News

Bus bail out championed by Collins to start giving aid

Bus bail out championed by Collins to start giving aid

Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP) A program to help the U.S.’s bus companies survive the coronavirus pandemic that was championed by a Maine senator is now accepting applications.

Republic Sen. Susan Collins co-wrote the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services grant program and said this week that the program is now open. The program is slated to provide $2 billion in coronavirus relief to bus, motorcoach and other passenger vessel companies.

The pandemic has hit the nation’s approximately 3,000 private bus lines hard. Nearly all of them were shut down in the early stages of the pandemic and many have struggled to recover since.

“Bus and motorcoach companies, ferries, and tour boats sustain good-paying jobs and provide critical transportation services. The COVID-19 pandemic took an enormous toll on these businesses, many of which are small and family owned,” Collins said.

Collins co-authored the proposal with Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island. The senators said that every bus and vessel company that meets eligibility criteria and submits a completed application will receive a grant.

The bus companies employed about 100,000 people before the pandemic. Many of the companies have furloughed workers during the pandemic.

Latest Headlines

5 hours ago in Local

Maine Agency Issues Recall of Cannabis Vape Cartridges

The recall is for Yani adult use vape cartridges called "Watermelon Chimera."

8 hours ago in Local

Cat Dies in Campground Fire in Farmington

Crews were sent to the fire at 283 Red Schoolhouse Road in Farmington

8 hours ago in Local

Lewiston Police Ask for Return of Items Mistakenly Taken from Closed Store

Officers say they were sent to a report Saturday of people removing items from Goshen Super Market.

9 hours ago in Local

Waterville police respond to 2 unrelated shootings within 24 hours

Waterville police say two shootings reported within 24 hours are not related.

9 hours ago in Local

Manager of Maine U.S. Senate hopeful Graham Platner’s campaign steps down for family reasons

The manager of Graham Platner's campaign for U.S. Senate in Maine is stepping down for family-related reasons.