University of New England

New bus service established between UNE and downtown Biddeford and Saco

BIDDEFORD - The University of New England in partnership with the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit and the Maine Department of Transportation has established the ShuttleBus Noreaster Express, a new public transit bus service that will run between the University Campus in Biddeford and downtown Biddeford and Saco.

The service, beginning on September 4, 2007, will be free to all UNE students, faculty and staff who show a valid UNE identification card. Rides for the general public will cost $1.25 each way.

The Noreaster Express will operate seven days a week during the academic year with parking and bus stops located on Washington Street in Biddeford and the Amtrak Station in Saco. The UNE bus stop will be located at the Campus Center.

In addition to fares and advertising revenue, a Federal Transit Administration grant and the University of New England will provide funding for the Noreaster Express. 

Free transfers will be available to other ShuttleBus routes including the Southern Maine Medical Center, the Shops at Biddeford Crossing, Saco and Old Orchard Beach.

Local merchants, business leaders and city and university officials are looking forward to the bus service linking the historic downtowns with the Hills Beach campus.

ShuttleBus
The ShuttleBus is operated by the Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit Committee.  In addition to the Noreaster Express, other ShuttleBus services include the Tri-Town Local, the intercity bus to Portland and the Maine Mall, and the ZOOM Turnpike Express.  ShuttleBus vehicles operate on bio-diesel fuel (B5) and have bicycle racks.  The buses are handicapped accessible and complimentary para-transit is available for qualified individuals.

For more information on ShuttleBus-Zoom visit www.shuttlebus-zoom.com

(Press release posted Aug. 20, 2008)