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Biddeford–Saco–Old Orchard Beach Transit details ridership growth, microtransit pilot and capital needs
Summary
Interim transit officials reported rising ridership, a new microtransit pilot, plans for Camp Ellis trolley service and capital requests tied to federal/state apportionments; they warned match funding shortfalls could cancel projects if municipal partners cut contributions.
Representatives of Biddeford–Saco–Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB Transit) briefed the Saco City Council on April 28 about ridership trends, technology upgrades, a new microtransit service and capital needs for FY26, and they requested continued municipal support tied to federal and state grant matching requirements.
Deputy Director Rod Carpenter, filling in for the absent incoming executive director, reported 258,000 rides (2023 figure) and rising monthly ridership since the COVID years. He said the agency measures on-time performance (about 77%) and is deploying new electronic fare readers and a microtransit app. Carpenter described a microtransit pilot that began the night of the presentation, using two vans and an app called QuickRide; riders can book through the app or call customer service.
The transit agency outlined capital plans that include two new 35-foot electric buses on order, refurbishment of donated buses, a proposed new 35-foot diesel bus (budgeted at $800,000), fuel-system upgrades at a facility (estimated bid $254,000 for pumps and piping) and microgrid engineering for bus electrification (pending funding). Carpenter said the transit region’s federal formula apportionment was only partly available at the time of the presentation; without full apportionment some projects were set to receive “recommended 0 funding” until the apportionment is finalized.
Carpenter also announced limited Camp Ellis trolley service (Thursday–Sunday) intended to be funded largely through advertising and fares; council discussion emphasized the trolley must be self-funding and that local businesses and community supporters should help cover operating costs. The presentation noted that the transit committee is a tri-municipal quasi‑municipal body where each community contributes funding that is leveraged to secure federal and state capital and operating grants. Officials warned that municipal cuts reduce matching dollars and can eliminate larger grant-funded projects — "a $10,000 cut by one community can turn into a $150,000 shortfall in grant funding," Carpenter said in his example.
Councilors praised the recovery in ridership and the technology improvements and asked about microtransit access and booking; Carpenter said people can use the agency website, app or customer-service phone line to book rides and that the agency will continue outreach. The transit agency’s FY26 request will be considered as part of the municipal budget process.
