ALERTS

In the wake of today’s announcement by the Governor along with the news of two BSOOB Transit internal positive tests in the last 8 hours, we are making the difficult but safe and prudent decision to suspend service until at least April 30, 2020.

The internal positive tests and the resulting mandatory quarantine of those in close proximity to the affected along with already protecting staff members at high risk has decimated our driver pool in short order.  Even with our reduction in service effective March 20, we will not have a healthy number of bus operators to continue in a positive fashion until we see a collective upswing in internal and societal health.  This has come like a hurricane today and we will react as swiftly to combat it.  There is no reason to wait.

We are taking every measure to alert our staff and the public immediately including our internal emergency phone tree, website, automated vehicle locator web app and Constant Contact alias group.  Every person having had contact with the affected staff has been notified.  We have also been in contact with Maine CDC regarding communication best practices during this time.

We are going to do all we can to “flatten the curve” and resume service in the near future as strong as ever.  Our recent momentum will not decrease.

Please stay in touch with us for future announcements on service resurrection.

March 31, 2020:  In the wake of the growing population becoming infected with COVID-19, we have decided to further reduce service starting Monday, April 6.  This decision does not come lightly.  We understand that we provide essential services such as medical appointments, going to the pharmacy, getting to work, groceries and more to people in our communities.

Our other obligation is to our staff.  Our professional operators have provided outstanding service and have worked through these current complicated situations. But, we feel we must add another layer of protection and provide laser focus toward our operation and their safety as well as the safety of our customers.  Reducing services will reduce the number of operators working on a daily basis therefore reducing the risk of exposure.

We will implement the following service reductions:

ZOOM Express will be reduced to one bus.  It will begin operations from Exit 32 Park & Ride at 6:00 am and the second run will be at 7:08 am.  In the afternoon, ZOOM Express will start service at 4:09 pm and the second run will start at 5:35 pm.

Green Line (Portland Inter-City) will remain unchanged.

Maroon Line service will be suspended until further notice.

Local runs, White & Blue, Black & Orange will continue to operate at the previously reduced schedule

We will be sharing information via our website www.BSOOBTransit.org. An “Alert” button has been created and will be updated frequently. We will also use our AVL “Where’s the Bus” app which can be downloaded at transit.unitegps.com/bsoob. We will also use Constant Contact.  Simply visit our website and go to Rider Info and sign up by clicking on the “Notify Me” button.  Choose the general category or one service that fits you the best.

And finally, we will use social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter as appropriate.  Please take the time to connect with us in one or more of these options so we may provide you up to date information during these critical times. 

Here are all the ways you can connect with Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit :

1. Website – BSOOBTransit.org This is a great overall experience and single source for all of our latest updates. We have links to sign up for Constant Contact (Notify Me) and our Automated Vehicle Locator app (Bus Locator) that gives you the ability to see where our buses are located in real time.        Please check our website often to readily find the latest information (Rider Info / Alerts)
2. Constant Contact – Sign up on our website (Notify Me) and pick which bus line you are interested in receiving information about. Feel free to pick one or all the routes.
3. Automated Vehicle Locator App – Go to our website and click on the Bus Locator button or go to transit.unitegps.com/bsoob and gain access to this great new tool. See where the buses are in real time.  You will also see up to the minute messages here too.
4. Facebook – Search for BSOOB Transit to like us, become fans, friends and follow us. Here we will keep it light and fun and show you information about our routes and role in the community.
5. YouTube – Find us at Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit to see important video messages.
6. LinkedIn – Find us at BSOOB Transit. We will use this professional message board to update you on larger organizational events and happenings.
7. Twitter – Find us at BSOOB Transit@ShuttleBus_Zoom. Here we will give you immediate information on our organization, buses and community involvement.
8. Instagram – Find us at bsoob_transit. Here we will keep the message light and fun.  This is a good place to see us in action.

In coordination with University of New England, it has been decided that the UNE Yellow Line will cease to run until further notice. Like many other universities nationwide, UNE has shut down its campus due to the coronavirus/COVID-19. We support the University and we look forward to healthier times in the very near future.

We will let you know if the situation changes.

Following an emergency board meeting, Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit will reduce service in this time of uncertainty to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic situation in a manner that is civically responsible.

The following schedule will be implemented on Friday, March 20:

• Zoom Express will be unchanged.
• Local runs (including UNE) and Portland Intercity Connector (Green Line) will end between 6:30 and 6:45 PM Monday through Saturday.
• No service on Sunday.

Maintaining a reduced level of service will continue to support essential workforce transportation, access to shopping and avenues to medical appointments.

Included with the schedule changes will be fare free service for the next 30 days beginning Friday March 20.

Our outstanding staff members, as well as our customers, will also be protected due to the minimized exposure this will create. Suspension of fares will further reduce contact with cash and fare media, promote social distancing while boarding and provide economic relief to ridership.

The entire Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit family continues to take every measure to keep our employees and passengers as safe as possible while ensuring ridership has a local, transportation based life line for their needs.

Members of the public should monitor our website at www.BSOOBTransit.org and our automated vehicle locator web application at Transit.UniteGPS.com/BSOOB.

Our general information number is 207-282-5408.

The launch of our electronic fare collection system and associated regional fare policy will be on hold until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Please continue to check this page for updates.

Please refer to our “Fares” and “How to Pay” tabs under out Rider Information section.

New Fare Technology:  Four Ways to Pay

As the new regional fare policies are incorporated into our day to day operations, it is important to understand that there will now be four ways for customers to pay.

1. Mobile App-Riders with Smartphones will download the TouchPass Mobile App and load rides onto their account by connecting to a bank account, credit card, debit card, pre-paid debit card and/or cash. Riders can use their smartphone to pay their fare by placing their phone in front of a reader as they enter the bus. Fares will automatically be deducted from your account.
2. Smartcard-A Smartcard is a plastic, reusable card a rider can use to pay their fare by tapping on a reader when they board the bus. Riders can load rides to their smartcard account by connecting it to a bank account, credit card, debit card, pre-paid debit card and/or cash.  Cards can be reloaded at several locations including the Saco Transportation Center
3. Single-Ride Ticket-For individuals who ride transit occasionally, a Single-Ride Ticket will be available for purchase. It will have a QR code that will be recorded by a reader as you board the bus for one ride. Single-Ride Tickets can be purchased with credit card, debit card and cash.
4. Cash-Riders will be able to pay the fare for a ride on the bus with cash. They must have exact change.  Drivers cannot and will not make change.

BSOOB Transit Precautions Added To Our Daily Cleaning Routine.

Dear BSOOB Transit customers,

BSOOB transit employs a full-time person to clean our buses inside and out. Well before the coronavirus was in the news, BSOOB Transit purchased new disinfecting agent and an electrostatic spray gun to better ensure that our buses are clean. We mop the floors and wipe down surfaces regularly. As information about the coronavirus began hitting the news, we immediately implemented a more aggressive approach to our cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Disinfecting spray was increased to every day. Surfaces are wiped down with disinfecting wipes and floors are mopped every day as well. During layovers and between shifts, drivers are encouraged to wipe down railings and any surfaces touched by passengers. Customers are encouraged to use caution and common sense when boarding and exiting the bus. Please follow the CDC recommendations for washing your hands and other measures to protect yourself and others. If you are sick, please stay home. A link to a recent news report showing our commitment to keeping our customers and employees safe follows this statement.

Please take a moment to watch it.

WMTW Article on what others are doing in our area link