Homeschool benefits: Greater Portland Metro

Greater Portland Metro charges riders ages 6-18 a reduced fare of $1.10 a ride on local routes instead of $2.25, and with a DiriGo Pass your child's fares stop at $3.00 a day and $30.00 a month. Youth fares are based on age, so a homeschooled child qualifies with a valid ID or proof of age.

By Andrew Garber, founder of TheHomeschoolingCompany. Reviewed August 25, 2026.

Who gets the youth fare

1. Is 6 to 18 years old

   Youth ages 6-18 are one of Metro's reduced-fare groups. Children 5 and under ride free with an adult.

2. Can show proof of age

   Metro lists reduced fares as requiring a valid ID and says proof of age may be requested, so carry an ID or document with your child's date of birth.

3. Pays with DiriGo for the caps

   Daily and monthly fare caps and free 90-minute transfers apply only with the DiriGo Pass smartcard or app. Cash riders pay exact fare each time, and tap-to-pay rides are charged the full base fare.

What the fare saves

Metro's DiriGo fare table, effective August 1, 2026, lists the reduced fare for youth 6-18 next to the full fare.

Single ride (90-minute pass)

$1.10 / $2.25

Daily fare cap with DiriGo

$3.00 / $6.50

Monthly fare cap with DiriGo

$30.00 / $65.00

BREEZ or ZOOM express single ride

$2.25 / $4.50

Express monthly cap with DiriGo

$60.00 / $130.00

Portland Public and Westbrook high school students ride free with a DiriGo Student Pass, a program that runs through those schools, so a homeschooled teen pays the youth fare instead.

How to ride for less

1. Before you ride

   Get a DiriGo Pass

   Set up the DiriGo Pass app or smartcard so your child's rides count toward the daily and monthly caps.

2. For a reduced fare card

   Apply online or on paper

   Submit the reduced fare application with photo ID or other supporting documents, and choose to have the smartcard mailed or picked up at 21 Elm Street, Portland.

3. Each ride

   Tap and carry ID

   Pay $1.10 per local ride and keep proof of age handy, since a driver may ask for it.

4. Each month

   Ride free after the cap

   Once your child's DiriGo fares reach $3.00 in a day or $30.00 in a month on local routes, further rides that day or month cost nothing.

What it includes

Included

• Local Metro routes and the Husky Line
• Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit local routes
• BREEZ and ZOOM express routes at the reduced express fare
• Free transfers within 90 minutes on DiriGo

Not included

• Fare caps and transfers for cash payers
• The reduced fare on tap-to-pay credit or debit rides
• The ten-ride pass, which Metro is discontinuing

Good to know

• The youth fare does not require a school ID

  The youth fare depends on age, not school enrollment. Metro asks for a valid ID and may request proof of age.

Who to contact about youth fares

Metro customer service at the Metro Pulse hub, 21 Elm St., Portland, answers fare and reduced fare card questions Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

info@gpmetro.org 207-774-0351 Reduced fare information

Homeschool rules and statewide help in Maine

You must submit the initial notice to the resident school unit and education commissioner within 10 calendar days of starting. You must submit annual continuation notice and assessment by September 1. Maine’s online portal serves both recipients; paper notices go to the resident superintendent for forwarding.

Maine sets these rules:

• Subjects: At least 175 instructional days annually covering English/language arts, math, science, social studies, PE, health, library skills, and fine arts. Include Maine studies in one grade from 6–12 and demonstrate computer proficiency in one grade from 7–12.
• Testing: Annual assessment required, with a test or an accepted progress review; submit the result with the September 1 continuation notice.
• Records: Retain copies of filed notices and annual assessments until the home instruction program ends; make them available to the commissioner on request.
• Teachers: No state teaching credential required for the home instructor. Some assessment-review options require a Maine-certified teacher or administrator.

Read the Maine homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Maine

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