They gotta bring back them trams!!!!! (Portland, South Portland: taxis, buses, safe)

[OneupTH]

We need a reliable transit system here.
They need to bring back the streetcars and route it to Westbrook, Gorham, Scarborough and South Portland!!!
Busses are trash especially the South Portland ones.

[BosYuppie]

You paying?

[dubthang]

Just saw this. Trains (or trams) are very expensive, especially for what you get. Metro has a solid system, but I agree that South Portland is lacking in the service they provide.

[CinderFella7]

Fun little article I found on the history of Portland's Tram:

https://mapoftheweek.blogspot.com/20...and-maine.html

[Mark S.]

I'm all for improved public transportation. But until private transportation continues to be more affordable and convenient, I don't see it ever coming back in a big way.

Maine once had trams and trains going up and down the coast through most major towns. But that was back in the day when most people's primary means of transportation was their own feet or a horse if they were lucky. Those days are gone.

[jdhpa]

"Avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis, if possible."

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...istancing.html


Public transportation spreads infectious diseases. Maybe walk, bike, or drive instead.

I suspect high population density and ubiquitous use of public transportation are the reasons NYC got hit so hard by covid-19. We should probably start going in the opposite direction.

[dubthang]

Originally Posted by jdhpa

"Avoid using any kind of public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis, if possible."

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...istancing.html


Public transportation spreads infectious diseases. Maybe walk, bike, or drive instead.

I suspect high population density and ubiquitous use of public transportation are the reasons NYC got hit so hard by covid-19. We should probably start going in the opposite direction.

Nobody should be using Portland's public transit service right now unless it is for essential trips. That said, I am an employee of Metro, and I can tell you all that we are taking this whole thing very seriously. All buses are thoroughly cleaned each night, and all in-service buses are disinfected multiple times during the day. All operators and passengers are required to wear masks. Passengers are limited to certain seats to maintain safe distancing, and passenger limits are in place to reduce the total number of people on each bus.