A snapshot of how public transportation is funded and structured throughout the state. MOBILITY NEEDS in THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Introduction Public transit is a lifeline to many New Hampshire residents of all ages and demographics. In FTA Mandated ADA Service ADA Paratransit Cost Growth order to maintain the public transit services available in New Hampshire today, signi cant Transit agencies throughout the state have been facing Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) increases in public funding are critically needed. The federal funding that New Hampshire’s an increasing need for federally mandated Americans public transit systems rely heavily upon is not keeping pace with the growing demand and with Disabilities Act (ADA) service, especially for dialysis rising service costs. With adequate ongoing support, transit agencies can focus on providing trips. This on-demand service is for people with disabili- reliable transportation service to the region and ensure access for NH’s future generations. ties that keep them from riding the regular xed route bus. COAST, the public transit agency serving the New Hampshire Seacoast, has seen demand for mandated ADA services grow 880% from 2008-2018, and their cost to provide those services increase 744%. Federal alloca- tions of transit funds have not risen accordingly, leaving public transit agencies to bear the burden of these costs.
Economic Development & Land Use In order for economic development to continue to thrive in NH, businesses need to be able to o er public transit to potential employees. Employment sites with transit access can leverage this to attract additional workers and address parking needs. Even for communities with xed route bus service, budget limitations often result in Supporting Seniors & Disabled Adults hourly bus service. Some NH transit systems operate Across the country, older adults make up a large and growing buses on 30 minute intervals on certain routes or during 1 in 5 Americans age 65+ portion of the non-driving population, along with individuals peak commuting periods. Having to plan your schedule does not drive with disabilities. The American Association of Retired People around 30 or 60 minute routes can be a barrier to attract- That’s 75,000 non-driving seniors in NH by 2040! (AARP) estimates that one in ve Americans over the age of 65 ing more riders, especially if they have a choice to drive doesn’t drive. The number of people over age 65 in New or rideshare. In most cities with robust public transit, a Hampshire is projected to almost double in the next 20 years, service frequency of every 15-20 minutes is expected. growing from 220,672 in 2015 to 373,209 in 2030 to 408,522 in 2040. That’s nearly 75,000 non-driving seniors in NH by 2031!
Only 34 of 244 communities in NH have regular xed route bus service. Some that lack xed route public transit have special PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE MODELS: services for seniors run by non-pro t groups using vans or volunteer drivers. Over 40 communities lack any transporta- Fixed Route – service that operates on a predictable (timed) Demand Response/Paratransit – service where you are picked-up tion services at all. Demand for improved public transit schedule, along a set route and stops at designated stops. and dropped o anywhere within a designated service area, and options, and particularly basic mobility services for older that is arranged by calling ahead by a minimum number of hours/ adults and individuals with disabilities, is a common theme at Commuter Bus – similar to xed route bus service, but with days to schedule your ride. (e.g., ADA-based services) public input sessions, survey results by the UNH Survey Center a commuter focus, and typically operated in a coach bus. Deviated Fixed Route – Route deviation is ¼ of a mile o of any of and feedback from local hospitals. Improving transportation Intercity Bus – typically xed route based and over longer xed routes. With this type of service, a bus or van stops at xed access will enable seniors to age in place with dignity, and is a distances between multiple communities. points and keeps to a timetable but can deviate its course between key recommendation in the 2019 NH Plan on Aging. two stops to go to a speci c location for a pre-scheduled request. A PICTURE OF TRANSIT FUNDING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE A Summary of the Funding Problem: NH FUNDING SOURCES FIGURE A: FEDERAL & STATE FUNDING OF PUBLIC TRANSIT A central problem for New Hampshire’s transportation Source: National Transit Database (NTD), 2019 Funding Sources system as a whole, including the highway and bridge How does NH compare to other States? network as well as transit, is lack of federal and state FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION investment. The federal gas tax hasn’t been increased (FTA) Each year the American Association of State Highway Transportation O cials (AASHTO) & since 1993 and is not indexed to in ation. The Federal (2019) Competitive Grants National Transit Database (NTD) collect data on Highway Trust Fund is structurally