Engaging Transit Users in Public Transportation: Marcel Ntagora

Marcel Ntagora is a community engagement coordinator at the Greater Portland Council of Governments. 

“We bring people who face transportation barriers to the decision-making table,” he said. “By elevating the voices of people in underrepresented communities, we’re making transportation more equitable and accessible for all users. The people in the program are regular transit users and have different challenges. The program allows them to speak directly to decision-makers about their challenges and offer ideas about improving public transportation for everyone.”

Volunteer Bus Ambassadors undergo training at a Greater Portland Metro facility, learning all the ins and outs from drivers and staff to help others successfully navigate the system. From personalized trip planning, locating nearby crosswalks and bus stops, and determining the best routes for a successful journey, Bus Ambassadors teach immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers with limited English proficiency how to use transit in the region. 

When someone submits a request for assistance, they’re matched with a Bus Ambassador fluent in their native language who meets them at a bus stop and shows them how to pay for the bus, map their route, and signal for the bus to make a stop. This is the fourth year of the program, which is run by the Greater Portland Council of Governments in partnership with Greater Portland Metro, South Portland Bus Service, and Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit.