I want to thank Representative Moulton for taking the lead on sponsoring LD 673—which as we’ve heard, expands the ZOOM bus service.
Today, I’m here to talk about my support: LD 673 is a win-win for people, businesses and local municipalities.
For twelve years, the ZOOM bus has successfully connected the communities of Biddeford and Saco to downtown Portland. ZOOM has been so popular that the commuter lots are over capacity. ZOOM gets people where they want to go and where they need to go. Expanding ZOOM to more people in York and Cumberland counties and introducing this service to Lewiston, Auburn, and Augusta will open more doors for more Mainers—ZOOM may get you to a job, a college class, a doctor’s appointment or any number of destinations.
ZOOM connects Mainers in residential and suburban areas to urban centers more easily, efficiently, and economically.
Maine’s transportation landscape is unique. Many Mainers don’t live and work in the same town. If you live outside of a metro area, chances are you depend on a car, and that comes at a cost, with gas prices climbing to nearly $4.00 per gallon. Many commuters are seeking more frugal means of transportation.
ZOOM offers a creative and fiscally responsible solution. Not only does ZOOM save money on gas and tolls, it also provides an efficient and productive method for transportation. With the passage of 673, commuters will have access to wi-fi, offering a safe and productive way to jump start the work day.
ZOOM’s impact doesn’t end with the commuter—local municpalities’ road maintence and parking garage expenditures will be reduced. And many communities will benefit from an expanded pool of available workers…which in turns spurns money into the local economy.
I fully support ZOOM’s expansion. In fact, I appreciate the opportunity to get Mainers talking about viable mass transit opportunities to help them get around in a more environmentally friendly and cost efficient way.
