SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — The South Portland City Council voted Tuesday to merge its city-run bus system with the Greater Portland Transit District (Metro).
If approved by the Metro Board of Directors, the change is expected to take place around Dec. 29, according to a Wednesday news release from the city of South Portland.
Officials said Metro will operate South Portland's bus routes, assume maintenance and compliance responsibilities, and fully integrate South Portland's routes into Metro's system.
According to the release, the service will stay the same, but Metro may offer suggested route improvements in the next few years. In addition, Metro will proceed with a project to improve accessibility to several bus stops in South Portland, which the city has secured grant funding for.
"South Portland is expected to save $1 million over the next five years from this merger." the release states. "This is due to Metro’s assessment to South Portland being $100,000 to $170,000 less per year than what South Portland would otherwise have to budget, Metro paying South Portland over $252,000 upfront to acquire equipment such as buses, and in avoided capital costs for which South Portland would otherwise be responsible."
"Merging the City’s bus service with Metro will strengthen public transit in our community while providing cost savings," South Portland Mayor Misha Pride stated in the release. "It also ensures that our hardworking bus staff are in a good position as Metro employees."
Metro has also agreed to hire all South Portland bus drivers as part of the merger, honoring their seniority for pay and benefits, and allowing them to operate South Portland's bus routes if they choose, according to the release.
In addition, South Portland bus drivers will receive a pay increase as Metro employees. The city of South Portland will also have four representatives on Metro's board, giving direct input on any decisions impacting South Portland's service, the release stated.
"We can confidently say this merger benefits all groups: riders, taxpayers, bus employees, and the region," South Portland City Manager Scott Morelli stated in the release. "Riders can still expect the same quality services as before, with new possibilities for improvements. South Portland taxpayers will benefit from the savings. Our bus employees will retain their routes and earn more by being a Metro employee. And the region will benefit from a stronger, more unified regional transit provider."
According to the release, South Portland left Metro in 1983 and has operated its own bus system since. Officials said rejoining Metro could improve regional connections between South Portland and Greater Portland.
"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," Glenn Fenton, Metro executive director said in the release. "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."
The merger will be finalized if it is approved by Greater Portland Metro's Board of Directors, which is scheduled to meet and vote at 4 p.m. on Oct. 24.