The Rapid Transit Study will evaluate rapid transit options and determine a Locally Preferred Alternative in the Gorham-Westbrook-Portland corridor. This study will supplement Transit Tomorrow, our region's long-range transportation plan, by addressing one of the plan's main goals: developing rapid transit options to connect our region's major market centers.
What is Rapid Transit?
Rapid transit is a form of public transportation on a fixed route that includes features that dramatically improve the speed, capacity, reliability, and quality of service. Bus rapid transit, light rail, commuter rail, and streetcars are a few examples of rapid transit.
Project Timeline
Spring 2022 – Project kickoff; project team will define project purpose, needs, and goals.
Summer 2022 – Project team will collect data, analyze existing conditions, and write an environmental inventory.
Fall 2022 & Winter 2023 – Project team will analyze alternatives.
Summer 2023 – Project team will work conduct economic development analysis and begin the application process for Federal Transit Administration funding.
Fall 2023 – Project team will submit final report.
(Note: this timeline is subject to change)
Funding
The study is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.