BATH, Maine – General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and Greater Portland Transit District (Metro) are expanding commuter bus transportation between Portland and Bath. An extension of Metro’s BREEZ route beginning July 7 will make it easier and more affordable for residents living in the Portland area to travel to and from the shipyard.
BIW obtained a grant to add this service while maintaining the Metro bus system’s low fares. The fare will be $4 each way with discounts for riding frequently or buying a book of 10 tickets. An additional discount is available for veterans, passengers over 65, and passengers with a disability.
“This public-private partnership will make it easier and more affordable for shipbuilders to commute from Portland to Bath. As a result, it will reduce traffic and parking demand near the shipyard,” said BIW President Charles F. Krugh. “Improving the commuting experience makes it possible for more people to join our shipyard and embark on meaningful good-paying careers building ships for the U.S. Navy.”
The timing of the BREEZ bus and its pickup and drop off locations meet the schedule needs of many first shift shipyard workers, and it will accommodate members of the general public as well. The bus leaves its first Portland stop at 5:10 a.m., with additional stops in Portland, Yarmouth, Freeport and Brunswick prior to arriving at the Bath Visitor Information Center at 6:20 a.m. The route will reverse with departure from Bath at 3:40 p.m.
The bus also offers Bath residents a convenient round-trip ride to Portland. The morning route south to Portland leaves at 6:20 a.m. and connects with the rest of the Metro network. The bus leaves Portland on its return to Bath at 2:05 arriving at 3:27 p.m. for the end of BIW’s first shift.
“The BREEZ’s expansion to Bath will greatly enhance public transit and improve regional connectivity for our City,” said Bath City Manager Marc Meyers, “I’m thankful for the partnership of BIW and GP Metro, and their work to provide transportation opportunities for residents and the regional workforce.”
The new route is supported by a grant from the Maine Workforce Transportation Pilot Program, an effort by Gov. Janet Mills to support employers with workforce transportation solutions.
The new bus service is in addition to efforts already underway at the shipyard to reduce demand on transportation networks and parking. BIW currently runs shuttles from remote parking lots, supports van pools with preferred parking, subsidizes a commuter bus from Lewiston and works with the state’s GO Maine program to promote shared transportation among shipyard workers.
More information about Greater Portland Metro, including discounted fares, can be found at www.gpmetro.org.
