South Portland bus service to merge with Greater Portland Metro
South Portland's city-run bus service plans to merge into the Greater Portland Transit District, known as Metro, by the end of the year, according to a news release Wednesday morning.
The South Portland City Council unanimously approved the tie-up on Tuesday night.
Under the merger agreement, which still has to be approved by the board of directors for Metro, it would operate South Portland's bus routes and assume maintenance and compliance responsibilities.
Metro would "fully integrate" the routes into its system and existing service would remain, the city said in its news release. If approved by the board at its Oct. 24 meeting, the merger process would begin around Dec. 29.
Metro has agreed to hire all South Portland bus drivers, honor their seniority in pay and benefits, and allow the drivers to continue operating bus routes in the city if that's what the drivers prefer. In addition, all drivers would receive increased compensation as Metro employees.
South Portland will seat four representatives on Metro's board, and the city will have direct input on any decisions affecting service there.
Metro will likely offer suggested route improvements in the next few years, the city said. Metro will also continue a project to improve access and accessibility at a number of bus stops in South Portland, for which the city has secured grant funding.
South Portland expects to save $1 million over the next five years from the merger, due to avoided capital costs and other factors, the city said.
Metro's extension to South Portland would return it to the regional transit system the city left in 1983. South Portland has operated its own system ever since.
Currently, Metro makes stops throughout Portland, with some service to six surrounding communities: Brunswick, Falmouth, Freeport, Gorham, Westbrook and Yarmouth. The transit district was formed in 1966.
“Merging the city’s bus service with Metro will strengthen public transit in our community while providing cost savings,” said South Portland Mayor Misha Pride. “It also ensures that our hardworking bus staff are in a good position as Metro employees.”
City Manager Scott Morelli said, “We can confidently say this merger benefits all groups: riders, taxpayers, bus employees, and the region. Riders can still expect the same quality services as before, with new possibilities for improvements. South Portland taxpayers will benefit from the savings."
Speaking for Metro, Executive Director Glenn Fenton added, "South Portland joining Metro will provide a host of opportunities to make public transit work better for riders in our region, while preserving the current bus service in South Portland.
"We are very happy to have South Portland rejoin the Greater Portland Transit District, and Metro's Board of Directors look forward to accepting their application for membership later this month."
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