In the Jan. 30 issue of the Gorham Times, we reported on Gorham’s Capital Improvement Projects / Economic Development Committee’s discussion about getting more people using the bus. That discussion will come up again at their Thursday, Feb. 24 meeting at noon.

At the January meeting, Councilor Simms repeated concerns that the bus stops need to be convenient to where people are, including students. However, it has been pointed out to us that there is another group of people who might use the bus if there were public parking near the stops.

According to Lisa Becker at the Lecky Brown Senior Center, seniors would need more consideration at bus stops if they are to use the bus, the major one being parking. She pointed out that “both village stops are right on heavily traveled Main Street with no specific parking available. The several nearest businesses with parking lots might not be happy to have lots of extra cars parking in their lots, especially with drivers who are not using their businesses. They could risk being towed.”

Another point made by Becker about senior citizens is that some use a cane or a walker, or have become slow walkers as they age, and Maine’s unpredictable weather would further the difficulty.

Becker said, “even if there was easy parking, getting around in Westbrook or Portland is still difficult for some seniors because of distance from stops to businesses and the amount of time invested. How long would they have to wait for the next bus when it’s 15 degrees or 90? ” Perhaps consider a hub with a shelter and parking.

Yes, Gorham has an active busline running up and down Main Street between the University and Portland, very often nearly empty. It’s time to get your ideas to the committee for their next discussion. Learn more about the Husky Line locations and schedule at https://www.gpmetro.org/318/Husky-Line.