Glossary
Bus Mode - A transit mode comprised of rubbertired passenger vehicles operating on fixed routes and schedules over roadways. Vehicles are powered by:
• Diesel
• Gasoline
• Battery
• Alternative fuel engines
Complementary Paratransit Services - Transportation service required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route transportation systems. This service must be comparable to the level of service provided to individuals without disabilities who use the fixed route system and meet the requirements specified in Sections 37.123-137.133 of Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities (Part 37), Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Volume 1. The complementary services must be origin-to-destination service (demand response (DR)) or on-call demand response (DR) service to an accessible fixed route where such service enables the individual to use the fixed route bus (MB) system for his or her trip. Service must be provided in a corridor ¾ of a mile on either side of the bus routes.
Commuter Bus - Local fixed-route bus transportation primarily connecting outlying areas with a central city. Characterized by a motorcoach (aka over-the-road bus), multiple trip tickets, multiple stops in outlying areas, limited stops in the central city, and at least five miles of closed-door service.
Demand Response - A transit mode comprised of passenger cars, vans or small buses operating in response to calls from passengers or their agents to the transit operator, who then dispatches a vehicle to pick up the passengers and transport them to their destinations. A demand response (DR) operation is
characterized by the following:
a — The vehicles do not operate over a fixed route or on a fixed schedule except, perhaps, on a temporary basis to satisfy a special need, and
b — Typically, the vehicle may be dispatched to pick up several passengers at different pickup points before taking them to their respective destinations and may even be interrupted en route to these destinations to pick up other passengers. The following types of operations fall under the above definitions provided they are not on a scheduled fixed route basis:
• Many origins to many destinations
• Many origins to one destination
• One origin to many destinations
• One origin to one destination
Ferryboat - A transit mode comprised of vessels carrying passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo, over a body of water. Intercity ferryboat service is excluded, except for that portion of such service that is operated by or under contract with a public transit agency for predominantly commuter services. Predominantly commuter service means that for any given trip segment (i.e., distance between any two piers), more than 50 percent of the average daily ridership travels on the ferryboat on the same day.
Fixed Route Services - Services provided on a repetitive, fixed schedule basis along a specific route with vehicles stopping to pick up and deliver passengers to specific locations; each fixed route trip serves the same origins and destinations, such as rail and bus.
Flex Route Service - Transit service that operates along a fixed alignment or path at generally fixed times, but may deviate from the route alignment to collect or drop off passengers who have requested the deviation.
Intercity Bus - An intercity bus, also known as a coach or long-distance bus, is a mode of public transportation designed to transport passengers between cities or towns over long distances. Intercity buses are characterized by their larger size and capacity compared to local buses, providing comfortable seating, ample storage space for luggage, and sometimes additional amenities such as onboard toilets, Wi-Fi, and entertainment systems. They serve as a cost-effective and convenient option for travelers seeking an affordable and reliable
means of transportation.
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) - A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is a regional agency responsible for coordinating transportation planning and decision-making in metropolitan areas. MPOs bring together representatives from local governments, transportation agencies, and other stakeholders to develop and implement transportation plans and policies that address the needs of the region. Their primary role is to allocate federal transportation funds, conduct studies, and engage in long-range planning to improve transportation systems, promote efficient land use, and enhance mobility within the metropolitan area. MPOs play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, ensuring transportation projects are aligned with regional goals, and enhancing the overall quality of life and sustainability within the metropolitan region.
Volunteer Drivers - Individuals who drive vehicles in revenue service to transport passengers for the transit provider but are not employees of the transit provider and are not compensated for their labor.
ANDROSCOGGIN TRANSPORTATION RESOURCE CENTER (ATRC)
207-783-9186 Ext 222 . [email protected]
What is (ATRC)?
The Androscoggin Transportation Resource Center (ATRC) is responsible for planning the transportation system for the Greater Lewiston-Auburn
Area. Known as a Metropolitan Planning Organization, (ATRC) was established by federal requirement of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962 and
designated to serve the urbanized area of Lewiston, Auburn, Lisbon, and Sabattus. As a regional hub for businesses, services and community life, the
(ATRC) Region is home to 76,000 residents and 43,000 jobs.
Who is (ATRC)?
