BSOOB to start limited bus service May 1

BIDDEFORD — Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit has announced it will roll out limited service on May 1.

BSOOB Transit suspended operations on March 31 after two employees tested positive for the respiratory illness COVID-19.

BSOOB administration said in a statement on Tuesday that buses and offices have been cleaned and disinfected, and new safety procedures have been implemented to maintain recommended social distancing and protection for passengers and operators.

Beginning May 1, ZOOM Express service will operate runs at 6:00 and 7:08 a.m. and at 4:09 and 5:35 p.m. Fares will remain free until full service is back in operation.

For local service, Black and Orange and White and Blue lines will run from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. daily, Monday through Saturday. There will be no Sunday service.

Because of social distancing, there will be marked seating where passengers will be allowed to sit, and ridership will be limited to six to eight people. There will be a back-up bus waiting to help out, if necessary.

Another necessary change will be that the local buses will not be laying over at the Saco Transportation Center. There will be a more continuous schedule as the local buses attempt to cover the entire territory on the runs while still adhering to safety procedures.

Maroon, Yellow and Green lines will remain out of service, and until the buses get back to full service, all fares will remain free.

For more information on bus routes, download the “Where’s the Bus” app at transit.unitegps.com/bsoob or at https://bsoobtransit.org by clicking on the Bus Locator button on the home page.