We’re living the last golden days of a glorious summer. Before you – or the kids – head back to school, take advantage of one day to try a different mode to get your usual destination(s)!
For special treats for Green Streets Day participants, visit our Green Streets Freebies & Discounts page for offers of free food and drink and various area discounts that day.
As always, please check out the Portland Green Streets Calendar for exciting upcoming transportation-related events in Greater Portland.
Back to School Specials from METRO
College Students:
Ride FREE with ID from participating colleges August 23 – September 30, 2010. (After September, several colleges continue to offer FREE or discounted transportation.)
Discounted Student Fares (K-12): Beginning in September through mid-June 2011, students can ride METRO buses for 75 cents (regular student fare is $1.25) using a METRO Student Fare Card, available at participating schools in Portland, Westbrook and Falmouth.
For a list of participating schools/colleges, schedules and additional information, visit www.gpmetrobus.com (Services and Programs) or call 774-0351.
REGISTER NOW – Sept 4 – Smart Cycling Basic Course
The League of American Bicyclists’ basic road riding class (Smart Cycling’s Basic Course) will be offered on September 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Southern Maine Community College in South Portland. To register, please e-mailJim Tasse, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s education director, or call him at 623-4511.
DUE BY Sept 20 – Healthy Portland and Healthy Casco Bay Grants for Active Transportation and Physical Activity
October 6/Full Month of October – International Walk & Bike to School Day & Month
Join kids and families around the globe to walk and bike to school in October! In the USA, celebrate Walk and Bike to School Day on October 6, 2010 – or pick another day this fall that works best for your school to celebrate. And promote safe walking and bicycling throughout the year! Find out how to organize an event, register and order materials, and get other technical assistance from the Maine Safe Routes to School Program. See some inspiration from schools around the state last spring.
Attention Professional/Amateur Photographers: The Bicycle Coalition of Maine Needs Your Help
The Bicycle Coalition still needs a few more bicycling photos for the redesign of their Web site. One of the photographers whose work is selected will receive a $100 gift certificate to a member bike shop. They need photos of someone riding with traffic in a Maine city at night, a 40-something female commuter in professional clothes riding through traffic, a 20-something woman wearing a sundress and flip flops or leggings and kids doing BMX-type tricks. Find out more.
Call 511 for Transportation Info
Now it’s easier than ever to find the transportation help you need, thanks to the newly launched 511 services. Whether you’re stuck in traffic in your carpool and need an alternative route – or want to find a bus that’ll take you where you need to go – 511 has the help you need. 511 is an automated toll-free phone line and internet service that provides 24/7 on-demand updates on Maine traffic, transit routing, park and ride lots and more. Just dial 511 from a cell phone or landline. You’ll automatically be connected with 511 service in the area where you’re traveling. Choose from voice-responsive prompts or, if you prefer, just tell 511 what you want to know, like “traffic on I-295″ or “find a park & ride lot.” 511 will get you the answers you need or guide you to the right resource. Prefer to get your transportation information online? Visit 511 on the web at www.511maine.gov where in addition to traffic, bus/rail, you can also access driving directions, interactive maps of real time traffic conditions, toll-road information and more. It’s interactive and easy to navigate.
Employers – Check Out METRO’s Bus Incentive Program for Employees
The METRO Busis introducing an incentive program that encourages Maine employees to choose transit instead of driving to work. They are offering employers fully or partially subsidized monthly passes to their employees. By not driving, you can save hundreds of dollars per year…extra money that you can use for mortgage payments, college tuition, vacations, or anything you want. Whether you have five employees or over 5,000 employees, it just makes good business sense to participate. This transit benefit not only encourages employees to use public transit to commute to work, it also reduces the need for available employee parking and helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Now there are incentives to make participating in METRO’s plan an even better deal for employers and their employees.
Tax Savings
Promote “Green” Transportation
Save $$
Free up valuable parking spaces
METRO will work with your business to provide a risk-free trial program that works for you and your employees. See here to learn more.
The new bike commuter program is designed to assist businesses that want to promote cycling within their organization and help the cyclists who want to commute by bike, and it’s all FREE.
To support businesses, the program offers guidance on creating a bicycle friendly culture in an organization, understanding the needs of a cyclist who rides to and from work, and outlining what facilities a cyclist would typically want at the workplace. While having all the facilities like showers and lockers is nice, it’s not a deal breaker. When an organization understands the cyclist’s perspective, many different options are possible. This program offers that type of guidance to businesses.