insolvent. The Annual Allocations Federal Funding State Funding State Spending for Public Transportation. Aver- buying power of gas tax revenues has decreased over age per capita state spending (not including 40% in the decades since 1993 and the USDOT budget NH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION federal pass-through) on transit across the 50 has had to be propped up with tens of billions in gen- (NH DOT) states in 2018 was $58.69. The median state eral fund revenues in recent years. North Dakota (a rural state with little over Pass-thru of FTA Funds Partial match on capital projects half New Hampshire’s population) spent In New Hampshire our state Constitution prohibits the $5.04/capita, much of it on senior transpor- use of gas tax revenues for non-highway expenses and tation. New Hampshire in comparison spent we lack revenue mechanisms used in other states to MUNICIPALITIES & OTHER PARTNERS $1.00/capita. More than half that amount was support transit. Figures A & B show New Hampshire for short term mitigation for a turnpike Towns & Cities construction project that concluded in 2020. trailing far behind other New England states in per Private Partners capita state spending on public transportation; and Figure B shows New Hampshire in comparison ranked 49th out of 50 in combined federal and state to our New England peer states and breaks out transit investment. transit operating assistance from overall spend- FAREBOX REVENUE ing. The $200,000 in annual operating assis- This situation is compounded by the COVID-19 pan- Nominal fee paid by riders tance provided in the State’s SFY2020-2021 demic. While federal aid has temporarily increased biennial budget would equate to $0.15/capita, under the CARES Act, the economic disruption of the though these funds are currently not being pandemic threatens municipal funding in the coming released due to COVID related state revenue years as well as critical advertising revenue that has OTHER REVENUE shortfalls. Figure A shows combined state and According to the US DOT federal spending on public transportation by traditionally back lled shortfalls in public funding. In Bus Advertising Bureau of Transportation 2020 the state legislature approved a small amount of statistics, NH ranks 49th in state in 2019, with New Hampshire ranking Contracts Total Public Transportation 49th out of 50. general funding for transit operating assistance Charitable Donations Funding for all states, including federal & state ($200,000 statewide) though this too has been with- allocations. held due to COVID-induced revenue shortfalls. FIGURE B: STATE FUNDING IN NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL GRANT FUNDS STATE OF NH Source: 2020 AASHTO Report Using FY2018 Data 2018 State Per Capita 2018 State 2018 Per Capita In recent years, New Hampshire has not State 2018 Population Funding for Funding for Funding Funding Urbanized Area Formula provided guaranteed transit operating Operating Operating funds to small and large urbanized transit Massachusetts 6,902,149 $2,105,381,276 $305.03 $1,493,586,393 $216.39 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & systems, or has only provided a nominal Connecticut 3,572,665 $651,477,883 $182.35 $376,188,456 $105.30 Individuals with Disabilities amount. Rhode Island 1,057,315 $58,441,037 $55.27 $52,182,561 $49.35 The only New England state to allocate Vermont 626,299 $7,955,199 $12.70 $6,638,732 $10.60 NO state funds for general public transit Rural Area Formula operating support. Public Transit funds The NH DOT has historically Maine 1,338404 $1,540,322 $1.15 $1,147,845 $0.86 that are allocated by the State of NH provided half of the local match New Hampshire* 1,336,458 $570,941 $0.42 $0 $0 amounts to only $0.42 per capita, the lowest of the 6 New England states. * Does not include turnpike toll revenues used for short-term Bus & Bus Facilities on Rolling Stock (vehicle) Per Capita Funding National Average: $58.69 Spaulding Turnpike construction mitigation projects. purchases. Per Capita Funding National Median: $5.04 With $200,000 state match for SFY2020 (in budget but not distributed due to COVID-19: $0.15/capita CHALLENGE: Federal infrastructure funding has not kept pace with in ation; New Hampshire is disadvantaged in federal apportionment formulas; and match rules for transit are stricter than for highway funding. SOLUTIONS: FEDERAL Work with the Congressional delegation to: CHALLENGE: Increase and index the federal gas tax to at least equal 1991 buying power in real terms. Adjust USDOT apportionment formulas for fairness (so NH doesn’t lag behind other states with The cost of mandated ADA service has far exceeded fewer road miles and lower populations). the expected 10% of a system’s operating budget. Make farebox revenue match-eligible just as gas tax and toll credits are eligible as match for highway funds.
CHALLENGE:
New Hampshire’s per capita investment in transit is barely a tenth of the national median, and state gas SOLUTIONS: tax revenues barely cover highway maintenance needs let alone modernization. Establish a dedicated state funding stream for public transit operating assistance.
