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MaineDOT reports progress and additional funding on PTAC recommendations; department says it is close to advisory funding targets
Summary
MaineDOT told the Transportation Committee it has increased operating support for transit, added match assistance and funded innovative projects, and is working on formulas, coordination and a transit service coverage map to implement PTAC recommendations.
Maine Department of Transportation officials presented a progress report on implementing the Public Transit Advisory Council’s February 2025 recommendations. Assistant Director William Gale and Transit Manager Ryan Veil told the committee that MaineDOT has increased state operational support markedly since FY23 and implemented several PTAC recommendations.
Key figures: Gale said that in FY23 state funding to bus providers was about $2,000,000 (approximately $1.2M operating, $750k capital). By FY25 MaineDOT’s operational support rose to about $4,000,000 and the department provided about $1,000,000 in match assistance for federal discretionary grant applications; including other items the department estimated it was about $500,000 short of the PTAC-recommended $8.9M annual funding level.
Gale said MaineDOT has continued funding for innovative transit projects (a $2,000,000 program) and has used that program to support technology upgrades, microtransit pilots, hybrid buses and bike racks. The department has updated its cost-share policy to reduce local match on some capital projects (for example, a 15% state / 5% local split on certain FTA 5339 bus facility projects where appropriate).
Coordination and transparency: MaineDOT reported it has posted distribution packets online, is reviewing formulas that govern allocations, is developing a transit service coverage map, and has convened a working group (LD 1451) with a consultant to explore further coordination among providers and with other state agencies (including DHHS) for brokerage and cost-sharing concerns.
Committee members asked about the basis of funding formulas, outcome measures for GoMaine, and whether federal funding levels are stable; MaineDOT said some recommendations are internal department actions while others will require legislative or multiagency work and that the federal authorization outlook is uncertain.
What’s next: MaineDOT will continue posting distributions and scoring criteria for innovative projects, work with the Maine Transit Association on formula changes, and pursue a coverage map and improved mobility-management tools.