To support the cyclist, the program offers on-site training seminars by qualified cycling instructors. These sessions are adapted to the time available to employees during the day or scheduled after hours, at the business’ and employees’ convenience. Through these, existing or would-be cyclists can learn the realities of cycling to and from work and the hard skills that go with it. Topics include setting realistic goals, managing a work out on your way to work, bikes and other equipment, riding techniques, route selection, night riding, and general traffic safety. These classes are taught by instructors who speak from experience and are trained in safe cycling practices. Classes are for novice to intermediate cyclists of all ages.
For more information about the program and to schedule a visit to your place of business, please contact Erik West at ewest@gpcog.org or at 207-774-9891.
Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation (MaST) has Launched New Website
The Maine Alliance for Sustainable Transportation (MaST) – of which Portland Green Streets is a member – has officially launched our new website! MaST was spearheaded by the League and has some great groups working to increase access to affordable, reliable and sustainable transportation option. Check MaST out and find out how you can get involved!
Maine Lighthouse Ride to Benefit Eastern Trail Alliance
September 11, Southern Maine Community College, South Portland – Come take in the view, tour a lighthouse, and cycle to support the Eastern Trail Alliance, an organization dedicated to building a 60-mile greenway from Kittery to South Portland. There are several ride options ranging from 25 to 100 miles.
Adopt-a-Stop!
We all know about the problem of poor access to many bus stops during the winter. Robert Wagner, a long-time advocate for transportation improvements, is the volunteer coordinator for an effort to organize volunteers to agree to keep specific bus stop locations in Portland and South Portland clear of snow, etc., for a period of a year. He hasn’t had many takers so far, but this sure sounds like a way for us to help where no one else is dealing with the problem. Check the website: www.Adopt-A-Stop.org or call him at (207) 408-4404.
Bikes Campaign Against Overuse of Rumble Strips
Several national bicycling organizations are urging the Federal Highway Administration and state departments of transportation to reconsider the widespread and indiscriminate use of rumble strips on state highways. Rumble strips can pose a serious hazard to bicyclists. Find out more and learn how you can get involved.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car to Offer Electric Vehicles in Portland
Beginning in January 2011, consumers in your city will be able to rent an electric vehicle (EV) from Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The company today announced it will begin receiving delivery of 500 Nissan LEAFs starting in January 2011. The EVs will initially be offered to customers across eight different markets where the infrastructure exists to support the vehicles, including Portland. Charging stations will be installed at select locations, including several of the Enterprise “hybrid branches” – designated locations that offer hybrids and other environmentally-friendly rental options.
As always, please check out the Portland Green Streets Calendar for exciting upcoming transportation-related events in Greater Portland.
BY JULY 1 – Concerned about I-295 Exit 7 Pathway? Stay Tuned and/or Get Involved with Exit 7 Path Yahoo Group – Possible Public Meeting July 28
This is not yet completely official, but we’re hearing that MaineDOT and the City of Portland will be holding a public meeting on Wed. July 28th to address the proposed Scope of the upcoming Phase 2 study of the Franklin Street redesign and to give an update/answer questions on plans for Exit 7. Please mark your calendars and spread the word.
An effort is being made to get questions regarding Exit 7 to MaineDOT in advance of the meeting so that they have ample time to come with answers. Please send your questions to Alex Landry at city_mouse_us@yahoo.com by July 1 for inclusion in a letter to MDOT.
Members of the Portland Bike-Ped Advisory Committee and the League of Young Voters have set up a Yahoo Group to facilitate work on the Exit 7 Bike-Ped Path issue (a fully implemented pedestrian connection the City has requested be built between the Back Cove Trail and the intersection of Marginal Way and Franklin St. – when MaineDOT uses a federal earmark to widen the I-295 south-bound Franklin St. exit to two lanes). Other folks who want to work on or hear directly about this issue are encouraged to subscribe to the group by e-mailing Exit7BikePedPath-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Bike Commuting Mentoring Matchboard!
Announcing, the Mentoring Matchboard! Join the Portland Bike Commuter Meetup if you haven;t already (it’s free) – and check out the great new message board for bike commuting mentors and mentees to find each other. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A MENTOR, OR WOULD LIKE TO BE A MENTOR, just leave a message with your route information. Please read the two threads at the top of the Mentoring Matchboard for how the Meetup envisions it working.
