News and Updates:

September 2021

(posted 9.3.21)

• METRO Connects Newsletter - September 2021 -- LINK
  
  
• REMINDER: Masks, that cover your nose and mouth, are required on all public transit.
  (On Tuesday, August 17, 2021), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) extended a federal requirement that travelers wear masks on commercial flights, buses and trains through Jan. 18, 2022.
  
  
• NEW, Updated Routes and Schedule Changes - Effective August 29, 2021
  HUSKY Line returns to FULL Service --- LINK
  BREEZ extends service to Thompson's Point -- LINK
  Route 1 extends service to Thompson's Point -- LINK
  
  *Route 9A/9B - UPDATES -- LINK
   *IMPORTANT - Updated schedule effective September 7, 2021 -- -LINK
     (Adjustments made to weekday morning schedule for Route 9A/9B)
• Route Maps Poster (new service to Thompson's Pt/new Fore River Pkway/Mercy Hospital stop) effective August 29, 2021 -- LINK
  
  
• Holiday Service Reminder:
  NO METRO Service on Labor Day, Monday September 6
  
  

PUBLIC MEETINGS:

• Finance Committee Meeting - September 1, 2021 @ 4PM
• Executive Committee Meeting - September 8, 2021 @ 3:30PM
• Ridership Committee Meeting - September 16, 2021 @ 4PM
• METRO Board of Directors Meeting -September 23, 2021 @ 4PM
  
  

IMPORTANT NEWS/UPDATES:

• A new way to pay - DiriGo Pass
  The DiriGo TouchPass is transforming into the DiriGo Pass.
  Download the UMO Mobility app on your smartphone for access to the improved (new features!!) DiriGo mobile app.
  For information on our newest fare system updates, visit DiriGoPass.org
  
  

MEDIA LINKS

• Interactive Map of Vaccination Sites along bus routes
  New map highlights vaccination sites located along bus routes.
  Several agencies included in this map, which also has a trip planning feature.
  https://www.transittogether.org/vaccinationsites
  Press  Herald - 4.22.21
  WGME - 4.23.21
• Portland Jetport adds six non-stop destinations; flights start in May 2021 - LINK

• Letter to the Editor/PPH: METRO Executive Director (4.15.21) -- LINK
• Transit Partner News:
  Casco Bay Lines - New Hybrid Electric Ferry by end of 2022 - LINK
  Amtrak Downeaster - Returning to Pre-Pandemic Service on May 3 - LINK
  
  
• New Buses, with UV air purification systems, are in service beginning this week
  -- Link to Press Release, (sent 3.23.21)
  
  
• Transit Driver Appreciation Day / Transit Together Marketing campaign launch
  Newscenter Maine – 3.18.21
  WGME – 3.18.21
  --Additional info, updates: TransitTogether.org
  
  
• Transit Tomorrow (Media Links)
  Maine Sunday Telegram - Editorial (3.28.21)
  Press Herald – 3.24.21
  Mass Transit – 3.25.21
  Maine Public - 3.7.21
  --Additional information: LINK
  
  
• New Buses with UV air purification system (Media links)
   WGME TV – 3.24.21
  Bangor Daily News – 3.25.21
  WMTW – 3.23.21
  
  
• Peninsula Loop Reboot:
  WGME -( 3.26.21)
  Press Herald – (3.23.21
  --- Additional information, updates - LINK
• Greater Portland METRO is pausing efforts to revamp bus service on the Portland peninsula so it can further study . . . ( LINK  to full release)