What mode of transportation is easy to use, affordable, and incredibly convenient? The Husky Bus! On a recent hot day in July, a group of Gorham friends joined Denise Beck, Marketing Manager for METRO, to try out a lunchtime trip to Westbrook. We boarded the air-conditioned Husky bus at the stop in front of TD Bank in Gorham Village, rode to Westbrook, ate lunch at Portland Pie, and returned to Gorham all within a reasonable noontime break.
Photo courtesy of Portland PieA group of Gorham friends took a recent ride on the METRO and stopped for a lunch break in Westbrook. Pictured (left to right) are: Georgia Humphrey, Don Cross, Christine Southard, Denise Beck, Jeffrey Knox, Ginny Wilder Cross, Shelby Zaner, and John Zaner.
Here are a few fun facts about the trip:
• The bus was on schedule, both to Westbrook and back to Gorham
• The fare was $1.50, but seniors paid only $.75
• It is easy to board even if you use a wheelchair or need help with a baby carriage or walker
• The bus was equipped with air-conditioning and convenient WiFi service
• The seats were clean and comfortable, some specifically marked for seniors and people needing assistance
• The driver was friendly and announced the stop when the bus arrived at the Westbrook Hub
Here are some additional fun facts about the METRO transit system:
• You can ride from Gorham to Brunswick or to Yarmouth or Freeport with only one transfer
• You can take the bus to the airport with only one transfer
• You can ride directly to downtown Portland without any transfer at all and you’ll transfer only once to go to the Mall or Target. In fact, you can get to most destinations with only one transfer (one fare).
• The schedule is timed conveniently for people who live in Gorham and work in Portland
• Seniors enjoy a reduced rate, but all riders can purchase reduced rate multi-ride passes
• You can track the time your bus will arrive using the Transit app
Georgia Humphrey and Jeffrey Knox (Gorham Community Television) filmed our adventure and will be sharing it soon on the Community TV 1301 station. A complete schedule with everything you need to know about using the METRO service is available online at www.gpmetro.org.