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Expanding Transportation Options:
The pilot program that provides improved and increased transportation options for residents of the towns of Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach has experienced impressive demand since it offered its first rides four months ago. Local residents might be familiar with the regional transit between the towns of Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach known as BSOOB Transit.
The new program, QuickRide, is an on-demand rideshare that uses two vans to complement existing bus routes and will pick up and drop off riders anywhere within its service area.
Rides cost $2, or $1 for reduced fare, and are available by using an app or calling directly. Many riders are older adults.
Improved transportation has been a recognized need in these communities for several years, leading to efforts, including QuickRide, involving several years of planning and collaboration between municipal representatives, Age-Friendly organizers, and other local residents.
The Transit Together needs assessment, conducted in 2021 to assess transit routes in the Greater Portland area to identify opportunities for increased coordination and integration, helped to guide development of the QuickRide pilot and led to better understanding about potential users.
“Be sure to do your homework,” advises a BSOOB manager about the process. It is important to know what people need and what they will use. Study information is available online at www.transittogether.org.
The pilot project received federal and municipal funding for two years. Representatives of all three towns serve on the QuickRide board.
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