MaineDOT Awards $1M to Support Transit Across Maine
Funds expand service, improve access, and support infrastructure
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: andrew.gobeil@maine.gov
AUGUSTA – October 26, 2026 – The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is awarding $1M in state fiscal year 2027 funds to support innovative transit projects across Maine.
“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,” said MaineDOT Commissioner Dale Doughty. “These projects enhance our goal of improving access and expanding transportation options for travelers throughout the state.”
In previous years up to $2M was made available for these funds. Due to department-wide budget constraints $1.5M was initially available this year. Of that, $500,000 is being allocated for priority public transportation projects in the Midcoast Region and the Lewiston-Auburn to Portland commuter bus service, leaving $1M available for these discretionary projects.
Applications were received from ten agencies for twenty-five projects totaling $3.8M in requested funding. The funding, distributed among nine transit operators for eleven projects across the state, advances the goals of the 2023 Maine State Transit Plan (PDF). The funds were awarded 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
- Support workers and employers
“We are grateful to the Maine Department of Transportation for its continued investment in workforce transportation and for recognizing the importance of sustaining the Aroostook Workforce Connector,” said Lisa Smith, Executive Director of Aroostook Regional Transportation System (ARTS). “This program provides reliable, affordable transportation to employment opportunities throughout Aroostook County, helping remove transportation barriers for individuals while supporting local businesses and employers. This funding will allow us to continue connecting rural residents to meaningful employment, strengthening workforce participation, and improving access to transportation in underserved communities. By sustaining this essential service, we are helping build a stronger regional workforce and economy.”
“These investments will make public transit easier to use across Kennebec and Somerset counties,” said Kirk Bellavance, Senior Director of Transportation at Kennebec Valley Community Action Program in Waterville. “Riders will be able to see where their vehicle is, book trips, and pay their fare from their phones. Our team will also have better tools to schedule trips and serve more people. We’re grateful to MaineDOT for investing in our riders and our communities.”
Awards:
- Aroostook Regional Transportation System
- $174,230 to support workforce transportation
- Bangor Community Connector
- $75,000 to support driver training
- Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit
- $80,165 to support microtransit service
- Greater Portland Metro
- $93,000 for equipment to remove snow at transit stops
- Kennebec Valley Community Action Program
- $140,000 for trip planning technology and $5,000 for automated fare payment
- Regional Transportation Program
- $180,000 for microtransit service
- Waldo Community Action Program
- $100,000 for a hybrid or electric vehicle and charging infrastructure
- Western Maine Transportation Services
- $75,000 to support workforce transportation and $14,000 for vehicle location software
- York County Community Action Corporation
- $63,605 to support workforce transportation
View a complete list of applicants and projects with scoring summary (PDF).
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