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Transportation Alternatives

GO MAINE

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GO MAINE is the statewide commuter program funded by the Maine Turnpike Authority and MAINEDOT.   Here’s how GO MAINE can help Maine Turnpike customers with their commutes:

  • Go Maine LogoGO MAINE offers ridematching online to find carpool or vanpool partners
  • GO MAINE rewards commuters whenever they take a green trip (that’s walking, biking, carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit or telecommuting). Our rewards are to local, online and national retailers.
  • GO MAINE members are eligible for our Emergency Ride Home benefit, to use in case of a workday emergency.
  • GO MAINE can help employers spread the word about alternative commuting.
  • GO MAINE holds Way 2 GO MAINE in October, a business-to-business challenge to encourage and reward alternative commuting.
  • All of GO MAINE’s services are free.

For more info:

www.gomaine.org
1-800-280-RIDE
Rides@gomaine.org
254 Commercial Street, Portland ME 04101

 

ZOOM Turnpike Express Bus

Zoom Bus with bike racksA comfortable, convenient, and fast way to commute from Biddeford/Saco to downtown Portland. ZOOM is a commuter bus service that is operated by Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit.

Biddeford/Saco to Portland is the busiest stretch of the Maine Turnpike. There are many commuters who drive in single occupancy vehicles from Exits 32 and 36 to Portland. ZOOM offers these people an alternative to get to work without many of the hassles that come with driving alone.

The buses are equipped with individual reading lights, wireless internet, and air conditioners so you can read, do work, or nap during your commute.  The cost to ride the ZOOM is most likely the same or less than driving alone to work. Once you add up gas money, wear and tear on your automobile, and parking, the ZOOM makes good economical sense.

ZOOM Turnpike Express stops are located at Exit 36 (Saco Park and Ride), Exit 32 (Biddeford Park and Ride) and at the following METRO bus stops in Portland:
  • Forest Avenue near Congress Street (nearby connections to Maine Medical Center shuttle)
  • Congress Street near Monument Square
  • METRO Pulse on Elm Street (downtown)

For more information:

Visit Shuttlebus-ZOOM on the web or call 207-282-5408
 


EASTERN TRAIL

Eastern Trail Bridge over the Maine TurnpikeThe Eastern Trail is a 65-mile section of the East Coast Greenway, a transportation-recreation trail system.   The Eastern Trail has a growing span of off-road sections, as well as a scenic on-road trail that mostly follows quiet country roads.

In August 2011, the Eastern Trail Pedestrian Bridge crossing the Maine Turnpike was completed.  This new crossing, located just north of the Kennebunk Service Areas was part of a larger joint MaineDOT and Eastern Trail Management District project.  As part of the overall project, a new 6.2 mile segment of the Eastern Trail was constructed.

The Eastern Trail now runs from South Portland to Kittery, with this bridge representing a critical link in that path.   The Maine Turnpike Authority viewed this project as a way to reconnect to the communities it serves and hopes that it will help to promote tourism, a green economy and healthier lifestyles for everyone.

Visit Eastern Trail on the web.

 

WELLS TRANSPORTATION CENTER

The Wells Transportation Center was constructed in 2002.  The project was a cooperative effort between the Maine Turnpike Authority, the Town of Wells and the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.  The project was funded by $1 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program grant.  The grant was applied for and granted to the Maine Turnpike Authority.  An additional $260,000 was budgeted by the Maine Turnpike Authority to construct a new park and ride lot that had been budgeted in conjunction with the complete rebuilding of the Wells Interchange that was completed in 1994.

This station facility is open from 5:30am to 9:00pm daily. Access to self-service Quik-Trak ticketing kiosk, restrooms, vending machines and visitor information is available. Accessible platform, waiting area, restroom and parking. For more information on the Amtrak Downeaster go here.

Wells Transportation Center with  cars parked in the front and the Downeaster in the background