Public transportation in Maine

Environmentally, personal cars, pick-up trucks and other gasoline-dependent vehicles account for over half of Maine's gas emissions, while the contribution from buses is less than 1% of annual vehicle travel within the state.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-21 |title=Public transit in rural Maine is sparse. Improving it could help the state fight climate change |url=https://www.mainepublic.org/environment-and-outdoors/2021-12-21/public-transit-in-rural-maine-is-sparse-adding-more-could-help-the-state-fight-climate-change |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=Maine Public |language=en}}

In 2023, Proterra, the manufacturer of electric buses in southern Maine, filed for bankruptcy.{{Cite web |last=WGME |first=Ariana St Pierre |date=2023-08-18 |title=Maker of Maine's electric buses filing for bankruptcy |url=https://wgme.com/news/local/maker-of-maines-electric-buses-filing-for-bankruptcy-greater-portland-metro-biddeford-saco-old-orchard-beach-transit-electric-bus-manufacturer-proterra |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=WGME |language=en}}

{{Main|List of airports in Maine}}

File:KPWM Aerial Wiki.jpg

There are six airports in Maine which offer scheduled passenger services on commercial airlines (listed in order of enplanements):

• Portland International Jetport, Portland{{cite news |last=Billings |first=Randy |date=July 11, 2009 |title=Cities, Trail Groups Stall Jetport Runway Expansion |newspaper=The Forecaster |location=Portland, ME |url=http://www.theforecaster.net/node/18212/ |url-status=dead |access-date=March 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630120441/http://www.theforecaster.net/node/18212/ |archive-date=June 30, 2012}}
• Bangor International Airport, Bangor{{cite web |title=BGR airport data at skyvector.com |url=https://skyvector.com/airport/BGR/Bangor-International-Airport |access-date=September 21, 2022 |website=skyvector.com}}
• Knox County Regional Airport, Owls Head{{cite web |date=October 4, 2010 |title=2011–2015 NPIAS Report, Appendix A |url=http://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/npias/reports/media/2011/npias_2011_appA.pdf |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927084535/http://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/npias/reports/media/2011/npias_2011_appA.pdf |archivedate=September 27, 2012 |work=National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems |publisher=Federal Aviation Administration |format=PDF, 2.03 MB}}
• Presque Isle International Airport, Presque Isle{{FAA-airport|ID=PQI|use=PU|own=PU|site=08221.*A}}. Federal Aviation Administration. effective August 10, 2023
• Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport, Trenton{{FAA-airport|ID=BHB|use=PU|own=PU|site=07828.*A}}. Federal Aviation Administration. effective September 14, 2017
• Augusta State Airport, Augusta

File:Approaching the runway for landing over Ash Point Road.jpg]]

Portland International Jetport (ICAO airport code: KPWM) is served by nine airlines year-round: American Airlines, American Eagle, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and United Express. Each offers additional seasonal services, alongside Avelo Airlines, JetBlue and Sun Country Airlines. The seven most popular routes from Portland are Southwest's service to Baltimore/Washington International (151,000 passengers between September 2022 and August 2023),{{cite web |title=Portland, ME: Portland International Jetport (PWM) |url=https://www.transtats.bts.gov/airports.asp?20=E&Nv42146=cjZ&Nv42146_anzr=c146yn0q,%20ZR:%20c146yn0q%20V06r40n6v10ny%20Wr62146&pn44vr4=SNPgf |access-date=November 21, 2023 |publisher=Bureau of Transportation Statistics}} Delta Connections' service to New York–LaGuardia, United's service to Newark Liberty, American and United's services to Chicago O'Hare, American Airlines' service to Ronald Reagan Washington National, American Airlines' service to Charlotte Douglas International and Delta Air Lines' service to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International (83,000 passengers between September 2022 and August 2023).{{Cite web |last=Sedenka |first=Chris|date=2023-08-20 |title=Maine's Friendly Skies: A Look at the State's Busiest Commercial Airline Routes |url=https://wcyy.com/maines-friendly-skies-a-look-at-the-states-busiest-commercial-airline-routes/ |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=94.3 WCYY |language=en}}

Outside of Portland, the next most popular route is Delta Air Lines' service from Bangor International (KBGR) to LaGuardia, American Airlines' service to Washington National and American Airlines' service to Philadelphia International.

Owls Head's Knox County Regional Airport (KRKD) was built during World War II. It was later taken over by the town, then by Knox County.

