Greater Portland Transit District Facility Alternatives Analysis

The Greater Portland (Maine) Transit District (GP Metro), an FTA Direct Recipient providing approximately 1.8 million rides in 2024, engaged LaBella Associates, with support from Sowinski Sullivan, to complete a comprehensive alternatives analysis for a successor to its existing operations and maintenance facility. The District operated a fleet of approximately 50 buses, including battery-electric, compressed natural gas, and diesel vehicles, and sought to accommodate future growth through fleet expansion and regional consolidation.

LaBella developed and evaluated alternatives for renovating and expanding the existing facility or relocating to a new site to support a projected fleet of more than 150 vehicles over a 40-year planning horizon through 2065. The team developed a facility program and conceptual layouts valued at approximately $80 – $100 million, assessing the feasibility, construction costs, and operational efficiencies of each alternative. The evaluation also considered the potential operating cost implications of relocating, including additional deadhead mileage associated with moving buses to and from service.

LaBella developed recommendations to support GP Metro’s long-term operational needs and assisted with a BUILD Grant application submitted in February 2026. The funding request supported initial property acquisition and architectural and engineering services, along with subsequent project phases.