Portland Metro Proposes Fare Hikes and Policy Changes as Riders Raise Safety Concerns at Public Library Meeting

PORTLAND, Maine — Officials with Portland Metro presented a series of proposed fare increases and policy changes as part of a 2026 Fare Policy Update, outlining plans to raise base fares, adjust fare caps, and introduce new payment methods aimed at increasing revenue and supporting future transit operations. An informational session on the proposed changes was held Thursday at the Portland Public Library, where some attendees also raised concerns about public safety on buses and in bus shelters.

According to the presentation, Metro officials said the purpose of the proposed fare updates is to reflect Metro’s needs over the next three to five years, modify fare policies to take advantage of new technologies, and gather feedback from the public.

Metro officials stated that fares would be increased in part to support existing service levels, reduce pressure on municipal budgets that help fund transit operations, and update payment systems to reflect new technological capabilities.

Fare Increases Proposed

Under the proposal, Metro would increase the local base fare from $2.00 to $2.25, representing a 12.5 percent increase. The BREEZ base fare would increase from $4.00 to $4.50, also a 12.5 percent increase.

Reduced fares would also increase, with the local reduced fare rising from $1.00 to $1.10, and the BREEZ reduced fare increasing from $2.00 to $2.25.

The proposal also includes changes to BSOOB 70 and Zoom service fares, with the base fare decreasing from $5.00 to $4.50, and the reduced fare dropping from $2.50 to $2.25, reflecting an effort to align those services with BREEZ fares.

Fare Caps Also Targeted for Changes

Metro officials outlined proposed adjustments to fare caps under the DiriGo Pass system.

Under the proposal, the local daily fare cap would increase from $6 to $6.50, while the monthly cap would rise from $60 to $65, representing an 8.3 percent increase.

For BREEZ service, the daily fare cap would increase from $12 to $13, and the monthly cap from $120 to $130.

Reduced fare caps for local and BREEZ services would remain unchanged, according to the presentation.

Meanwhile, BSOOB 70 and Zoom fare caps would decrease under the proposal, with the daily base cap dropping from $15 to $13, and the monthly cap decreasing from $150 to $130. Reduced fare caps for those services would also decline.

New Payment Methods and Policy Changes

Metro officials also proposed introducing tap-to-pay technology, allowing riders to pay directly on board using credit cards or smartphone wallets. The system is expected to launch in June 2026.

Additional policy changes outlined in the presentation include allowing passbacks, which would permit payment for multiple riders using a single account. At the same time, the 10-ride pass would be eliminated, with officials stating it is no longer necessary due to the introduction of passbacks.

Metro officials noted that fare capping and reduced fare benefits would apply only to the initial tap when using passbacks.

Fare History and Funding Overview

The presentation included historical data showing Metro fares have increased incrementally since 1975, rising from 30 cents in 1975 to $1.00 in 1995, with the most recent fare increase occurring in 2020, when fares rose 33 percent from $1.50 to $2.00.

Officials also highlighted Metro’s funding structure, noting that federal funding accounts for 43 percent of the system’s budget, followed by municipal funding at 33 percent, passenger fares at 18 percent, state funding at 4 percent, and other revenue sources at 2 percent.

Riders Raise Safety Concerns

During the informational session, some meeting attendees also voiced concerns about public safety on buses and in bus shelters. Attendees discussed growing issues involving needles, garbage, and increased homelessness in bus shelters, describing conditions that they said have become an increasing concern for riders who rely on the transit system.

Metro officials indicated that the proposed changes are part of an effort to maintain service levels while adapting to new technologies and funding pressures.