Next Stop: Scarborough

Help plan the future of Metro with Metro: Next Stop! Greater Portland Metro staff is working on community engagement opportunities with Scarborough residents and stakeholders to inform Metro’s expansion into Scarborough and plan for future enhancements.

Sign up for the mailing list here: Google form
See the draft service map: Scarborough public map

What’s happening?

Metro is expanding to Scarborough in 2026! Metro has secured federal funding through the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) to launch new transit service in Scarborough. This funding, alongside $65,000 local contribution from the Town of Scarborough and a commitment of $3.5 million over 5 years from the Maine Turnpike Authority, will help Metro launch new service in Scarborough by mid- to late-2026.

Service Profile

The service in Scarborough is expected to have both a fixed-route and an on-demand component. The fixed-route service is expected to serve destinations along Route 1 in Scarborough run to Portland via the Veteran’s Bridge Main Street in South Portland. Specific details on the exact route alignment and timetable have yet to be determined. Additionally, Metro plans to launch an on-demand “microtransit” service in Scarborough and South Portland that will help connect residents to fixed-route transit routes as well as destinations that are outside of Metro’s fixed-route network. Metro already operates a microtransit service in Falmouth, so this would be Metro’s second deployment. More information on microtransit can be found at www.gpmetro.org/connect.

Goals of Transit Service in Scarborough

Metro’s goals for service improvements in Scarborough are as follows:

Expand the Metro transit network to include Scarborough, helping enable more travel by transit throughout the Greater Portland region
Provide frequent, fast, safe, and simple service between Scarborough and Portland
Help achieve local, regional, and statewide traffic and environmental goals

Frequently Asked Questions

Doesn’t Scarborough already have transit service?

Route 1 in Scarborough is currently served by Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach (BSOOB Transit) via it’s Route 60. Metro’s service will likely overlap with Route 60 somewhat, but its destinations are likely to be different. Scarborough residents and visitors will be able to choose the service that works best for them. Metro will continue to coordinate with BSOOB Transit on how these routes can be coordinated to provide the best service for the region.

Where is this service running?

Metro is still finalizing the new bus route and schedule. Metro is also finalizing our Scarborough microtransit zone, which will be designed to connect people to the new bus route and other local destinations. The draft service maps can be found here: Scarborough public map

The planned route doesn’t go directly where I need it to go. Can Metro modify the route to go to my destination?

Metro is designing our Scarborough service to provide fast and direct service between Scarborough and downtown Portland. Deviations into specific properties increases the travel time, and because Metro can’t simply add more buses to a route without significant fleet and budget implications, a longer route also means buses will come less frequently. A fast and direct route is best for most users because it ensures buses come more often and complete trips more frequently. Transit users should typically expect to walk up to 1/4 mile (5 minutes) to and from a bus stop on each end of a trip. Where walking is not practical or possible in Scarborough, we are also offering a microtransit option to connect folks to their destinations.

Why is Metro expanding to Scarborough instead of improving existing service, or expanding to other areas?

Metro is expanding in Scarborough in part because the Town of Scarborough committed local funding as part of their 2026 budget. All of Metro’s services are funded, in part, by municipal funds. Additionally, Maine Turnpike Authority was particularly interested in funding Scarborough service because of transit’s potential for relieving congestion on the Maine Turnpike between Scarborough and Portland. These two funding sources would not be available for service elsewhere in Metro’s network.

Press Release announcing new service: https://conta.cc/43saNcI

Public workshops

In November, Metro staff held project workshops in South Portland and Scarborough.
If you missed our workshop, click on the presentation below for the information presented.

Please check back for updates and information.