STATE CHALLENGE: Conduct an additional study on unmet existing and future needs, such as ADA paratransit, older adult mobility and employment access (increased coverage and The most recent statewide transit assessment identified service frequency) particularly in communities that are currently served. unmet needs for connections among communities not already served, but also highlighted the need for an additional study on unmet needs in communities already served.
SOLUTIONS: CHALLENGE: Aid municipalities in funding transit outside the property tax such as enabling Municipalities already have di culty back lling lack towns to increase supplemental vehicle registration fees under RSA 261:153 from LOCAL of state and federal investment. This situation is $5/year to $10/year at local voters’ discretion. compounded by COVID-19. Form additional public private partnerships. URBAN TRANSIT AGENCIES
In New Hampshire, ve agencies serve Urbanized Areas. Due to the predominantly rural nature of our State these agencies also provide service to rural areas in their immediate vicinity. Operating funding for Urban Transit agencies comes from a variety of sources which include FTA 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program Grants, and FTA 5310 Formula Funds for Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. The two primary service models for these agencies are regu- Cooperative Alliance for larly scheduled “Fixed-Route” Buses and Paratransit Service which is Seacoast Transportation mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act to compliment the (COAST) xed route service and provide equal access for people who have Manchester Transit Serving the Seacoast area disabilities. Authority (MTA) including Portsmouth Serving the Manchester Dover, Somersworth, area with xed route Rochester, Newington, service and express buses and Farmington. to Nashua & Concord. MILES OF SERVICE: 597,656 mi Demand response service in 9 communities from Hooksett to Salem. MILES OF SERVICE: 235 sq mi
Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation Nashua Transit System (CART) (NTS) Serving Chester, Derry, Serving the City of Nashua Hampstead, Londonderry with xed route service and and Salem. demand resopnse service in University Transportation Hudson, Merrimack, Hollis, Services - Wildcat Transit Brookline, Amherst, Milford, Serving Durham, Dover, Wilton, and Mont Vernon. Madbury, Newmarket, MILES OF SERVICE: 645,877 miles Portsmouth, and Newington. MILES OF SERVICE: 389,148 What transit looks like in communities across URBAN TRANSIT AGENCIES New Hampshire...
NASHUA TRANSIT SYSTEM (NTS) COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE FOR SEACOAST TRANSPORTATION
About: Successes: About: impacted commuting and other travel patterns within the region over the past decade and Nashua Transit System provides xed route Competitive grants have funded several key The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transpor- more. It also recognized COAST’s need to work service within the City of Nashua and to Walmart aspects of NTS transit infrastructure including tation (COAST) champions and provides with a diminished budget overall. Ultimately, the in Amherst, NH. Additionally, NTS provides the replacement of rolling stock, facility customer-focused public transportation with a new system was designed to best meet passen- paratransit service to 9 communities within the improvements, and expansion for new services. commitment to excellence in safety and service. gers’ and communities’ needs, within the Greater Nashua and Milford regions. NTS recently received a 5339 grant to improve Our vision is to be an innovative leader in budgetary realities faced, for the foreseeable the passenger experience through a variety of providing a broad range of public transportation future. NTS o ers a clean, safe, comfortable, a ordable technology enhancements such as real time bus services, connecting and coordinating a robust and environmentally friendly way for passen- tracking and wi- . network of transportation options for everyone. gers to get where they need to go in Nashua. COAST has provided public transit service to the Challenges: With over 400 bus stops throughout the City, Challenges: Seacoast New Hampshire region since 1982. At the current 1 hour frequency on all fixed there is ample access to public transit. Riders Increasing demand for ADA paratransit services route services our services are too infrequent have expressed interest in increased frequency, as the population ages. Successes: for many choice riders. After nearly two years of extensive analysis, Exploding demand for ADA paratransit added service to other cities and additional Operating costs are increasing far faster than SERVICE AREA hours on current routes. SERVICE AREA design, redesign, outreach and consideration of services from a growing elderly population. Serving the City of Nashua with the rate of in ation that is considered as part Serving Farmington, Rochester, feedback received from riders, community xed route service and demand of Federal or municipal