Southern Maine transit gets $11M in federal stimulus funding
Seven transit agencies southern Maine will receive a total of $11.1 million in federal stimulus funds to help replace lost revenues and improve the resilience of the region’s public transportation network.
According to a news release Tuesday, the funds will go to:
- Greater Portland Transit District, which operates the METRO bus system
- Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which operates the Amtrak Downeaster train service
- Casco Bay Island Transit District, which operates the Casco Bay Lines ferry service
- Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, which operates bus services in those communities
- York County Community Action Corp.
- Regional Transportation Program
- City of South Portland Bus Service.
Concord Coach Lines has also received some funds to support its Portland-to-Boston express bus service.
Of the allocations, $9.1 million will be used to replace lost revenues; $1 million is dedicated to sanitation and communications; and $1.1 million will be spent on projects to help increase ridership, such as improving access and safety for older adults, people with disabilities and people of color.
"The region's public transportation system will be integral in the post-pandemic economic recovery, and this funding will enable us to rebuild customer demand after the pandemic," said Cape Elizabeth Town Manager Matthew Sturgis, transportation committee chair at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, which is distributing the funds.
Chris Chop, transportation director for the council, added, "The funds will help essential workers continue to get to their jobs by maintaining existing transit services. The funds will also support a modern and enhanced system through technology, planning, communications and public engagement. We expect these collective investments to support and even strengthen transit in the post-pandemic era."
GPCOG coordinates transportation planning and investment decisions with the state, municipalities and public transportation partners.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed last March by Congress provides $25 billion nationwide to help the nation’s public transportation systems respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public transportation in southern Maine has received $53 million in total through CARES, with $32.6 million allocated across three phases. More than $20 million remains to be distributed.
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