Become a Friend of the Falmouth Flyer!
Friend the Falmouth Flyer on Facebook! Riding the Falmouth Flyer (METRO Bus #7) – to see friends and family, do an outing at ME Audubon’s Gilsland Farm, shop at local businesses in Falmouth or Portland, take in a movie, etc. is a great way for Greater Portland residents to support our region, save gas money, lead a more active lifestyle, increase our country’s energy security, and have fun. So join Friends of the Falmouth Flyer!
Summer Youth Bus Passes Available
For only $20, children and teens – ages 18 and younger – can ride METRO and the South Portland City Bus from June through August. For more information, visit www.gpmetrobus.com or contact: Denise Beck – dbeck@gpmetrobus.com
Green Streeter Bruce Hyman Hired to be New Portland Bike-Pedestrian Coordinator
Experienced local planner and Green Streeter Bruce Hyman was just hired by the City of Portland to be the new Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. Part of the “Communities Putting Prevention to Work” grant, this 2-year position is dedicated to developing sustainable policy and environmental strategies that improve access to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and promote active transportation and a healthy community. Bruce will be housed in the Department of Public Services and work closely with the Public Health Division. Responsibilities will include the development of local roadway design standards that improve bicycle-pedestrian access and safety; assistance with bicycle-pedestrian educational and promotional campaigns; offering educational presentations to and seeking feedback from a broad range of community groups and governmental agencies; building partnerships with other agencies and transportation system professionals; developing and seeking endorsement of a “Complete Streets” policy. The City had a strong pool of applicants with great work experience and passion for bicycle and pedestrian concerns – so thank to those who applied and congratulations to Bruce! This is great news for the bicycle and pedestrian world.
Veterans Memorial Bridge Replacement Project Traffic Impacts and Announcements
Construction on the Veterans Memorial Bridge, which connects Portland and South Portland off of Route 295, begins this Monday, June 21st.
Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians should be aware that during construction, there will be a full closure of the existing Veterans Memorial Bridge southbound sidewalk and shoulder starting Monday, June 28. There will also be daily southbound lane closures as necessary during off-peak traffic hours for construction activities. Traffic during peak hours on weekdays from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. will not be affected.
The new bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in summer 2012, at which time the old Veterans Memorial Bridge will be removed. The entire project will be complete by December 2012. “Since the existing bridge will remain open during construction of the new bridge, disruption to traffic is expected to be minimal,” says Jeff Folsom, project manager from The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT).
The project team, made up of MaineDOT, Reed & Reed, Inc., T.Y. Lin and their subcontractors spent the last three months conducting a series of meetings with stakeholder groups. A variety of citizens representing public works, bike/pedestrian groups, Portland Trails, veterans groups, city officials, neighbors and nearby businesses provided detailed recommendations on various design elements of the bridge.
The resulting bridge design incorporates 3 overlooks on the bridge and two landscaped parks on each end to reinforce the gateway experience. The Portland side will feature a memorial park recognizing the five branches of the military while the memorial park on the South Portland will be dedicated to the merchant marines. The three overlooks along the bridge will feature interpretive installations with emphasis on area historical, marine, environmental and transportation-related topics.
The project website www.VeteransMemorialBridge.org will be updated regularly to include traffic updates, possible detours and progress on construction.
As always, please check out the Portland Green Streets Calendar for upcoming transportation-related events in Greater Portland
Week of May 25-29 – Ride the Bus, Borrow a Book
Children and teens (18 and younger) receive a free ticket to ride on METRO Bus when they visit the newly remodeled library between May 25-May 29.
May 28 – Portland’s Great New Urban Bike Store – Portland Velocipede Grand Opening
Kick off Memorial Day Weekend with Portland Velocipede! Join us for an evening of food, drinks, and bicycles and general merriment! 5-8pm; 45 York Street in Portland.
June 4 – First Friday Art Ride by the Portland Slow Riders
The Friday June 4 ride is being billed as a “Red Light Dance Party”! Mmmmm, sounds intriguing. FMI, see here if you have Facebook. They always meet at 7 PM at Monument Square, first Friday of each month. Outlandish bike decoration and lighting is encouraged! (Boring old regular bike lights are good too!)
