Greater Portland Metro has exciting plans for this year. Our projects include: adding more frequent and direct service to the Portland Jetport, DHHS, and Hutchins Drive (outer Congress St.); streamlining bus service to the Maine Mall; launching a micro transit pilot in Falmouth; improving bus stops to make them more accessible; adding bus shelters; and implementing Transit Signal Priority on identified congested streets.

More information about 2024 plans.

Snow ride - A short trip on Metro Route #1

Winter Weather Reminders

Chances are good that we can expect more wintry weather in the next two months. If you plan to ride Metro (a great suggestion), a few things to keep in mind:

• Taking a trip on Metro in the winter is a great option if you dislike driving in the snow. Check out our schedules.

• If a bus stop is a snow mound (with 500+ stops not all stops can be cleared as fast as we'd like), wait for the bus at the nearest driveway, or other clear area, and signal the driver to stop.

• Metro rarely suspends service; although, during winter weather conditions, service can be slow and buses may run late.

• Metro staff makes every effort to update riders on major detours, street closures, and major service disruptions. We suggest signing up for alerts (see below) through out website.

• If a decision is made to cancel service due to blizzard conditions, accumulating snow, or high winds (etc.), the announcement is made at least two hours in advance of any service suspension and communicated to riders through our website, social media, and local media.

More about Metro Alerts:

Whenever possible, Metro staff posts schedule updates and detours on our website. Sign up to receive the alerts you want to receive via text or email. Notices sent from Metro's website include schedule and route updates, public meeting agendas, holiday notices, job openings, bid requests, and more. Receive route specific information or service changes affecting all routes. We recommend signing up for system wide updates and updates on routes you ride the most. For alerts: Sign up here.

Let's do the Ridership Numbers

Metro ended 2023 with 1,694,203 trips. This represents an overall 24% year-over-year increase compared to 2023 and 81% of 2019's ridership. In 2021 and 2022, Metro ridership was at 48% and 60%, respectively. Compared to 2019, we saw stronger-than-usual ridership during the summer months and in November/December -- these are months where ridership is historically lower than the peak spring and fall months, and is certainly a positive trend.

Nationally, ridership recovery stands at about 77%, so Metro is outpacing the national trend. Metro's positive 2023 ridership was helped by our Fare Deal campaign, which reduced fares temporarily from March to September.

Coming this Summer

More trips planned for the Portland Jetport

This summer, Metro plans to extend the Route 7, which currently runs between Falmouth Foreside and downtown Portland, south and west to the Jetport, serving Hutchins Drive and DHHS as well.

Additionally, weekday frequency will double on the Route 7 for most of the day. This will result in consistent, twice-hourly service and provide a new one-seat ride to the Jetport and DHHS from the neighborhoods surrounding Washington Ave on Portland's peninsula, Veranda Street in East Deering, and Route 1 in Falmouth.

Alongside this change, Metro Route 5 will no longer provide service to the Jetport and DHHS. Route 5 will provide direct service to the Maine Mall via Park Ave., making trips for those traveling between the Mall and downtown Portland significantly faster and more reliable.

More information about planned schedule updates.

Looking for an exciting and budget-friendly adventure around Portland? The 207 Day Scavenger Hunt is a completely FREE and self-paced activity! Metro and businesses Portland are in on the fun!

Win cool prizes and bragging rights!

Denise Beck, Marketing and Community Outreach Manager | Metro Connects Editor

dbeck@gpmetro.org | 207-517-3027