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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
Included Communities
The PACTS area includes portions or all of 18 communities:
Transportation Agencies
PACTS members also include:
- Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit
- Casco Bay Island Transit District
- Greater Portland Metro
- Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority
- Regional Transportation Program
- South Portland Bus Service
- York County Community Action Corporation
- Federal Highway Administration
- Federal Transit Administration
- Maine Department of Transportation
- Maine Turnpike Authority
- Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission
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.