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New BSO transit director outlines electrification push, hybrid-bus grants and microtransit gains
Summary
John Savage, newly named executive director of Biddeford‑Saco‑Old Orchard Beach Transit, told the Saco City Council on July 14 that staff are pursuing overhead chargers at the Saco Transportation Center, applying for hybrid-bus grants and expanding microtransit service, while flagging an aging fleet.
John Savage, executive director of Biddeford‑Saco‑Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSO), told the Saco City Council on July 14 that the agency is pursuing electrification at the Saco Transportation Center, applying for hybrid‑bus grants and expanding a recently launched microtransit service that primarily serves Saco residents. “I have a firmly held deep personal belief that transit and access to transit is really important for all of our communities,” Savage said.
Savage said the agency is seeking to install overhead chargers at the transportation center so electric buses could operate a full day rather than “only serve us for about half a day.” He said that, to avoid overreliance on battery buses while expanding low‑emission service, BSO submitted a grant application for two hybrid electric buses the day before the meeting.
The director also reported that a microtransit pilot began just before he arrived and is seeing substantial ridership in Saco. He described the local staff as “passionate, engaged, very professional” and said they had been running operations during the period without an executive director.
Councillor Hatch, who chaired the search that selected Savage, told the council the appointment followed a national search and that Savage was the city’s top candidate. Council members did not take formal action on the transit items at the July 14 meeting.
Why it matters: Transit partners and grants determine local service frequency, fleet modernization and emissions. The overhead charging project and hybrid‑bus grant pursuit could change daily service availability and local operating costs if funded.
What comes next: Savage said staff will continue grant seeking and design work; council discussion focused on coordination and oversight rather than immediate funding votes.
Ending: Savage asked the council to expect updates as grant and infrastructure work proceeds and to consider transit’s role in local access and economic opportunity.
