Greater Portland Metro transit is in the conceptual design stage of the future Gorham-Westbrook-Portland rapid-transit service.

The metro says ‘Conceptual design’ means designers are identifying where rapid-bus stations, bus lanes, and other infrastructure will be roughly located in Gorham, Westbrook, and Portland.

This line is planned to operate every 10 minutes on weekdays, as well as operate seven days a week, starting as early as 5:00 a.m. and ending as late as 11:30 p.m. Weekend buses would run every 20 minutes.

It would be the first of its kind rapid-transit service in the state.

Metro estimates the route will carry 4,600 average daily passenger trips, and serve 51,000 jobs and 47,000 residents along its line.

In addition to faster, more frequent service, Metro plans to introduce larger Enhanced Stations that are more attractive and offer seating, shelter, and real-time bus arrival information. These new stops will also provide placemaking opportunities.

The bus rapid transit line will run between USM Gorham and Portland’s Eastern Waterfront via Route 25, Main Street, Brighton Avenue and Congress Street.

Fill out a survey on the planned bus rapid-transit line here.