Around 13,000 passengers annually fly out of Presque Isle International Airport (KPQI), mostly on United's flights to Providence International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Cape Air flies between Hancock County–Bar Harbor Regional Airport (KBHB) and Boston Logan. It also services Augusta State Airport (KAUG), with a service connecting passengers with JetBlue at Logan.

As of 2015, almost 75% of Mainers dependent upon public transport lived in areas without a bus service. Washington County, for example, does not have a comprehensive public transportation system, despite having a year-round population of around 32,000.{{Cite web |date=June 5, 2023 |title=In Washington County, getting from here to there isn't so simple |url=https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/travel/transportation-gaps-rural-maine-washington-county/97-f753df4c-39c9-4a7c-9396-6591a46419ba |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=newscentermaine.com |language=en-US}}

There are sixteen local public transportation providers, of which seven are in rural locations.

Local bus services include Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, Brunswick Link, Community Connector, Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, Greater Portland Metro, Island Explorer, Lewiston-Auburn CityLink and Sanford Transit. South Portland Bus Service merged with Greater Portland Metro in late 2024.{{Cite web |title=Greater Portland Metro to provide service to South Portland beginning Dec. 29, 2024 |url=https://www.southportland.org/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Greater-Portland-Metro-to-provide-servic-33 |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=South Portland, ME |language=en}}

{{Main|Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit}}

File:Maine_Mall_buses.jpg (2023)]]

Although its name only lists three towns, the BSOOB also serves Scarborough, South Portland and Portland via the number 60 Green line. There are eight year-round routes and three seasonal ones. The terminal for each route, except the number 70 Zoom Turnpike Express,{{Citation |title=NeoplanDude {{!}} S6EP10: Transit in Downtown Portland, ME! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jVqnu8oAJs |access-date=2023-10-17 |language=en}} is the Saco Transportation Center, from which connections to Amtrak's Downeaster can be made.{{Cite web |title=Transportation |url=https://www.sacomaine.org/community/transportation.php |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=www.sacomaine.org |language=en}}

{{Main|Brunswick Link}}

Formerly the flex-route Brunswick Explorer, the service was relaunched in 2021 as a fixed-route version. The service is run by Western Maine Transportation Services (WMTS) and has 27 stops. The route begins hourly from Brunswick's Amtrak station and connects to the BlueLine Commuter service and the Metro BREEZ express bus to and from Portland.{{Cite web |last=Record |first=C. Thacher CarterTimes |date=2021-11-21 |title=Brunswick's public bus system to get new route and makeover next month |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2021/11/21/brunswicks-public-bus-system-to-be-rerouted-with-a-facelift-next-month/ |access-date=2023-09-10 |website=Press Herald}} WMTS operates several small commuter buses which serve Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties: the Lewiston-Auburn Citylink, the GreenLine Commuter (Farmington to Lewiston-Auburn), Lisbon Connection (Lisbon Falls to Lewiston), BlueLine Express (for employees of Bath Iron Works traveling from Lewiston), BlueLine Commuter (Lewiston-Auburn to Bath), a Farmington-Rangeley route (once per month), GreenLine Connection (Canton, Peru, Mexico and Rumford) and Bath CityBus (see below).{{Cite web |title=Transit Options |url=https://wmtsbus.org/transit-options/ |access-date=2023-09-19 |website=Western Maine Transportation Services |language=en-US}}

In September 2023, a contribution of $17,500 from the Immigrant Resource Center of Maine allowed the service to waive fares for six months.{{Cite web |last=Record |first=Jason ClaffeyTimes |date=2023-09-21 |title=Brunswick public bus system will be free starting Oct. 2 |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2023/09/21/brunswick-public-bus-system-will-be-free-starting-oct-2/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Press Herald}}

{{Main|Community Connector}}

File:BAT5.jpg]]

Formerly known as the BAT Community Connector,{{Cite web |title=Welcome to the City of Bangor, Maine - Community Connector Maps & Routes |url=https://www.bangormaine.gov/communityconnector |access-date=2023-09-19 |website=www.bangormaine.gov}} it serves Bangor and outlying towns such as Veazie, Orono, Old Town, Brewer and Hampden."Bangor unveils new bus system" Bangor Daily News. Bangor, Me. Apr 25, 2002. pg. 2 4 Edition by Jeff Tuttle.

{{Main|Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation}}

Although based in Dover, New Hampshire, COAST serves southern Maine. Route number 1 ends in Berwick, while the Clipper Connection (express) route 100 serves Eliot.{{Cite web |last=Dandurant |first=Karen |title='This is transformational': COAST to receive $7.7 million to build new facility in Dover |url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2022/08/16/coast-receive-7-7-million-build-new-facility-dover-nh/10319720002/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=Portsmouth Herald |language=en-US}}

{{Main|Greater Portland Metro}}

File:MaineMetro.JPG bus en route to Westbrook (route number 4) in 2010]]

Established in 1966, Greater Portland Metro is the state's largest transportation agency.{{Cite web |title=Performance Statistics {{!}} Greater Portland Transit, ME |url=https://gpmetro.org/351/Performance-Statistics |access-date=2018-08-31 |website=gpmetro.org |language=en}} It has two hubs: one on Elm Street (known as METRO Pulse) in downtown Portland and one in Westbrook. The Portland Transportation Center, at Thompson's Point, is a major transfer point (and the origin of route number 1 and the Metro BREEZ express service), where connections can be made to the Downeaster train, to Concord Coach Lines buses and to other local bus routes. Services from York County and from the South Portland Bus Service connect to the Metro at The Maine Mall in South Portland and along Congress Street.{{Cite news |date=2016-10-04 |title=Inter-city / Portland |language=en |work=Shuttle Bus-Zoom |url=https://www.shuttlebuszoom.com/schedules-fares/inter-city-portland/ |access-date=2018-08-31}}{{Cite web |title=City of South Portland :: Bus Schedule |url=https://www.southportland.org/departments/bus-transportation/bus-schedule/ |access-date=31 August 2018}}File:GP Metro 24A & 3.jpg running the route 24A, in front of Greater Portland Metro's route 3 (Westbrook Crosstown), at The Maine Mall (2023)]]Greater Portland Metro runs fifteen routes: route 1 serves Congress Street (from Portland Transportation Center to Munjoy Hill); route 2 runs along Forest Avenue to Pride's Corner; route 3 ("Crosstown") takes passengers from The Maine Mall to Hannaford Riverton; route 4 also serves Westbrook, but begins at METRO Pulse; route 5 runs from Pulse to The Maine Mall via the Portland International Jetport; route 7, known as the Falmouth Flyer,{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Kelley BouchardStaff |date=2012-11-06 |title=Falmouth voters elect to keep Metro bus service |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2012/11/06/falmouth-voters-elect-to-keep-metro-bus-service/ |access-date=2023-07-15 |website=Press Herald}} runs from Pulse to Falmouth's WalMart. Route 8 is known as the Peninsula Loop (running between Hannaford on Preble Street and Whole Foods Market via downtown Portland). It currently runs counter-clockwise around the peninsula, but there are discussions about introducing an additional clockwise route.{{Cite web |last=Edmonds |first=Evan |date=2023-05-17 |title=Big METRO changes to roll through Greater Portland {{!}} The Portland Phoenix |url=https://portlandphoenix.me/big-metro-changes-to-roll-through-greater-portland/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |language=en-US}} Route 9 is split into two parts: 9A serves North Deering via Stevens Avenue, while 9B serves North Deering via Washington Avenue. In December 2024, South Portland Bus Service merged with Metro, with Metro inheriting three of its routes: route 21 (which runs from Forest Avenue at Congress Street in downtown Portland to Willard Square/Southern Maine Community College (SMCC)), route 24A (which serves Walmart and The Maine Mall via Main Street) and the 24B (which also serves the mall, but runs via the Community Center).[https://www.maine.gov/mdot/transit/docs/lcp/2019/apdx-c/_C-21-SouthPortlandBusService.pdf South Portland Bus Service] – State of Maine official website University of Southern Maine's Portland and Gorham campuses are served by the Husky Line (H). Finally, the Metro BREEZ is an express service which runs, thirteen times on weekdays and six times on Saturday, from Thompson's Point to Bowdoin College in Brunswick.{{Cite web |date=2021-09-07 |title=Greater Portland METRO expands service to Thompson's Point |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2021/09/07/greater-portland-metro-expands-service-to-thompsons-point/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Press Herald}}

Greater Portland Metro successfully applied for $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding through Greater Portland Council of Governments. They used the money for bus stop improvements, transit signal priority and a reduced-fare promotion, as well as a pilot “Microtransit” program. The funding will cushion the blow expected to be felt when federal COVID-19 funding (via the CARES Act) expires in 2024.

{{Main|Island Explorer}}

File:Acadia All American Road - Bar Harbor Bus System - NARA - 7716801.jpg

The Island Explorer, operated by Ellsworth-based Downeast Transportation, is a seasonal (June to October) service in Down East Maine. With a fleet of 32 buses,{{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=Electric buses are now helping to transport people around Acadia National Park |url=https://www.mainepublic.org/climate/2023-09-25/electric-buses-are-now-helping-to-carry-people-around-acadia-national-park |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Maine Public |language=en}} it has eight routes: "commute to Bar Harbor" routes (from Bangor, Brewer, Franklin, Milbridge and Ellsworth) to Jackson Laboratory; Bar Harbor to Bangor; Bar Harbor to Ellsworth; Bucksport Shuttle; Ellsworth Shuttle; Bar Harbor Shuttle; Stonington to Ellsworth; and Ellsworth to Blue Hill.{{Cite web |title=Downeast Transportation Route Finder |url=https://www.downeasttrans.org/routefinder.html |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=www.downeasttrans.org}} Downeast Transportation was awarded a $23 million grant in 2024 to replace its propane-running fleet with electric versions.{{Cite web |last=Palanza |first=Libby |date=2024-07-06 |title=$23 Million Grant to Replace Hancock County, Acadia Buses with EVs Awarded to Downeast Transportation |url=https://www.themainewire.com/2024/07/23-million-grant-to-replace-hancock-county-arcadia-buses-with-evs-awarded-to-downeast-transportation/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=The Maine Wire |language=en-US}} The 23 buses are expected to be delivered in 2027 or 2028.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=$23.5M Federal Grant Electrifies Maine National Park Buses |url=https://www.govtech.com/transportation/23-5m-federal-grant-electrifies-maine-national-park-buses |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=GovTech |language=en}}

In 2023, a pilot program which introduced electric buses to the routes began. The same year, construction began in Trenton on the Acadia Gateway Center, a hub for bus transportation to and from Mount Desert Island. Visitors can park their personal vehicles (and, if necessary, charge them) and take public transportation onto the island. It will reduce overcrowding on the island's roads during peak seasons.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-22 |title=Construction begins on Acadia transit and welcome hub in Trenton |url=https://www.mainepublic.org/business-and-economy/2023-05-22/construction-begins-on-acadia-transit-and-welcome-hub-in-trenton |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Maine Public |language=en}}

{{Main|Lewiston-Auburn CityLink}}

Established in 1976, the CityLink runs nine weekday-only routes: Main Street, Sabattus Street, Lisbon Street, New Auburn, Minot Avenue, College Street, Auburn Mall, downtown and Central Maine Community College (CMCC).{{cite web |date=2013 |title=Lewiston-Auburn Transit Committee (LATC) |url=http://www.ntdprogram.gov/ntdprogram/pubs/profiles/2012/agency_profiles/1015.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113210945/http://www.ntdprogram.gov/ntdprogram/pubs/profiles/2012/agency_profiles/1015.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2013 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |publisher=US Dept. of Transportation |format=PDF}}{{Cite web |title=citylink {{!}} Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, ME |url=http://www.avcog.org/877/citylink |access-date=2023-09-19 |website=www.avcog.org}}

West Bus Services, based in Milbridge, serves several communities in northern Maine. The daily Coastal Connection route serves: Calais, Perry, Pembroke, Dennysville, Whiting, Lubec, East Machias, Machias, Jonesboro, Jonesport, Beals, Addison, Cherryfield, Columbia, Columbia Falls, Deblois (seasonal), Township 18 (seasonal), Township 19 (seasonal), Centerville, Gouldsboro, Winter Harbor, Sullivan, Steuben, Hancock, Ellsworth, Lucern, Holden and Bangor. The route takes around 3.5 hours. On the first Wednesday of each month, a return service runs between Lubec and Machias.{{Cite web |title=WEST BUS SERVICE |url=http://www.westbusservice.com/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=www.westbusservice.com}}

Sanford Transit, run by York Community Action Corporation (which is partially funded by the Federal Transit Administration and the Maine DOT), provides year-round service from Springvale to South Sanford. Their Orange Line service operates between Sanford and Wells, providing connections to the Downeaster. The KITT (Kennebunk In-Town Transportation) serves Kennebunk on Tuesdays only. The Southern Maine Connector runs from Springvale to Saco seven days a week, connecting to the Downeaster. The Shoreline Connector, part of the Shoreline Explorer Network,{{Cite web |title=The Shoreline Explorer Network |url=http://www.shorelineexplorer.com/ |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=Shoreline Explorer |language=en-US}} offers seasonal trolley services from York to Lower Village, Kennebunk, via the Blue Line.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-30 |title=Bus Routes & Schedules |url=https://yccac.org/bus-routes-schedules/ |access-date=2023-09-17 |website=York County Community Action Corp. |language=en-US}}

The Kennebec Explorer by Kennebec Valley Community Action Program. KVCAP is a regional transportation corporation serving central Maine since 1976. Its main route is an inter-city service between Augusta, the state's capital, and Waterville. It runs six times from Augusta and seven times from Waterville.{{Cite web |last=swmc-admin |date=2019-08-13 |title=Kennebec Explorer Home {{!}} KVCAP |url=https://www.kvcap.org/kennebec-explorer/ |access-date=2023-09-19 |language=en}} In 2023, KVCAP received a federal grant (from MDOT) in excess of $650,000 "to help improve the scheduling and planning software that ensures efficiency in scheduling over 1,000 trips a day." Grants are limited to capital improvements; they do not go toward hiring new drivers.{{Cite web |last=Journal |first=Aryan RaiKennebec |date=2023-09-29 |title=On-demand public transport emerges as key option in Augusta as group faces staffing, funding shortages |url=https://www.centralmaine.com/2023/09/29/on-demand-public-transport-emerges-as-key-option-in-augusta-as-group-faces-staffing-funding-shortages/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel}} Penquis Valley Community Action Program received the same funding. It primarily serves Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties.{{Cite web |last=Sharpe |first=Kaddie |date=2023-08-28 |title=Public transportation options will open up to more rural areas in Maine |url=https://www.wabi.tv/2023/08/28/public-transportation-options-will-open-up-more-rural-areas-maine/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=WABI.tv |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=https://www.penquis.org/about/who-we-are/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Penquis |language=en-US}}

The Augusta Explorer runs twice each weekday between Gardiner and downtown Augusta.{{Cite web |last=Pasco |first=Andrea |date=2023-04-12 |title=Notice: Important changes to the Augusta Explorer System! {{!}} KVCAP |url=https://www.kvcap.org/notice-important-changes-to-the-augusta-explorer-system/ |access-date=2023-09-19 |language=en}}

The Bath CityBus has two loops: a North Loop (nine services), which runs between Bath's City Hall and Patten Free Library via Congress Avenue, and South Loop (eight services), which also departs from City Hall but serves Bath's Shopping Centre and the Maine Maritime Museum.[https://www.cityofbathmaine.gov/media/Transportation/Schedule_9_27_2012_REV_5.pdf City of Bath CityBus Schedule] – City of Bath It runs on weekdays only.

MidCoast Public Transportation's Rockland Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) runs eight times each weekday between Rockland's Rankin Center and Hannaford, while its Belfast DASH runs seven times each weekday between Belfast's Volunteers of America and Wight Street.{{Cite web |last=Design |first=Pica |title=Public Transportation |url=https://waldocap.org/public-transportation/ |access-date=2023-09-19 |website=Waldo Community Action Partners |language=en-US}}

The Lake Region Explorer serves U.S. Route 302 between Bridgton and Portland seven days a week.{{Cite web |title=Lakes Region Explorer {{!}} RTP Rides |url=https://www.rtprides.org/lakes-region-explorer/ |access-date=2023-09-19 |language=en}}

There are three main inter-city bus services: Concord Coach Lines, Greyhound and Metro BREEZ.

Concord Coach Lines serves the following towns and cities in Maine, utilizing Interstate 95 (from north to south):

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Orono (University of Maine)
• Bangor
• Searsport
• Belfast
• Lincolnville
• Camden/Rockport
• Rockland
• Waldoboro
• Damariscotta
• Wiscasset
• Bath
• Brunswick (Bowdoin College)
• Waterville (Colby College)
• Augusta
• Portland

