Westbrook considers free Metro Transit passes for high school students

Westbrook High School students could soon have a new way to get to class, jobs, and extracurricular activities — at no cost to them.

The Westbrook City Council voted 6-1 Monday to advance a proposal that would provide approximately 700 high school students with free, unlimited bus passes on the Greater Portland Metro system. If approved during a second reading scheduled for August 3, the program would launch at the start of the upcoming school year.

Mayor David Morse championed the initiative during Monday's meeting, describing it as a meaningful investment in the city's young people.

"For many students, that would mean greater independence and greater opportunity," Morse said. "It means easier access to school, afterschool activities, jobs, volunteer opportunities and the many experiences that help young people prepare for adulthood."

The passes would allow students to ride any Greater Portland Metro route throughout the year, connecting Westbrook with Portland, South Portland, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Freeport, Brunswick, and Gorham. The transit authority already has similar agreements with high schools in Portland and South Portland.

Councilor Michael Shaughnessy expressed enthusiasm about the proposal's long-term potential.

"By introducing our students to Metro today, we have the opportunity to cultivate a generation of residents who view public transit as a normal part of everyday life," Shaughnessy said.

The city would reimburse Greater Portland Metro $1.13 per ride, with an annual cap of 30,000 rides. The maximum yearly cost to Westbrook would be approximately $34,000 — money that would come from a relatively new source of municipal revenue.

Westbrook recently received authorization to register rental vehicles, and officials expect that program to generate more than enough money to cover the transit initiative. No property tax increase would be required.

Councilor Gary Rairdon cast the sole vote against the first reading.

In addition to providing transportation for students traveling to jobs and activities, the program would offer an alternative for students who live within the standard 1.5-mile walking radius to school. Co-Principal Jeff Guerette noted that reliable transportation options could help reduce tardiness among those students.

To accommodate the new riders, Greater Portland Metro plans to add a bus stop at the corner of Stroudwater Street and Monroe Avenue, near the high school, during morning and afternoon arrival and dismissal times.