budgeting. Somersworth, Dover, Newington, Operating costs are increasing far faster than resopnse service in Hudson, In order to attract new riders and be viable in the Portsmouth, Newmarket, members and nancial stakeholders as part of Insufficient dedicated operating funding the rate of in ation that is considered as part Merrimack, Hollis, Brookline, future, we must stay current and continuously Stratham, Exeter, Berwick (ME), COAST’s recent Comprehensive Operations Amherst, Milford, Wilton, and from Federal and State governments. South Berwick (ME), Eliot (ME) of Federal or municipal budgeting. Mont Vernon. adapt to technology and the needs of our and Kittery (ME) Analysis, our redesigned public transit system Lack of adequate and stable state operating passengers and community. Limited funding to increase service frequency was launched in June 2020. The plan recognizes and expand service to Sundays. and re ects how changes in the region have support for our regional network of public SERVICE MODELS SERVICE MODELS transit services. Fixed Route Fixed Route Paratransit Service Demand Response with advance On-Demand Night Service reservation QUICK STATS QUICK STATS 2019 RIDERSHIP: 452,221 2019 RIDERSHIP: 402,521 MILES OF SERVICE: 645,877 MILES OF SERVICE: 597,656 # OF BUS STOPS: 420 # OF BUS STOPS: 440
WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY: WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY: NTS is a real game changer for this city and its residents! Love I have almost reached an age where I will give up my car but Thank you COAST. We need public transportation. Without it, all My wife bene ts greatly from COAST’s van service for the all of the drivers, Paratransit and o ce personnel. Always kind still want to live and enjoy life, being around people involved of us who are not fortunate enough to have a car, are disabled disabled. It allowed her to keep her job, and in retirement it and committed to getting you where you need to be. My life with events keeps one young and vital, keeps depression or unable to drive, or those who wish to help the environment in gets her to and from medical appointments. would be very di erent without this service! away. Public transportation is so valuable to seniors. any small ways would have nothing.
#1: Appeal to a younger #2: Explore new service #3: Form public-private #1: Change perceptions to #2: Actively engage our #3: Promote scal FUTURE generation of riders by models such as on-demand partnerships with local FUTURE ensure that public transportation stakeholders in collaborative stewardship of public implementing technology to reach riders not on xed businesses and establish is widely accepted as a reliable, e orts to be responsive to the transportation. GOALS: such as real-time bus tracking routes. employee pass programs. GOALS: comfortable, convenient mode region’s changing needs. & trip planning tools. of choice for everybody. What transit looks like in communities across URBAN TRANSIT AGENCIES New Hampshire...
MANCHESTER TRANSIT AUTHORITY (MTA) UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - WILDCAT TRANSIT
About: Doubled frequency on Route 8 (S. Willow About: We have the largest mixed fuel eet in the state. MTA started in 1973 and for the rst 35 years, Street corridor) in Sep 2020 and ridership is University Transportation Services, otherwise More than half of our eet operates on was primarily focused on public transit within already beating pre-Covid 19 levels! known as Wildcat Transit, operates three fixed compressed natural gas, the other half operates the City of Manchester. Beginning in 2010, we Will conclude a xed route eet replacement routes serving the local communities of Dover, on biodiesel. Our next goal is to incorporate aimed to restructure the system to better meet in 2021 that matches vehicle sizes to passen- Durham, Madbury, Newington, Newmarket, and some electric buses into our eet. the regional needs of our riders and establish ger demand and leverages funding sources Portsmouth New Hampshire and an basic connectivity with area communities and for the highest return possible. open-to-the-public Campus Connector with We have been successful in getting CMAQ neighboring transit systems. MTA is now the several routes serving the UNH campus area. (Congestion Mitigation Air Quality) grants to primary transit provider in nearly a dozen Challenges: help us purchase new buses for our eet replacement program. We do not receive any communities ranging in size from New Boston to Securing funding for much needed higher Successes: federal operating assistance. Manchester and we hope to keep the success frequency in our core fixed route system. Local University Transportation Services successfully going to bring transit access to even more NH property tax dollars as they are generally the trains and assists an average of 25 drivers in residents in the short and medium term. only source of local match for operating. getting their commercial drivers’ license every Challenges: year. Many of our drivers are UNH students. We • Sta ng (lack of drivers) Designing and upgrading a passenger facility