5 Things to Know About the Busky at USM

March 9, 2026

by Alana Kulaszewski

The Busky — also known as the Husky line on the Greater Portland Metro — is an amazing perk for University of Southern Maine students. It offers a safe, efficient way to travel between our Gorham and Portland campuses and connect with nearby communities, like Westbrook.

Here are five things to know to make the most of the ride.

It’s free for USM students

All USM students, faculty and staff get to ride for free! Just hop on at your stop and scan your USM Campus ID Card. There’s free wi-fi, USB charging ports, and bike racks.

Exterior of USM's Portland Campus shows an enclosed bus stop outside the Crewe Center for the Arts. Animated lines span out from the top of the bus stop, and the words "Portland Campus" are written next to an animated location pin point.

All of Southern Maine is your campus

Beyond USM’s campuses: Ride the entire Greater Portland METRO system for free.

Exterior of USM's Husky Line bus. An animated dotted line outlines the bus, and an animated arrow points to the open entrance doors of the bus.

Just hop on & scan

Pro tip: Don’t forget your ID. It could cost you $1.50+ per ride.

It connects campuses and communities

The Busky runs from the Gorham campus to Hancock and Thames Streets in Portland, making it easy to get there from here. Popular stops include Rock Row Crossing, the Westbrook Hub, and Main Street in Gorham. This seamless connection encourages greater interaction between students and local residents, fostering a sense of community and making it easier for everyone to access educational resources, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

By linking these important areas, the Busky supports sustainable transportation and helps reduce traffic congestion, benefiting both the environment and the quality of life for those who live and work in the region.

A safe and reliable ride

The Busky is operated by professional drivers — and offers a safe, reliable alternative to driving, especially in the winter months when road conditions can be unpredictable. Why brave those roads on your own when you can sit back and relax?

Plus, the Busky follows a consistent schedule, so you can count on it to get you where you need to go on time, every time. This dependable service helps reduce stress and makes commuting more enjoyable, whether you’re heading to classes, work, or running errands around town.

Public transportation is better for the environment

Choosing public transportation helps cut down greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality, conserves energy, and reduces traffic congestion and land use for parking. One bus can replace many cars, leading to fewer pollutants and a more compact, walkable city.

Interior of USM's Husky Line bus shows the bus aisle with bus seats on either sides. Animated paw prints coming down the aisle.

Be on time, every time

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Interior of USM's Husky Line bus, which shows an animated location pin point above a seat in the bus.

The best ride is a shared one

Every rider is one potential car trip replaced.

It’s easy to navigate

If you’re unfamiliar with public transportation, start by checking the schedule for your time and stop. You’ll want to arrive 5-10 minutes early.

Get on the bus and scan your USM Student ID — then walk down the aisle to your seat. Be sure to watch for stairs near the rear of the vehicle. Choose any empty chair and enjoy the ride!

Exterior of USM's Husky Line bus as it stops at a bus stop. Animated paw prints cross the image above the bus.

Check the digital banner for upcoming stops and pull the yellow cord when the stop is announced as next. When the bus stops, you can get up and exit through the back side door. Step off the bus and don’t forget to grab your bike if you put it on the rack!

Another pro tip: If you cross the street, do so behind the bus.

We hope to see you riding on the Busky soon!