Next Stop: South Portland | Scarborough

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.

Will this service run to Campus Drive? The Downs? The VA? Downtown Portland?

Following the public meetings and survey, Metro will consider all public feedback and meet with municipal leadership about the exact alignment of the new route. Metro will announce draft route alignments in Winter/Spring 2026.

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