SERVICE AREA Successes: SERVICE AREA give students an opportunity to grow within the • Budget Reductions Fixed routes in the Manchester to a single multi-modal transit center that can Serving Durham, Dover, Madbury, department so they can have something to put • Declining Ridership area with express buses to Merged with CART in October 2019 expand- accommodate both rail and transit riders. Newmarket, Portsmouth, and Nashua & Concord. Demand ing MTA service to ve new communities. Newington. on their resume when they graduate. We have response in 9 communities from Securing long-term funding. MTA relies on had several students graduate from UNH and Hooksett to Salem. local property tax dollars appropriated become involved in the management of other annually. SERVICE MODELS SERVICE MODELS transit agencies, both within, and outside of Fixed Route Fixed Route New Hampshire. Intercity Express (UNH students, sta & faculty) Paratransit Service Campus Connector Demand Response (open to the public) Deviated Fixed Route QUICK STATS QUICK STATS 2019 RIDERSHIP: 413,561 2019 RIDERSHIP: 1,089,648 MILES OF SERVICE: 235 sq mi MILES OF SERVICE: 389,148 # OF BUS STOPS: 300+ # OF BUS STOPS: 190 WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY: WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY: Moving from NY to NH was scary for us because we depended on I would like to commend the drivers and administrators working for Wildcat The reason I take Wildcat Transit is because it I cannot say enough positive things about the service and what the use of public transit to get around. When we moved to Salem Transit. I was an undergrad here in Durham and now I am beginning a second is the cleanest, safest, and most professional it means to me. I would not have the quality of life that I have if and found CART services we were thrilled. Because we are able to Masters program, and also work in Portsmouth, and I play hockey in Dover. As bus company in the whole area; it's my #1 it were not for the service and the amazing people who run it. maintain our independence...It’s necessity and a huge convenience I do not have a vehicle Wildcat Transit has been a huge help in my continuing choice of transportation! Everyone...treats you like family and not like an inconvenience to be able to get not only to our medical appointments...but great employment and UNH class attendance and other activities. Many thanks to and it is breathtaking to see that, especially in these times. for us being able to get out for shopping and basic necessities. Genevieve and the other drivers for being friendly and professional!
#1: Higher frequency! #2: Free fare. It is relatively little #3: Accessibility. Our new buses #1: Increase ridership #2: Update our eet to #3: Provide top quality FUTURE Our most frequent buses prior cost considering we’re already are more accessible than ever FUTURE include some electric buses. service to meet our to this fall, run once per hour. subsidizing the rst $6.40. For 60¢ and allow us to better serve all passenger’s needs. more we could see an increase in members of our community, GOALS: ridership of 30% or more. especially those with a disability. GOALS: RURAL
Grafton County Senior TRANSIT AGENCIES Citizens Council (GCSCC) Serving Grafton County There are ve agencies providing public transportation and its 8 senior centers. services to New Hampshire’s Rural Communities. Additional- MILES OF SERVICE: 182,356 ly, there are numerous 5310 funded agencies providing Tri County Transit transportation services throughout the state. The service (TCCAP) models for these agencies are varied and focus on providing Serving Coos, Carroll the most e ective solution based on the demographic and and Grafton counties. geographic situation in their service area. Most of New Hampshire’s Rural Agencies provide some version of demand response service to meet rider’s transportation needs. In areas with higher population density, regularly Advance Transit scheduled xed route services are also provided. Rural Serving New Hampshire’s Agencies receive funding through FTA 5311 Formula Grants Upper Valley and Vermont for Rural Areas, FTA 5310 Formula Funds for Enhanced including Hanover, Lebanon, Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities and En eld, Canaan, Norwich, VT other sources as varied as their service modes. As this map and Hartford, VT. illustrates, Rural Agencies are widely separated mostly by MILES OF SERVICE: 566,063 topographic boundaries meaning that connections to services outside of the local area are limited or non-existent. Rural Transportation Service (RTS) Supporting transportation needs throughout the state are Serving Belknap and also a number of community support agencies. These agen- Merrimack counties. cies assist their clients with a variety of needs including MILES OF SERVICE: 103,918 transportation and receive some FTA 5310 Formula Funds for that service. Sullivan County Transportation Serving the Upper Valley including Claremont, Charlestown and Newport.
MILES OF SERVICE: 104,524 Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services (HCS) