Metro claims that its proposed Circulator will improve service for Portland’s bus passengers. Its design, however, belies that assertion – at least for those of us in the West End who regularly use the No. 8 route. As your article notes, the proposed new route will force elderly residents of several housing developments – many of whom use canes and walkers – to walk distances in all weather to reach bus stops that replace those now conveniently located right outside their buildings.
The proposed route will no longer travel down Congress Street, foreclosing quick, direct access to destinations like the Portland Museum of Art, Renys, CVS, the library and City Hall. Worst of all, however, is the proposal to drop off and pick up Hannaford shoppers on Preble Street Extension instead of right at the supermarket’s door – forcing us to navigate several lanes of traffic where there is no traffic light or crosswalk, again in all weather.
The Circulator, as proposed, takes a roundabout route that encompasses the Eastern Prom (at least seasonally) and Thompson’s Point. Metro has not been able to tell interested participants in its Zoom public hearings how much time a West End passenger would have to spend on the bus to complete a simple shopping trip.
While the Circulator may look good on paper (and therefore makes transit planners happy), it doesn’t serve the needs of real people who actually use – and need – Metro’s service.
Ellen D. Murphy
Portland
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