenFest (click for information). Stop by and say hello and hop on a bus.  

Lake Region Bus (RTP):  
 Click here for an updated schedule for the Lakes Region Bus.

Casco Bay Lines:
 
On August 7, Senator Susan Collins cut the ceremonial red ribbon to officially open the new Casco Bay Ferry Terminal.
 
REMINDERS: 
Find us on facebook for service updates and more.
METRO (Greater Portland Transit District).

Next METRO Board Meeting: August 27 at 8 a.m.
 
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
Cruise Ship Service
Students Programs his Fall
Dispatches
Join Our Mailing List

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.