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'Husky Line' Launches In Portland, ME
Officials from the Greater Portland (ME) Transit District (METRO) recently joined with representatives of the University of Southern Maine (USM), cities of Portland and Westbrook, town of Gorham and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) to introduce the new Husky Line, a route designed to benefit university students and other public transit riders.
The new line—one of the key initiatives of METRO’s Transit West Project, announced last year—provides more-frequent connections for students and professionals alike, connecting the USM campuses in Gorham and Portland while introducing public transit service to Gorham. Portland is approximately four miles from Westbrook and another eight miles from Gorham.
METRO General Manager Greg Jordan said, “High-quality and innovative public transit is in demand in the greater Portland region and especially in the urban core. METRO’s Transit West Project will improve mobility, increase access to affordable transportation and help spur our region’s economic competitiveness.” He also noted that Transit West includes upgraded amenities such as real-time arrival mobile apps, Wi-Fi and USB ports on buses and an upcoming project to deploy smart fare payment.
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Participants in ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Husky Line in Portland, ME, included METRO General Manager Greg Jordan, second from right; University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings, second from left; and Rep. Chellie Pingree, fourth from left.
| Pingree said, “As a longtime ferry rider, I’m a user of public transit myself; it’s a great way to engage with your neighbors and meet new people.” She noted METRO’s “incredible few years,” during which the agency introduced Breez service to Brunswick, Freeport and Yarmouth; smartphone apps with next-bus tracking; new bus shelters; and increased ridership by Portland high school students to and from school. She also mentioned that FTA recently awarded METRO almost $2.3 million, through the Low- or No-Emission (Low-No) Grant program, for the purchase of electric buses. (See related story in this issue.)
Other components of the Transit West expansion include a new route that directly connects Westbrook to South Portland and northwest Portland and provides new service to locations including Husson University; two routes restructured to be more direct, simple and efficient; bus stop improvements across the METRO system, including pedestrian and ADA improvements and bus shelters at 15-20 locations; and a Transit Pass Program with USM that provides students, staff and faculty with free access to the public transit network.
Earlier in the year, METRO introduced 11 new 40-foot low-floor buses from New Flyer as the beginning of its service enhancements, of which eight operate on Transit West routes and three replace fleet vehicles that are more than 20 years old.
Five of the new buses operate on CNG, while the other six use ultra-low-sulfur diesel. They seat 40 riders each and provide two to three wheelchair positions, space for three bicycles, Wi-Fi, additional security cameras and in-seat USB ports. All buses are equipped with real-time arrival information.
The buses are part of METRO’s order for 19 expansion and replacement buses with options to purchase an additional seven vehicles. Federal grants cover 85 percent of the cost, with the remainder coming from local sources including revenue from fares, advertising and state and local assistance.
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