Gorham residents will soon be able to hop a bus on Main Street, ride to Westbrook, or go on to Portland. The new Husky Line, a cooperative venture between the University of Southern Maine (USM) and Greater Portland Transit District (METRO), will begin service on Monday, August 27, and be free to all riders for the first two days. After that, the regular one-way fare will be $1.50. Seniors (65+) and person with disabilities will pay 75 cents. Riders will need exact fares, but ten-ride tickets and monthly passes will be available.
The Husky Line will run daily year-round, excluding major holi- days, and connect USM campuses in Gorham and Portland. Before the first run on August 27, inaugural ceremonies will take place on the Portland campus. There will be a welcoming event at the Gorham campus when the bus arrives approximately 30 minutes later.
Photo courtesy of METRODistinctive graphics will identify a Husky Line bus which will be unveiled during its inaugural run between Portland and Gorham on Monday, August 27. For the first two days, rides will be free for everyone.
“As a community-engaged university we are proud to partner with the towns of Gorham and Westbrook,” Glenn Cummings, USM president said, “and to expand and strengthen our regional transportation network.” Under an Unlimited Access Program between METRO and the university, USM students, faculty, and staff will be able to ride all METRO routes using their USM ID.
In 2016, the Gorham Town Council voted to make a three-year commitment to the service at an annual cost to the town of $35,000. A decision whether or not to authorize additional funds in order to continue participation will be made after the trial period.