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1. Can I bring my bike on board the bus?

Yes, there are 2-3 bike racks on the front of all METRO buses, so take your bike with you.

Taking Your Bike

To take your bike:

1. Remove loose items from your bike.
2. Release the latch on the bike rack.
3. Load your bike onto the rack in front of the bus.
4. Board the bus.
5. Enjoy the ride.

Be sure to inform the driver that you will be unloading your bike as you exit the bus.

More Information

View additional information and instructions for taking your bike on the bus.

2. Where do I find a schedule?

Online Schedules- HERE

A full schedule of all routes is also posted at the METRO Pulse at Elm Street.

A limited number of full-size schedule posters are available. Please email for information: HERE 

3. How do I ride the bus?

Determine Your Destination

Find out where you want to go and what time you want to get there and then determine which bus routes serve your destination point and starting point. Check the route schedules online or pick up a schedule at a convenient location.

Find the Time-Point

Look at the schedule serving your destination first, and find the time-point on that schedule nearest your destination. Time-points are landmarks or intersections that show estimated arrival times of the bus. Each schedule shows a map of the route, and time points. In most cases, you can get on and off the bus at bus stops between these time-points (there are hundreds of bus stops located along METRO routes).

Check the Route Schedule

Then check the schedule for where you want to begin your trip to determine when you need to catch the bus.

4. Where do I wait for the bus?

Look for a METRO bus stop signs (located throughout Portland and Westbrook, along Route 1 in Falmouth, at/near Maine Mall, and along Route 1 and downtowns in Yarmouth, Freeport, and Brunswick). The routes served are listed on the sign. 

Signal the Bus Driver

Use a hand motion to signal the bus driver at the bus stop.

Arrive Early

It is a good idea to arrive at your bus stop five minutes before the bus is due to arrive. The route you want to take will displayed on the top of the bus (this is called a Destination Sign).

5. What is the METRO PULSE?

The METRO Pulse at Elm Street is the Downtown Portland hub for Greater Portland METRO bus service.
Passengers can access information for our Customer Service Staff, wait for the next bus, or purchase fare media.
METRO bus routes, #2, #4, #5,  #7, and the Husky Line begin and end their route at the METRO PULSE on Elm Street in Portland.  Some other routes, including METRO Routes 1, 8, and BREEZ, as well as South Portland Bus Service buses, are accessible nearby at Monument Square.

The METRO PULSE (also known as the Downtown Transportation Center) is located at the Elm Street Garage (Elm Street is off Congress Street, near the Portland Public Library). 

The address is:
21 Elm Street
Portland, ME 04102
Call 207-774-0351
EMail - info@gpmetro.org

More Information

For more information, view the METRO PULSE page.

6. I am a high school student in the Portland Public School system - how do I get a pass?

Contact your school directly as they are handling the Metro pass program individually. Portland High School - Ann Marie Bryce; Deering High School - Krista Simonis; Casco Bay High School - Gloria Leberman.