Greater Portland Metro and BSOOB Transit to hold public meetings proposing bus fare changes

April 2, 2026

Metro News

For immediate release

April 2, 2026

Contact:
Mike Tremblay, Director of Transit Development, mtremblay@gpmetro.org, 207-517-3023

Greater Portland, ME – Greater Portland Metro and  Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB), are holding three in-person and one virtual public meeting to propose fare changes. The proposed changes, if approved, are planned to become effective on August 1, 2026.

Proposed changes to the fare policy are aimed at balancing the demand for additional revenue to cover rising expenses with riders’ need for affordable transportation options. The proposed changes aim to build revenue in a responsible way that limits the negative impact on riders.   

Fare proposals include these fare increases:

  • Increase base fare to $2.25 (currently $2.00)  
  • Increase reduced fare to $1.10 (currently $1.00)
  • Increase Metro BREEZ fares to $4.50 (currently $4.00); Reduced fare increase to $2.25 from $2.00
  • Decrease BSOOB Zoom service to match BREEZ express service fares. New Zoom fares would be $4.50 for base fare and $2.25 for reduced fare (currently $5.00 and $2.50 respectively). Increase monthly base fare cap to $65 (currently $60), daily fare cap to $6.50 (currently $6.00).

No changes to fare caps for passengers eligible for reduced fare are proposed. Daily and monthly caps for reduced-fare passengers would remain $3 and $30, respectively, for local trips, and $6 and $60, respectively, BREEZ and Zoom trips.

Other proposed changes to the fare policy include the introduction of “tap-to-pay”, which will allow customers to pay directly on-board buses using a credit card or wallet-enabled smartphone. This additional fare payment method is expected to make it easier for infrequent and first-time riders to pay their fares without the need to carry cash, download an app, or pre-load a smartcard. The DiriGo Pass will continue to be the preferred payment method, and cash will continue to be accepted on board.

Additional background on these proposals, including a survey and FAQs, are listed on this dedicated web page.

“Metro and BSOOB Transit have not changed our fare structure since 2020. To maintain our financial health and continue providing the service our riders depend on, we are now evaluating all revenue options,” said Metro Executive Director Glenn Fenton. “While fare adjustments are difficult, they allow us to protect our existing routes while preparing for future growth.

Schedule of public meetings:

  • Thursday, April 9: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm; Portland Public Library
  • Saturday, April 11: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm; Westbrook Community Center
  • Monday, April 13: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Saco Transportation Center.
  • Tuesday, April 14: 6:00-7:00 pm; Virtual Meeting — Click Here to join.

BSOOB Transit provides fixed-route Service between Biddeford, Saco, and Old Orchard Beach and express service to Portland.

Greater Portland Metro is southern Maine’s largest public transit provider, serving Brunswick, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Yarmouth, Scarborough, and Bath. Metro’s mission is to provide a public transportation experience that is frequent, fast, safe, and simple.

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