Transit funds to help low-income workers

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration has released $442,389 to the Maine Department of Transportation for the Job Access and Reverse Commute program, members of Maine’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday.

JARC provides welfare recipients with transportation to and from work, training programs and child care services. The program, which is a partnership among Maine DOT, Maine Department of Health and Human Services, transit providers and social service agencies, operates in Greater Bangor, Hancock and Washington counties, Greater Portland, and York County.

The money will support the following JARC routes:

. The city of Bangor will extend a bus route to new development on outer Wilson Street in Brewer, providing access to a variety of entry-level job opportunities.

. Downeast Transportation will continue commuter service between Cherryfield and Bangor to Jackson Lab in Bar Harbor, one of the largest employers in Hancock County.

. Washington-Hancock Community Action will continue its Helping Hands Garage, which assists in providing low-income residents with transportation to work and medical appointments. The program is linked to the “Go Maine” carpooling program.

. The Greater Portland Transit District will continue to provide Falmouth residents with employment opportunities in Westbrook and Portland.

. York County Community Action will continue service between Sanford and the Shoreline Explorer, which travels the Route 1 corridor. This route provides Sanford residents with access to the many job opportunities in coastal York County.