(ATRC) is comprised of a Policy Committee of elected and appointed officials from the Cities of Lewiston http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/ and
Auburn http://www.auburnmaine.gov/, the Towns of Lisbon http://www.lisbonme.org/ and Sabattus http://sabattus.org/, the Androscoggin Valley
Council of Governments (AVCOG), as well as the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA), Western Maine
Transportation Services, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT), and the federal funding agencies of the United States Department
of Transportation (USDOT). A Technical Committee made up of transportation planners, engineers, advocates and service providers make
recommendations to the Policy Committee on technical matters. Members of the Policy and Technical Committees are appointed by their respective
municipalities. The Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments (AVCOG) provides professional staffing to the (ATRC) committees.
What is (ATRC) responsible for?
(ATRC) is responsible for planning the surface transportation network, including principal and minor arterials, collector roads, bridges, rail, public
transit, and facilities for biking and walking.
For more information, please visit www.avcog.org
Aroostook Regional Transporation System (ARTS)
(207) 764-5246 • [email protected]
ARTS is a non-profit organization which provides demand response transportation services on a scheduled basis throughout northern Maine. ARTS serves all of Aroostook County, the Danforth area in Washington County and the Patten area in Penobscot County. Transportation services are provided for the general public, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly at affordable rates. Services are provided for Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, Central Aroostook Association, Modivcare (MaineCare) and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services through a contracted rate with no charge to the individuals. ARTS demand-response door-to-door services are provided by buses or vans that are all handicapped accessible vehicles.
For more information, please visit aroostooktransportation.org/
Bangor Area Comprehensive Transportation System (BACTS)
207.974.3111 • [email protected]
The Bangor Area Comprehensive Transportation System (BACTS) is a metropolitan planning organization that has been federally designated to perform continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning for the Greater Bangor Region. Our main responsibilities include general technical assistance like data collection, project programming, public outreach, and facilitating communication amongst our 11 members and partners from state and federal agencies. We are governed by a policy committee made up of local town officials and nonvoting representatives from agencies such as FTA, FHWA, and MaineDOT. We also have a standing Transit Committee which aims to promote communication and cooperation between our local transit provider, Community Connector, and the communities it serves. For more information about the other services we provide, visit www.bactsmpo.org.
Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB Transit)
207.282.5408 • [email protected]
Serving Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Scarborough, South Portland, Portland, Kennebunk and Sanford, BSOOB Transit operates 8 routes, including local, express, intercity, and summer seasonal trolley services. During the most recent fiscal year, the agency provided over 258,000 passenger trips, and is experiencing continuing ridership growth. BSOOB Transit maintains a fleet of 21 revenue vehicles, including two of the first battery electric buses (BEBs) in Maine. The agency continues to advance a clean energy fleet transition plan, including two more BEBs in 2024, an on-route charger planned for install in 2024-25, and a feasibility assessment for a depot microgrid solution to reduce energy demand. To accomplish these objectives BSOOB Transit employs 48 year-round employees, along with another 10-12 during the summer season. BSOOB Transit administrative and support functions are located in Biddeford. The operations hub is the Saco Transportation Center, which allows for direct connections between the BSOOB Transit network and other transportation services including the Amtrak Downeaster, YCCAC’s Southern Maine Connector, and other providers. BSOOB Transit riders can pay using the DiriGo Pass on a smartcard or Umo Mobility app, which automatically caps daily and monthly fares and enables free transfers within 90 minutes. Cash is also accepted. The full one-way fare for local routes is $2.00, and $5.00 for the Zoom Express. Reduced fare options are available for seniors (65+), students (6-18), persons with disabilities, and veterans.
For more information, please visit: www.bsoobtransit.org
Casco Bay Island Transit District
207.774.7871 • [email protected]
Connecting Portland and the islands of Casco Bay (year-round service to Peaks, Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Chebeague, and Cliff).
Ferry passenger fares differ for each island and separate tickets need to be purchased for animals and bikes. Pass options are available for frequent riders. Passes
must be purchased at the Ferry Terminal located at 56 Commercial Street, Portland, ME. Children under 5 are no-charge. Half fares are offered for people 65 years of
age or over and for people with transportation disabilities with proper ID.
All regular service tickets are for round trip services and tickets are collected as you board the vessel. Schedules and rates are available at www.cascobaylines.com.
City of Bangor — Community Connector
207.992.4670 • [email protected]
The Community Connector is a fixed route public transit system operated by the City of Bangor for the communities of the Greater Bangor Urbanized
Area. The Community Connector also provides ADA Paratransit Service, which is coordinated curb to curb or origin to destination transportation
service for passengers in our service area who cannot use the regular fixed route system due to a disability. In December of 2022 the new Bangor
Area Transit Center opened and replaced the bus depot previously located in Pickering Square Parking Garage. Passengers of the Community
Connector, drivers, and general staff now have a modernized facility while still servicing the same Greater Bangor Area. These areas include Bangor,
Brewer, Veazie, Orono, Old Town and Hampden. In addition to areas around Bangor the bus provides service to Eastern Maine Community College,
Beal University and the University of Maine Orono Campus and the University of Maine Bangor Campus. Our base of operation is 475 Maine Avenue,
Bangor, Maine 04401. The City of Bangor has been operating public transportation since December of 1972.
