South Portland could expand bus routes in western part of the city
South Portland Council Weighs New Bus Service for Western Neighborhoods
South Portland, Maine – The South Portland City Council is considering a proposal to add a Greater Portland Metro circulator line that would serve the city’s western neighborhoods around the Maine Mall, introduce Sunday service, and restructure existing routes to provide more frequent and direct connections to Portland. The plan, if approved this fall, could launch by the following summer.
The proposed changes aim to improve transit access for residents west of the city, an area bounded by the Portland International Jetport, the interstate highways, and the Maine Mall. “Transportation is a pressing need, especially for residents who don’t have reliable ways to get to work or medical appointments,” said Mayor Elyse Tipton. “I’ve heard from residents who are struggling to get to their destinations.”
According to a survey conducted by Greater Portland Metro that received more than 300 responses, the main reasons people do not use the bus are lack of frequency, walking distance to a stop, and the long wait times between buses. The proposed circulator would address those concerns by offering a more frequent schedule and closer stops.
The council’s narrow majority has recommended that the city use revenue from one of its tax‑increment financing (TIF) districts to fund the new service. One TIF district currently holds an uncommitted balance of about $174,000 that must be spent by the end of the 2029 fiscal year. “We want to use the available funds to improve transportation now,” said Councilor Jessica Walker, who noted that the western side is likely to see a bulk of affordable‑housing developments in the future.
Other councilors, however, have expressed caution. Assistant City Manager Joshua Reny warned that the $174,000 and future TIF revenue could be allocated to other priorities, such as affordable housing or transit‑oriented development projects, including infrastructure improvements, multi‑use paths and utility upgrades. “Our community has a lot of needs, and this is only one of them,” said Councilor Misha Pride. “The official budget allocation process begins next spring, and it would be prudent to wait until all of the requests for funding are in front of us.”
Financial estimates for the new service vary. The initial cost is projected at up to $135,000 in 2027. Once fully implemented, annual operating costs could rise to $260,000. If the city approves the proposal this fall, the services could be launched by next summer; if the council decides during the traditional budget process that it no longer wishes to fund the service, the new additions would be phased out after six months or potentially not launched at all.
Councilors supporting the expansion have also suggested that the city eventually fund the service through the typical budget process, using taxpayer contributions. The proposal’s timeline hinges on the city’s approval this fall, with the goal of beginning operations by summer next year.
“South Portland residents deserve reliable, convenient public transportation,” said Mayor Tipton. “This proposal is a step toward making that a reality for those on the western side of the city.”
The council will review the proposal in its upcoming meetings, weighing the benefits of improved transit against competing priorities and fiscal constraints. Residents and advocacy groups are expected to weigh in as the city moves toward a decision that could reshape how people travel within the city and to nearby Portland.