Concerned about I-295 Exit 7 Pathway? Stay Tuned and/or Get Involved with Exit 7 Path Yahoo Group!
Members of the Portland Bike-Ped Advisory Committee and the League of Young Voters have set up a Yahoo Group to facilitate work on the Exit 7 Bike-Ped Path issue (a fully implemented pedestrian connection the City has requested be built between the Back Cove Trail and the intersection of Marginal Way and Franklin St. – when MaineDOT uses a federal earmark to widen the I-295 south-bound Franklin St. exit to two lanes). Other folks who want to work on or hear directly about this issue are encouraged to subscribe to the group by e-mailing Exit7BikePedPath-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Summer Youth Bus Passes – Available Now
For only $20, children and teens – ages 18 and younger – can ride METRO and the South Portland City Bus from June through August. (Press release attached)
Every year -whether you commute green year-round or not – there’s an opportunity to join the fun of commuting green en masse across the State of Maine. It’s a wave of encouragement for sustainable transportation and it’s coming up, May 14-21:
Commute Another Way Week (May 17-21) - sign up for fun and prizes for a week of walking, biking, using public transit, carpooling, and telecommuting the week of May 17-21!
And Portland Green Streets is co-sponsoringtheNational Bike to Work Day Party in Portland (May 21)! Bike in to Downtown that day and join the festivities from 7am to 2pmat Lobsterman Park in front of the Nickelodeon Cinema. There will be bike demos, food, prizes, a radio van, bike shops helping with fittings and checks, bike educators – and most importantly bike commuters and people who might want to try it out. Connect with group rides coming in from Westbrook, Falmouth, and South Portland.
Volunteer!
If you’d like to help Green Streets out at the National Bike to Work Day Party please click on this Doodle and let us know(just fill in your name and the time – no registration required) – we’d love to have you. Either way, hope you get to enjoy a bike ride that day and stop by our table to say hi if you can!
As always, please check out the Portland Green Streets Calendar for upcoming transportation-related events in Greater Portland
May 7 – Portland Slow-Riders Group Has Formed – First Friday Art Walk Rides!
A Portland Slow Riders group has formed (see Facebook Group) and is organizing First Friday Art Walk Rides. “Calling all mellow pedalers! Let’s plan some rides that include picnics, pretty bikes, friends, kids, grannies and grampies, ice cream, high heels, and anything else that is outside the realm of spandex and performance…something along the lines of Portland Trails and an Eastern Promenade Picnic. With kites. Maybe a ukulele.” Next one coming up Friday May 7, 7 PM, Monument Square.
REGISTER NOW – May 11-12 Bicycling Basics, Part 1 – A Great Course!
A great two-evening course from the Portland Bike Commuting Meetup! League Cycling Instructors Jim Tasse (Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Education Director), Erik West (GO MAINE’s Bicycle Commuter Education Program Director) and John Brooking (Bike Commuting Meetup Lead Organizer) will lead this two-evening free course, Bicycling Basics, designed for adults who would like to get more into bicycling but are unsure of themselves on the bike and in traffic. Each evening of this two-day course, May 11-12, will begin at 5 PM, start with an hour or so of classroom discussion, followed by an hour or so of on-bike training. Day 1 classroom discussion will provide basic terminology, bike fitting, the “ABC Quick” bike safety check, helmet use, and dressing for riding. After that, it’s off to the parking lot to cover basic riding skills like effective starting and stopping, shifting, riding in a straight line, the shoulder check, and signaling. Day 2 classroom discussion begins with maintenance issues like identifying problems with brakes, quick releases, and bearings, and basic preventative maintenance. We will then switch to the basics of safe street riding, with a review of the rules of the road, lane positioning for cyclists, negotiating intersections, and what to know about bike lanes. On the bikes, we will demonstrate some emergency maneuvers such as the quick stop (without going over the handlebars!), instant turn, and rock dodge, and finish up with a short street ride in which to practice the rules of the road. Much of the safety content we will be presenting may also be found in John S. Allen’s booklet “Bicycling Street Smarts”, available online here. Another practical guide is “How to Not Get Hit by Cars”. Participants will benefit most from the course if they attend both nights, with their bicycle. Helmets are required. Guests are encouraged! If you’re a member, RSVP at the Meetup site. If you would like to attend but are not a member of this Meetup, you may RSVP by emailing John at bike@mainebrook.com
REGISTER NOW – May 19 2010 Active Communities Conference – in Auburn!