For more information, please visit https://bangormaine.gov/634/Community-Connector
Downeast Community Partners
207.664.0012 • 207.546.7547 • 1.877.374.8396 (Toll Free) [email protected]
Downeast Community Partners (DCP) provides demand-response door-to-door transportation services. Serving Washington and Hancock Counties
excluding Danforth, including Isle au Haut. DCP Rides are provided by Agency Vehicles and Volunteer drivers. We request a 48 hour notice. Our office
hours are Monday – Friday 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
For more information, please visit www.downeastcommunitypartners.org/
Downeast Transportation, Inc.
207.667.5796 • [email protected]
DTI operates Monday through Friday commuter service from Bangor, Brewer, Milbridge, Franklin, and Ellsworth to Bar Harbor and back. Mid-day
Monday through Friday service to Bangor departs the Bar Harbor Village Green at 8:15am. Return service departs Pickering Square at 1:30pm. Stops include
Bangor International Airport, Bangor Mall, and Eastern Maine Medical Center. Please check our website for other mid-day service in and around Hancock
County.
For more information, visit www.downeasttrans.org/
Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG)
207.774.9891 • [email protected]
GPCOG is the regional council for Greater Portland, facilitating coordination and collaboration across transportation planning, sustainability and resilience planning, community and economic development, and more.
Greater Portland Transit District (Metro)
207.774.0351 • [email protected]
Serving Brunswick, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, and Yarmouth.
Greater Portland Metro is the state’s largest public transit agency and operates 10 fixed route transit routes spanning eight communities. Total annual
boardings in 2019 was 2.1 million. Ridership is recovering following the pandemic and expected to return to normal in 2024. Metro provides local and
express fixed route bus service to the municipalities of Brunswick, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, and Yarmouth. ADA
Paratransit (Demand Response) service for Metro’s service area is operated on the agency’s behalf by the Regional Transportation Program (RTP).
Metro service connects other public transit services including Casco Bay Lines, Amtrak Downeaster, South Portland Bus Service, and BSOOB Transit, as
well as to Portland International Jetport and Concord Coach Lines.
Metro riders can pay using the DiriGo Pass on a smartcard or Umo Mobility app, which automatically caps daily and monthly fares and enables
free transfers within 90 minutes. Cash is also accepted. The full one-way fare for LOCAL routes is $2.00, and $4.00 for EXPRESS. Reduced fare options are
available for seniors (65+), students (6-18), persons with disabilities, and veterans. Metro works with a wide range of employers, schools and colleges,
and other institutions to provide unlimited access transit pass programs which provide free transit access to students and employees. Visit gpmetro.org
for more information.
Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP)
207.859.1500 • [email protected]
KV Van is a demand-response, door-to-door, accessible transportation service available to residents of Kennebec and Somerset Counties. KV Van is available by appointment for MaineCare members and others seeking transportation to medical and social services, such as dialysis, adult day programs, and cancer treatment, among others.
In Augusta, Waterville, and Skowhegan, KV Van is available to the general public by appointment, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm. Individuals may request trips to and from any location within each service zone, including for shopping, employment, and recreational activities, among others.
Penquis/Lynx Mobility Services
General Public line: 207.973.3695 or 1.866.853.5969 • [email protected]
Serving Penobscot & Piscataquis counties (excluding Patten).
Lynx provides demand response transportation services in Penobscot & Piscataquis counties. All transportation is by appointment and we need three business day notice to arrange rides. We provide the rides with agency vans, volunteers, taxi. Lynx provides transportation for the general public, special services for the elderly, Maine Care recipients, and social service customers by agency contract, veterans, and individuals with a disability.
We serve each town in Penobscot & Piscataquis at least one day per week. Cost vary depending on how far the customer is traveling. We do not offer passes for our general public services.
For more information, please visit www.penquis.org/services/transportation/
Regional Transportation Program (RTP)
207.774.2666 • 1.800.244.0704 • Don Libby, Executive Director, [email protected]
RTP provides shared-ride transportation for the disabled, elderly, low-income and general public residents of Cumberland County. RTP utilizes agency
buses and vans with wheelchair lifts and volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles. The agency transports individuals eligible under Mainecare,
DHHS, and Child Development Services without charge to the rider.
RTP also provides ADA complementary demand response service for Metro and South Portland Bus Service.
In addition, RTP operates the Lakes Region Explorer that provides four round trips between Bridgton and Portland each weekday along Route 302 for
general public riders. The bus stops in Naples, Raymond and Windham with additional pickups and drop-offs along the way.
For more information, please visit www.rtprides.org/
The Lakes Region Explorer
RTP provides four round trips between Bridgton and Portland each weekday for general public riders Seasonal Service on Saturday between Memorial
Day and Labor Day.
Call or visit our web-site for more information at www.rtprides.org/lakes-region-explorer/
Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission
207-571-7065 ·
Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission (SMPDC) is a non-partisan nonprofit that cultivates thriving, sustainable communities and strengthens local governments by leading planning and economic development for 39 member towns in Southern Maine. The organization was founded in 1964 to provide technical expertise to municipalities in York, southern Oxford and Cumberland Counties. SMPDC offers a coordinated effort for land use, smart growth, resource management, environmental sustainability, and transportation planning. For more information, please visit www.smpdc.org.
Mid-Coast Public Transportation & Mid-Coast Connector
207.338.4769 • [email protected]
MaineCare services direct line for members and care givers: 855.930.7900
We provide general public, MaineCare Non-Emergency Transportation and other contractual services in Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc
counties and the communities of Brunswick and Harpswell.
Our public transportation program provides flex route and demand response services throughout the region as well as the DASH city route services
in Belfast and Rockland. Fares depend on service and distance travelled.
In addition to general public transportation services and MaineCare non-emergency transportation, our transportation support program provides specialized and discounted services for the elderly, individuals traveling to dialysis services, cancer care services and individuals with disabilities.
Reduced fares are available for seniors, children under 17, and people with disabilities for DASH bus services and seniors traveling to medical
appointments.
Mid-Coast Connector & Mid-Coast Public Transportation are operated by non-profit Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP).
For more information, please visit Transportation Services – Waldo Community Action Partners
West's Transportation
207.546.2823 • 1.800.596.2823 • [email protected]
Serving Downeast Maine. The Coastal Connection, Calais, Machias, Ellsworth, Bangor and points in between. Connecting with Bangor Airport. You can get there
from here! Seven days a week!
For more information, please visit westbusservice.com/
Western Maine Transportation Services, Inc. (WMTS)
Administrative & Maintenance Facility: 207.333.6972 • [email protected]
Passenger Relations and Information on all services: 1.800.393.9335 or 207.784.9335
Demand Response and local route services available throughout Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties.
BlueLine Commuter- Between Lewiston~Auburn and Bath/Brunswick.
GreenLine Commuter- Between Farmington/Wilton and Lewiston/Auburn
GoldLine Commuter Pilot- Between Lewiston/Auburn and Oxford Hills
WorxLink – 2nd & 3rd shift transit service serving Lewiston & Auburn
Brunswick Link - 207.721.9600
Sugarloaf Explorer — 207.237.6853 Free service serving Carrabassett Valley and Sugarloaf Ski area Thanksgiving through mid-April.
York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC)
Serving all 29 towns in York County; at York Community Action, we offer a range of transportation service options available to the general public for passengers of all ages and equipped for people with disabilities.
Sanford Transit (year round)
Provides year-round in-town service from Springvale to South Sanford with designated stops, route deviation, and connecting services.
The WAVE (reservation required)
Wheels to Access Vocation and Education, provides a premium year round, curb to curb service within Sanford. between Sanford & Biddeford and between Sanford & Wells.
Orange Line (year round)
The Orange line operates year-round between Sanford and Wells and also provides connecting services.
Shipyard Sprinter
Commuter Service from Sanford and Wells to the Porsmouth Naval Shipyard Monday through Friday serving the 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. shifts. Cost of the monthly pass is covered by the Department of Navy through the Transportation Incentive Program (TIP).
Southern Maine Connector (Monday-Friday)
Operates year round between Springvale/Sanford and Saco, with connecting service to BSOOB Transit and the Downeaster train.
Local Rides (reservation required)
Routes take residents to the closest regional shopping and medical destinations once a week for each town served. Riders are typically picked up
at their homes with a return trip an hour or more later.
Fares and passes are available through Token Transit (mobile phone app), exact cash fare when boarding the bus, and paper passes available for purchase at the YCCAC office.
For more information, please visit yccac.org/transportation/
