Expanded trial public bus service

REGION -- Western Maine Transportation Services has launched a trial of expanded public bus service in Rumford, Mexico, Dixfield and Peru.

The expanded bus service will run Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will continue the weekly Wednesday service between Rumford and Lewiston/Auburn.

The expanded service will incorporate a number of specific stops at designated times, but also provide great flexibility to serve riders who need to be picked-up and dropped off at other locations, including their residences.

The area served by the bus will center around the route between the River Valley Crossing plaza in Rumford, and outer Weld Street in Dixfield. The Peru Town Office, at the old Peru School, is also included as a pick-up and drop-off location.

Regular stops will include Rumford Hospital, Hannaford, Rite Aid, Walmart and all of the senior housing facilities in Rumford, Mexico and Dixfield.

The cost per-boarding will be $3 for adults and $1.50 for riders who are disabled, Medicare card holders, 60 and older and accompanied children from 5 to 11. The bus will be accessible for most wheelchairs.

During the trial period, the service will be monitored and modified to meet the needs of the communities. At the end of the trial period, the service will be assessed and a decision will be made on how to proceed with public bus service in the River Valley.

For more information, or to schedule a ride, Western Maine Transportation Services can be reached at 800-393-9335, selection 1.