“Walking, Biking, Physical Activity and the Built Environment”
Registration is now open for the 5th Annual 2010 Active Communities Conference, Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Auburn Downtown and Waterfront. Special workshops will be offered on Spring 2010 physical infrastructure funding opportunities and dynamic projects transforming Maine communities and schools. Click here for the conference brochure and to register online! Part of Maine’s Commute Another Way Week, this no cost annual conference includes sessions on funding opportunities, engineering options, safe routes to school, community success stories, planning for walking and biking, and more.
REGISTER NOW – June 13 – 9th Annual Women’s Ride Adds New Distance Options
The Ninth Annual Women’s Ride sponsored by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine
will take place on June 13 at 9 a.m. at L.L. Bean’s Casco Conference Center
on Casco Street in Freeport. This year¹s ride offers four distance options,
including a new 50-mile route.
The all-women¹s ride is suited for all ages and fitness levels. In addition
to the 50-mile route, there will be five-mile, 15-mile and 25-mile options. The ride attracts new riders and mother-daughter pairs out for a relaxing Sunday pedal as well as serious cyclists training for long-distance events. All rides have beautiful views of the coast, rest stops and SAG vehicles. Participants can enjoy snacks, yoga and massage in a festive atmosphere at the ride’s conclusion. Registration costs $25 for coalition members and $35 for non-members, with a $10 discount for girls 12 to 17 years old and seniors (over 65). Girls 11 and under ride free. All proceeds benefit the coalition’s work to improve
bicycling in Maine. For more information and to register, please visit www.BikeMaine. org or call
(207) 623-4511.
By July 1 – Quality Community Program Funding Application for Bike-Ped and Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Improvements
The MaineDOT Quality Community Program Funding Application, which includes Safe Routes to School and Transportation Enhancements, is now available! The application deadline is July 1, 2010. If you think specific improvements such as sidewalks, crossing improvements, traffic calming, improved signage, bike lanes, etc. would increase bicycle and pedestrian safety and get more people walking and biking for transportation in your community, see here for more information and to download a copy of the application – and contact your municipal planning department. MaineDOT staff can share additional details about this opportunity and arrange a site visit with MaineDOT engineers to evaluate needs in your community.
Reminder: METRO Fares Increased on April 1, 2010
General FARES
Regular One-Way Fare — $1.50 (exact change)
TenRide Tickets — $13.50 (no expiration date)
Monthly Passes — $40.00 (one calendar month)
SENIORS
With photo ID or Medicare Card — 75¢
Half-Fare TenRide Ticket — $6.75
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
With Medicare Card or RTP ID — 75¢
Half-Fare TenRide Ticket — $6.75
STUDENTS
Regular One-Way Fare: $1.25 (ID may be requested)
Summer Youth Bus Pass (same price as last year): $20 (for children and teens, 18 and younger ride to ride METRO and South Portland City Bus from June – August.)
Free Calendar of Maine Bicycling Events Now Available
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has produced a free calendar listing hundreds of Maine bicycling events in 2010. The calendar is available at bicycle shops and sports stores throughout Maine. An online version may be found at
www.BikeMaine. org.
The BikeMaine Event Calendar includes 62 weekly rides, 173 special events and a listing of Maine bike clubs, organizations and bicycle shops. The calendar features rides on roads and mountain trails, triathlons, races,
bike driving classes and bike volunteer opportunities.
The events in the calendar cover all parts of Maine and suit bicyclists ofall fitness levels, said Allison Vogt, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s executive director. Biking offers an inexpensive way to relax, exercise, spend time with friends and family and explore our beautiful state.
Rides featured in the calendar include the coalition’s Women’s Ride in Freeport on June 13 (with distances from five to 50 miles), the Maine Bike Rally on July 9-11 in Brunswick and the Maine Lobster Ride & Roll in Rockland on July 24 (with distances from 16 to 100 miles).
Veteran’s Bridge Website
www.VeteransMemorialBridge.org – This website will be your best source for all meeting announcements, current information and maps, design options, project time line and details on the bike and pedestrian access. Project staff will also post all meeting handouts, minutes and stakeholder letters as soon as they are ready for public viewing. After this initial phase of public involvement and design input, construction will begin in June, 2010. The website will offer regular updates including information on traffic, possible detours and construction progress.
