Metro Connects

August 2024

Glenn Fenton Named

Executive Director at Greater Portland Metro

Greater Portland Metro’s Board of Directors has selected Glenn Fenton as Metro’s new Executive Director, following a nationwide search. Glenn's appointment was approved unanimously by Metro’s Board of Directors at a Monday, July 15 board meeting.

Glenn has held a leadership role at Metro since 2014,

previously serving as Metro’s Chief Transportation Officer (CTO) and, since March 2024, as Interim Executive Director. As CTO, Glenn oversaw the

operations, maintenance, customer service, and IT departments.

"I'm thrilled to take on the role of Metro's

Executive Director in a permanent capacity,” said Glenn. “I'm especially excited to lead such an amazing team of employees, as we work together to

continue to advance public transit in the Greater Portland Region."

Full Press Release -- HERE

During his time as Metro's Chief Transportation Officer (CTO), Glenn has helped shepherd the agency into a period of significant growth.

Metro Route 7 improves frequency and expands service

On June 16, Metro's Route 7 expanded service to include Outer Congress Street, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the Portland Jetport. Better frequency and improved span of service (earlier and later service) was added to the Jetport.

Route 5, which previously provided service the the Jetport and DHHS, now has direct service between Downtown Portland and the Maine Mall.

Route schedules - Here

This Fall: Look for NEW, On-Demand Service for Falmouth!

Greater Portland Metro plans to introduce an on-demand (aka microtransit) service for Falmouth later this fall. Metro Route 7 will continue to provide bus service between Falmouth, Portland, and the Jetport/DHHS. The new service will provide on-demand service to other areas currently served by Route 7 in Falmouth (such as OceanView, Town Landing Market, etc.), and likely beyond. This means more Falmouth residents will have access to Metro's system.

Fares for this new service will be the same as Metro fixed routes -- $2 base fare, $1 reduced fare, fare capping benefits with a DiriGo Pass, free transfers between on-demand service, and fixed-route service. Fares will be collected on board the vehicle, just like our bus service, and booking a trip will be similar to using services like Uber or Lyft: via an app, web application, or by calling Metro. Look for more information soon.

Background about Metro's On-Demand service plans - HERE

Metro ridership numbers through August 2024

Ridership for July 2024 was 139,492. This is a 3% year over year (YOY) increase compared to 2023 and represents an 86.2% recovery compared to 2019. Similar to June, YOY ridership is lower than other months this year, likely because we were in the midst of the Fare Deal in Summer 2023, alongside lower pass program ridership due to schools not being in session.

On a route level, as would be expected, Route 7 had its best month ever (due to the expanded service) with over 11,300 trips in July; previously, Route 7 maxed out at about 7,400 rides back in July 2019. Route 5, which has fewer destinations after our June 2024 service changes, dipped by about 4000 trips from May to July (typically, these months are pretty similar), so most people may have just shifted from Route 5 to Route 7. Ridership is expected to increase as more people are aware of these changes.

More ridership statistics - HERE

Back to school on Metro

Most of the schools and colleges listed also have partnerships with Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB Transit) and South Portland Bus Service. Students should check with their schools for specific information.

Interested in discussing partnership opportunities? Let us know - HERE

As summer ends and fall begins, for many students back to school also means taking Metro to classes. Metro has partnerships with these area schools and colleges: Portland Public High Schools (Casco Bay, Deering, and Portland schools), Portland Adult Ed, and Baxter school students can use their DiriGo Pass smartcard, issued by their school, to ride Metro.

University of Southern Maine (USM), USM Law School, the Roux Institute of Northeastern University, University of New England (UNE), and Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) students can tap their school ID card on the reader when they board the bus to ride.

Students from other schools and colleges can also ride Metro by downloading the UMO mobility app and registering the DiriGo Pass on their smartphone or by stopping by Metro's downtown hub at 21 Elm Street for a DiriGo Pass smartcard. Cash is also accepted on all routes. More info - HERE

What is Transit Signal Priority (TSP)?

Why is it a good thing for Metro?

Starting this month, Metro buses will be moving through traffic faster thanks to Transit Signal Priority (TSP). TSP adjusts signal timing to reduce the amount of time buses sit at red lights, turning red lights green, or ending red lights early, as buses approach. This means shorter travel times for passengers, better on-time performance, and less fuel used. At certain congested intersections -- where buses are turning left, or where buses are on a minor street -- buses may get a green light minutes sooner.

More information about Transit Signal Priority (TSP) - HERE

Dispatches

Attention Umo App Users!

Transit riders who are using an original version of the UMO Mobility app and DiriGo Pass to ride Greater Portland Metro, Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, and the South Portland Bus Service -- it’s time to upgrade!

Upgrade now to enjoy improved features and continued service. Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play to get the latest version.

An improved version of the Umo App was launched on May 13, 2024. For transit riders who have not already updated their DiriGo App, now is the time.

The previous version of the app will discontinue on September 12, 2024.

UPDATE: Greater Portland Metro and South Portland Bus Service

The South Portland City Council will have a workshop to review Metro's proposal on September 10 and make a decision on a GP Metro/South Portland Bus merger at their September 17 meeting.

The agenda for the South Portland City Council meeting will be posted the Thursday prior to the September 10 meeting -- HERE

Let’s Connect is a weekly podcast broadcast on WMPG radio (USM's radio station) that is focused on how cities and towns in Greater Portland are overcoming challenges in their communities. Hosted by Kristina Egan, Executive Director of the Greater Portland Council of Governments, the show focuses on a range of issues, including housing, transportation, climate change, and economic development.

Earlier this summer, Metro's Executive Director Glenn Fenton and Director of Transit Planning Mike Tremblay had an opportunity to share updates about Greater Portland Metro.

Glenn was interviewed by GPCOG Executive Director Kristina Egan during his first week in his new role. He talked about top priorities for Metro.

Link to Podcast - HERE

Metro's Director of Transit Planning Mike Tremblay talked about updates at Metro, including the introduction of new technology.

Link to Podcast - HERE

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visits Portland

Saving the best for last, Maine was the 50th state Pete Buttigieg visited as a cabinet member. He stopped in Portland on August 7, 2024, speaking at the future location of the Roux Institute, to highlight infrastructure spending.

Note the perfectly placed Metro bus above his shoulder, on Tukey's Bridge, as he was speaking.

Are you or do you know someone who could be a transportation leader?

Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) is recruiting volunteers to become Transportation Leaders for the Greater Portland region to advance the inclusion of underrepresented communities – including older adults, people with disabilities, and people of color. Training starts soon.

· Informational flyer - HERE

· GPCOG - CTL Program - HERE