Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today announced southern Maine will receive two grants totaling $4,618,674 to mitigate the financial losses for public transit systems due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Greater Portland Transit District (GPTD) will receive $4 million and the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit Committee (BSOOB) will receive $618,674—funding which was allocated by the CARES Act, passed by Congress in early March.
“Expansion of our public transit systems is integral to our state’s growth, to fighting climate change, and to making our cities more accessible to all residents. Maine’s public transit systems have been growing, but the coronavirus pandemic drastically reduced both ridership and revenue and left our transit systems with an uncertain future,” said Pingree.“I’m proud to see key funding I supported in the CARES Act come to Maine, and I look forward to seeing the way that Mainers benefit from having their transit systems remain reliable and accessible.”
GPTD will use their award to cover up to 100% of the net cost of GPTD's fixed route transit operations and contracted ADA Paratransit during the COVID-19 public health emergency. BSOOB will use their funding to cover operating costs including but not limited to salaries, benefits, facilities upkeep, fleet repairs, and fuel use during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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