PACTS Video: Greater Portland’s Transportation System: A Vital Resource Needs Our Help
For too long, we’ve taken our transportation system for granted. In 2006, PACTS determined that Greater Portland – covering an area from Biddeford to Gorham to Freeport – would need more than $500 million over the next decade just to maintain the existing system. Under the current funding structure, which primarily comes from state and federal gas taxes, we have a $250 million shortfall. Current trends indicate that vehicles will become more fuel efficient and people will drive fewer miles in the years ahead, and as these changes take place, the $250 million funding gap will grow. This problem makes it not only difficult to maintain what we have, but also to expand and transition to more sustainable transportation modes.
PACTS developed this video to illustrate the funding problem and to encourage residents and leaders to find solutions.
Try a Trip on the Downeaster this Spring!
Heading to Boston or somewhere in between, there are always great promotions to inspire a trip on the Amtrak Downeaster.
As Green Streeter Rob Levin shared recently, “One of those cabin fever Saturdays this January, our family took a trip to Dover, NH on the Downeaster. With a couple different discounts it cost us no more than driving and was a lot more fun. We got to escape for the day and see the Children’s Museum of NH (very impressive!). We also had the chance to explore this cool small neighbor city and climbed a historic tower with spectacular views in all directions. It was a great adventure.”
Check out these current Downeaster promotions and follow your own train-ride bliss:
Seniors Ride for Half-Price Everyday – Seniors ages 62+ ride for half-price everyday. Pay just $12 one-way or $24 round-trip between Portland and Boston. To receive this discount you must reference code v543.
Fan Fare- Save 25% -If you’re heading to Boston for a game or a show, you’ll find our schedule fits the bill. Save 25% off your travel on trains 684, 686, 694, or 696 when you return on train 689 or 699 the same day. And if your event is at the TD Garden, riding the train is even more convenient since North Station is attached to the Garden! Reference promotion code V203. Offer Expires June 30, 2010. Some blackout dates may apply.
Kids Ride Free on Sundays – and Half Price Everyday - If you’re looking for something different to do with the kids, a trip on the train is just the ticket! Up to two kids, age 2-15, can ride the Downeaster FREE on Sundays with every full fare adult. And kids 2 to 15 years old ride half-price every day. Infants under 2 ride free. Reference promotion code V581 for Sunday rides. Offer Expires June 25, 2010. Some blackout dates may apply.
$39 Round-Trip - Book three days in advance and pay only $39 per person for same day round-trip travel between Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Boston.
Medical Travel — 25% Discount - To make it easier when you or a loved one is sick, patients traveling to medical appointments (and one companion) save 25% through 2009. Reference promotion code: V165 – Offer expires December 31, 2010 – Blackout dates: ALL Saturdays and Sundays
PLEASE NOTE: For most of the above offers, tickets must be purchased three days in advance of travel to take advantage of the discount. See Downeaster website to book tickets and for more details.
Just in case you’ve missed the news, the MaineDOT has announced plans to upgrade 30 miles of track between Portland and Brunswick, setting the stage for passenger rail service serving Freeport and Brunswick starting sometime in 2012.
The tentative schedule calls for three round-trips daily between Portland and Brunswick and two round-trips daily between Brunswick and Boston.
GO MAINE Commuter Connections has just introduced an innovative new ridematching system that’s easier and faster to use. State-of- the-art “smart” ridematching software weighs all possible matches against your commuter profile, allowing the system to more accurately find you a commuter match for carpooling and other commuting options.
Another great new feature allows you to instantly view other commuters in your area. Whether you’re interested in carpooling, vanpooling or both, go to GO MAINE for an instant list of people who live and work near you and work a similar schedule who may also want to share a ride.
Order Now – Discounted Bike Racks for Your Location from GO MAINE
The MaineDOT and GO MAINE Commuter Connections Program, in partnership with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the Safe Routes to School program, support and encourage bicycling as an important mode of transportation. They have created Bike Racks for ME for communities, organizations and workplaces across Maine to help expand bicycle parking opportunities. The only cost to you or your community is the local match of 20%.
There are two types of racks to choose from, the Bike Dock and the Stadium Rack. The Bike Dock holds two bikes and the free-standing Stadium Racks hold six or eight bikes. Go to GoMaine.org for the application packet. Quantities are limited and prices are valid through March 2010. Contact Erik West at GoMaine at 774-9891 for current program status and pricing, and any other questions related to bicycle commuting.
