Greater Portland METRO announced this morning that it is temporarily reducing service due to staffing shortages on two bus routes – METRO, BREEZ and Route 1.  These changes begin on Monday, March 28, 2022 and are expected to continue through Saturday, May 7, 2022.

From March 28 – May 7, the one-way fare for BREEZ will be lowered from $4. to $2 (reduced fare lowered from $2. to $1).  To provide additional service BREEZ will also stop at all Route 1 stops between Washington Avenue and Thompson’s Point including along St. John Street and Mercy at the Fore.

Route 1 provides local service between Thompson’s PoInt/PTC and Munjoy Hill/Eastern Promenade with stops approximately every 1/4 mile, along Congress Street.  During this time, METRO is reducing Route 1 service frequency from every 30 minutes to every 60 minutes.  Many stops along Route 1 are also serviced by Route 7, 9 and BREEZ.

METRO is experiencing staffing shortages due to unforseen short and long-term bus operator leave of absences (mostly) unrelated to the COVID-19 virus.   METRO does not have sufficient bus operators to run all routes as scheduled.  In early May, METRO plans to return to regular service for Route 1 and BREEZ and the  Husky Line will change to its summer schedule.