Southern Maine transit agencies offer discount on all bus rides from March 1 to Sept. 30

PORTLAND— Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB), Greater Portland METRO and South Portland Bus Service are discounting bus fares on their transit system for their “Fare Deal” campaign that runs from March 1 – Sept. 30.

All bus fares will be half of their regular price during this promotion, including local and express service and full and reduced fares. The discounted fares are available to riders using either cash or the DiriGo Pass. Signs on buses will display these temporary discounted fares.

The transit agencies collaborating on the “Fare Deal” aim to inspire new and returning bus riders by offering this special temporary promotional fare.

“By reducing the cost of using public transportation, we are seeking to help transit users hit hard by inflation, and encourage more people to discover the many benefits of travelling around southern Maine by bus,” said Greater Portland METRO Executive Director, Greg Jordan.

Beginning March 1, riders using Greater Portland METRO, BSOOB Transit, and South Portland Bus Service, will automatically pay the discounted fare when using their DiriGo Pass mobile app or smartcard.

“With transportation costs often being one of the highest monthly household expenses, this promotion has the opportunity to provide great value for our communities. For those enrolled in the DiriGo fare program, fare capping will create additional savings,” said BSOOB Transit Executive Director, Chad Heid. “We’re excited to offer this program to existing riders, along with attracting new riders who are feeling pain at the gas pump.”

As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, the region’s transit agencies designated funding to help rebuild ridership, with a goal of achieving pre-pandemic ridership levels. This effort is critical to maintaining and growing transit service in our region. Through a competitive selection process conducted by Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) several projects were selected to entice riders back to public transportation, including: frequency and span of service improvements, transit signal priority, service expansions and redesigns, among other proposals. In addition to these projects, a “fare sale” promotion was approved for Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard Beach Transit, Greater Portland Metro and South Portland Bus Service.

“With stops at many of our area’s most popular destinations, the bus is a fantastic way for residents, employees and visitors to travel. Now riders can have their transportation needs met and experience what makes our communities special for half the cost,” said Donna Tippet, Director of the South Portland Bus Service. “We hope those inspired to try or return to the bus continue riding well into the future.”

For more information about DiriGO Pass and the fare promotion, visit: DirgiGoPass.org. For more information on Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB Transit) go to https://bsoobtransit.org/ or call 207-282-5408.