With summer on the way, public transit systems often offer great deals for summer riding.  This is the first in a series of  blog posts that highlight public transportation systems in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont and some of the great deals they offer to get out of the house this summer.  First up:

METRO (Portland, Maine)

The METRO serves the City of Portland and the surrounding communities of Falmouth, South Portland, and Westbrook.

METRO Summer Youth Pass
The summer youth pass is back! For only $20, children and teens (18 and younger) can ride the METRO all summer, with unlimited rides.  This is a really great deal and it is the perfect way for youth to get around Greater Portland in a safe, green way!  Bike racks and wheelchair lifts are available on all buses.

From the METRO:

Head to the beach, go shopping, visit an island (take the #8 METRO Bus to Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal), hike Portland Trails or see a movie. Visit your friends or take the bus to your job or summer camp.  Visit the METRO website for more fun summer trip ideas!

You can buy your Summer Youth Pass at these locations:

**METRO Downtown Transportation Center (PULSE) on Elm Street

**Participating Hannaford’s and Shaw’s Supermarket locations on bus routes (Youth Passes are not available at Hannaford’s on Forest Avenue)

**Casco Bay Ferry Terminal

**Portland and South Portland City Hall METRO office, 114 Valley Street

METRO Free Ride Home Program (Portland, Maine)

Also, did you know that if you take the bus to our Union Station Goodwill on St. John or the Forest Avenue Goodwill and show the driver your receipt for a purchase of $5 or more, you get the ride the bus for free?!  Leave your car at home this summer and enjoy a free bus ride on bus!  Please visit the METRO site for more details.