Commuter Stories Shared Through GO MAINE
Check out GO MAINE superstars and their stories. These are videos of Maine commuters and their experiences on the road to work, in carpools, vanpools, the bus, and on bike and foot. View them now! Plus, find GO MAINE on Facebook and share your commuting stories…
Give the gift of open space! Check out the Portland Trails website for: something fun for your loved one from their online store, a donation to the annual appeal made in your loved one’s name, or give him or her a Portland Trails membership!
Introduce your loved one to the Portland Bike Commuter Meetup and encourage them to become a member – lots of great benefits!
Bus:
Purchase a 10 Ride Ticket or Monthly Bus Pass for your loved one from the Greater Portland METRO Bus (Portland, Westbrook, Falmouth, & South Portland) – Bus passes (and schedules) are available at:
Portland and Westbrook City Hall
Shaw’s Supermarkets (on METRO routes only)
Hannaford Supermarkets (on METRO routes only)
Casco Bay Ferry Terminal
Downtown Transportation Center (PULSE) at the Elm Street Garage
METRO office at 114 Valley Street in Portland
Buy a 10 Ride Ticket for your loved one for use on the South Portland Bus Service – 10-Ride Tickets are available for purchase at South Portland City Hall, Shaw’s Mill Creek, Hannaford at Mill Creek, Hannaford at Maine Mall, and the METRO Office at 115 Valley Street in Portland.
Purchase a 10 Ride Ticket for the Shuttlebus (Portland, South Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Biddeford)
Rail:
College 6TIX are a great gift for the hard-to-buy for college students on your list. Get six trips on the Downeaster for just $76. With up to 50% off regular fares, it’s a no-brainer.
Amtrak gift certificates make a great stocking stuffer. They can be purchased from any staffed Amtrak station and are valid for travel in various denominations.
Amtrak Downeaster merchandise is perfect for anyone on your list. Click here to purchase hats and t-shirts.
Ferry:
For a fun winter excursion, purchase round-trip tickets (good for 60 days) for your loved one(s) on Casco Bay Lines!
Carshare:
Give your loved one a gift membership to U Car Share! To purchase a U Car membership for your loved one for only $5 (a $20 savings) use the promotion code: PME2009
Carpooling/Vanpooling:
Give yourself the gift of signing up with the newly updated GoMaine Commuter Database – and encourage your loved ones to do so as well!
One of the big benefits of registering with GO MAINE is the Emergency Ride Home Guarantee. If you have a workday emergency, GO MAINE will provide you with a free (or reimbursed) taxi ride or rental car to get you home. It could be for an illness, family emergency, unscheduled overtime, or other unforeseen workday emergency, Think of it as ”commuter insurance,” a little piece of mind for you. Another good reason to be a part of the GO MAINE Nation. Check out the Emergency Ride Home Guarantee video on YouTube.
METRO (Greater Portland Transit District) and South Portland City Bus will celebrate the holiday season by offering free bus rides on Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19. Listed below is the holiday schedule for METRO and the South Portland City Bus:
Friday, December 18 & Saturday, December 19:
FREE bus rides on METRO Bus and South Portland City Bus.
Thursday, December 24: Limited service on Christmas Eve.
METRO: No outbound buses will leave Elm Street after 7 p.m. The last Maine Mall pickup time for METRO will be 6:40 p.m.
South Portland City Bus: The last Rte 4 bus departing Portland is 5:50 p.m. Last Rte 4 departing the Maine Mall is 6:30 p.m. Last Rte 1 bus departing Portland is 7:10 p.m.
Friday, December 25: Christmas Day – No Bus Service.
Thursday, December 31: New Year’s Eve – Regular Service
Friday, January 1, 2010: New Year’s Day – No Bus Service.
METRO provides bus service to Portland, Westbrook, Falmouth and the Maine Mall area of South Portland. South Portland City Bus provides service throughout South Portland, including the Maine Mall, Target and WalMart (in Scarborough) and between South Portland and downtown Portland.
New GO MAINE Ridematching System
For Those Using Multiple Alternate Transportation Modes (Walk, Bike, Transit, Car Share, Carpool):
METRO (Greater Portland Transit District) and South Portland City Bus will celebrate the holiday season by offering free bus rides on Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19. Listed below is the holiday schedule for METRO and the South Portland City Bus: