The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) recently awarded nine transit operators $1 million in state fiscal year 2027 funds to support 11 transit projects.
Department-wide budget constraints reduced the available funds to $1.5 million from the up to $2 million awarded in previous years. A total of $500,000 was allocated for priority public transportation projects in the Midcoast Region and the Lewiston-Auburn to Portland commuter bus service, leaving the remainder available for discretionary projects.
“Despite the department’s financial constraints, MaineDOT is pleased to be able to make these funds available to support Maine’s transit operators and the people who rely on the services they provide,” MaineDOT Commissioner Dale Doughty said. “These projects enhance our goal of improving access and expanding transportation options for travelers throughout the state.”
Funding was decided based on how well projects increase access to transit service, improve public information about those services, remove barriers for new riders, address the needs of underserved populations, upgrade transit infrastructure, and support workers and employers.
Awardees include:
The Regional Transportation Program was awarded $180,000 for microtransit service.
The Aroostook Regional Transportation System was awarded $174,230 to support workforce transportation.
The Kennebec Valley Community Action Program was awarded $140,000 for trip planning technology and $5,000 for automated fare payment.