{{Div col end}}File:Metro Breez 2018.jpgGreyhound buses in Maine originate from Bangor, Lewiston and Portland. Portland's Greyhound station was formerly located at the intersection of St. John Street and Congress Street.{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2022 |title=Mural to be completed at Portland's former Greyhound Bus Station |url=https://www.newscentermaine.com/video/news/local/portland/mural-to-be-completed-at-portlands-former-greyhound-bus-station/97-547616df-9eb4-47c8-931b-6e8a5f867081 |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=newscentermaine.com |language=en-US}} The building, constructed in 1961, closed in 2019, after 32 years of ownership by Greyhound.{{Cite web |last=Forecaster |first=Michael KelleyThe |date=2019-12-17 |title=Greyhound's Portland bus station building up for sale |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2019/12/17/greyhounds-portland-bus-station-building-up-for-sale/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=Press Herald}} Buses now depart from the park and ride lot on Marginal Way. Popular Greyhound destinations from Maine include Boston, New York and Washington, D.C.{{Cite web |title=Greyhound Bus Stations in Maine |url=https://www.greyhound.com/en-us/bus-stations-in-maine |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=www.greyhound.com |language=en}}

File:The_LAP_bus,_Portland,_Maine.jpg]]

Greater Portland Metro's BREEZ express bus runs thirteen times on weekdays and six times on Saturdays between Portland and Brunswick.{{Cite web |title=Metro BREEZ {{!}} Greater Portland Transit, ME |url=https://gpmetro.org/155/Metro-BREEZ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=gpmetro.org}} It stops in Portland, Yarmouth, Freeport and Brunswick.{{Cite web |title=METRO BREEZ {{!}} Greater Portland Transit, ME |url=https://www.gpmetro.org/313/METRO-BREEZ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=www.gpmetro.org}}{{Cite web |date=2022-03-23 |title=Metro temporarily scales back Breez, Portland bus service |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2022/03/23/metro-temporarily-scales-back-breez-portland-bus-service/ |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=Press Herald}} The service was established in 2016, after a successful pilot project, via an Act of the 129th Maine Legislature. Its long-term potential was to reduce congestion on Interstate 295, on which the service runs for part of its route.{{Cite web |title=HP1430, LD 2009, item 1, An Act To Permit the Expansion of Municipal Membership of the Greater Portland Transit District |url=https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_129th/billtexts/HP143001.asp |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=legislature.maine.gov}} The route initially ran between Portland and Freeport, but was expanded to Brunswick in 2017. Falmouth was removed from the route around the same time;[https://www.freeportmaine.com/sites/g/files/vyhlif4436/f/agendas/metro_breez-freeport_packet_03-25-2019.pdf RE: Metro Breez Project] – Greater Portland Metro, March 25, 2019 this route was already served by the route 7 Falmouth Flyer.

Cyr Bus Line,{{Cite web |last=Tomaselli |first=Kathleen Phalen |date=2023-08-11 |title=Maine bus line makes no move to stop allowing border patrol searches |url=http://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/08/11/news/aroostook/cyr-bus-line-maine-aclu-border-patrol-searches/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Bangor Daily News |language=en-US}} a subsidiary of John T. Cyr & Sons, Inc. and based in Old Town, was founded in 1912. It operates tours and charters throughout the country and into Canada. Some of its destinations include Lexington, Kentucky; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Niagara Falls and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.{{Cite web |title=CYR Bus Line: Maine: Charter Tours & Bus Services |url=https://johntcyrandsons.com/ |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=johntcyrandsons.com |language=en}}

In 2024, MaineDOT discussed beginning a pilot program of a bus service between Portland and Lewiston–Auburn, with potential stops occurring at Bates College, Oak Street bus station, Auburn Transportation Center, the exit 75 park and ride in Auburn, Monument Square in Portland, and Portland Transportation Center.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-01 |title=MDOT to start pilot commuter bus service between Portland and Lewiston-Auburn |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2024/02/01/mdot-to-start-pilot-commuter-bus-service-between-portland-and-lewiston-auburn/ |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=Press Herald}} The service would run between 4.30am and midnight on weekdays and 6 AM to 9.30 PM on weekends.{{Cite web |last=Bartow |first=Adam |date=2024-01-31 |title=New commuter options in Maine: Bus service to link Portland, Lewiston/Auburn |url=https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-bus-service-commuter-portland-lewiston-auburn/46595864 |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=WMTW |language=en}} The route, named The LAP (Lewiston-Auburn-Portland), was confirmed in June 2024, and started the following month.{{Cite web |last=Hilton |first=AnnMarie |last2= |first2= |last3= |title=New bus route begins between Portland and Lewiston/Auburn • Maine Morning Star |url=https://mainemorningstar.com/briefs/new-bus-route-begins-between-portland-and-lewiston-auburn/ |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Maine Morning Star |language=en-US}} It will be provided by RTW Management Inc. of Utah.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=Commuter bus service between Portland, Lewiston-Auburn to start in July |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2024/06/12/commuter-bus-service-between-portland-lewiston-auburn-to-start-in-july/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Press Herald}}

There are three main ferry services: Bay Ferries, Casco Bay Lines (including the mailboat) and Maine State Ferry Service.

{{Main|Bay Ferries}}

A high-speed catamaran ferry, known as The Cat, runs between Nova Scotia and Bar Harbor. The route resumed in 2022, after a break of twelve years.{{cite web |date=8 November 2022 |title=CAT 2022 Recap |url=https://www.ferries.ca/the-cat-2022-recap/ |access-date=12 March 2023 |website=Bay Ferries}} It served a Nova Scotia-to-Portland route for ten years previously.{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2019 |title=Maine-Nova Scotia ferry service further delayed |url=https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/travel/maine-nova-scotia-ferry-service-further-delayed/97-0111bc67-ff75-41e0-a808-cfeac5363890 |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=newscentermaine.com |language=en-US}}

{{Main|Casco Bay Lines}}

File:Casco Bay Lines ferry Aucocisco III passing Peaks Island, 2006.jpg ferry]]Established in 1919, Casco Bay Lines serves several islands in Casco Bay from the Maine State Pier at the foot of Franklin Street.[https://www.mainehistory.org/documents/41/Portland_Freedom_Trail.pdf Portland Freedom Trail] – Maine Historical Society They are Peaks Island, Little Diamond Island, Great Diamond Island, Long Island, Chebeague Island and Cliff Island, with five vessels currently in operation: Aucocisco III, Maquoit II, Machigonne II, Bay Mist and Wabanaki. (Chebeague Island is also served by the Chebeague Island Ferry.)

The Peaks Island route runs fifteen times on Mondays and Tuesdays, and sixteen times on Wednesdays through Sundays, with a layover of thirty minutes after reaching the island. The last ferry departs Peaks at either 10:55 PM (Mondays and Tuesdays) or 11:55 PM (Wednesdays to Sundays).{{Cite web |title=Peaks Island Schedule |url=https://www.cascobaylines.com/schedules/peaks-island-schedule/ |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=Casco Bay Lines |language=en-US}} Vehicles are permitted on the ferry only at certain times on Mondays and Tuesdays but there are no restrictions for the rest of the week.[https://www.cascobaylines.com/uploads/116598-_-CASCO-Spring-Ferry-Schedule-2024-PROOF-2.pdf Sailing Schedule 2024] – Casco Bay Lines Each island is served seven days a week, with frequency dependent upon the season.

The year-round Casco Bay Mailboat Run (aboard the Maquoit II) stops at five islands: Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Cliff Island and Chebeague, on a route that takes around three hours. It is the longest-running mailboat service in the country, having been in existence since the 1870s. Up until the 1950s, the boat was coal-powered; now it runs on a diesel engine.{{Cite web |date=2017-05-31 |title=The Best Way to See Maine's Casco Bay Islands Is By Mail Boat |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-way-to-see-maines-casco-bay-islands-is-by-mail-boat |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=Condé Nast Traveler |language=en-US}}

File:Brunswick Maine Amtrak.jpg Downeaster at Brunswick station]]

Amtrak's Downeaster serves Boston's North Station from Brunswick, with its Maine stops being in Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Wells.

In 2024, discussions began once more to bring passenger rail service to central Maine, with Lewiston, Waterville and Bangor potentially being served. A joint proposal was filed with the Maine Legislature's Transportation Committee which would result in a $500,000 federal grant to study the pros and cons of the plan. In December 2023, the grant was given to the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, operators of the Downeaster, to study whether an extension of the service from Brunswick to Rockland was feasible.{{Cite web |date=2024-01-17 |title=State lawmakers push passenger rail service for central Maine |url=https://www.pressherald.com/2024/01/17/state-lawmakers-push-passenger-rail-service-for-central-maine/ |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=Press Herald}}

• Portland Railroad Company

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.maine.gov/mdot/planning/docs/FinalStrategicPlan.pdf Maine Strategic Transit Plan 2025:Transforming Public Transit, Meeting Future Needs, Managing Expectations and Resources] – Maine Department of Transportation

{{Maine transit agencies}}