About PACTS

The Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) is a federal metropolitan planning organization that coordinates transportation planning and investment decisions with the state, municipalities and public transportation partners. It directs the spending of more than $25 million in transportation funding each year. Review the Introduction to PACTS document, here, for a more thorough overview of PACTS structure, planning, and programming. Watch Transportation Director Chris Chop provide a review of transportation improvements in the region for 2022.

The PACTS-GPCOG merger

The Pacts Policy Committee and GPCOG General Assembly in 2020 approved an agreement in which PACTS becomes a part of GPCOG while retaining its responsibilities as a Metropolitan Planning Organization

The agreement allows PACTS and GPCOG leadership to work seamlessly together on issues in our region, like safe roads, public transportation, housing, economic growth and environmental sustainability, all of which demand integrated strategies. With unified staff and leadership, GPCOG is better positioned to help the region find solutions to our biggest challenges.

The GPCOG General Assembly ratified the agreement on May 28, 2020.

PACTS reforms and priorities

The PACTS Policy Committee and Executive Committee have developed a package of reforms that will allow PACTS to operate with excellence and serve as a leader in the region. Read about the PACTS Reforms and Priorities (PDF)

Included Communities

The PACTS area includes portions or all of 18 communities:

Transportation Agencies

PACTS members also include:

Capital Improvement Projects

PACTS shares the responsibility with the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) for the programming of all capital improvement projects funded with Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration funds in the PACTS Capital Management Area.

Programming is the decision to fund a project for design, construction and/or operation. MaineDOT and others are responsible for the steps after programming.

2020 Federal certification of PACTS

Every four years, the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration review the metropolitan transportation processes in areas with more than 200,000 people. Learn more.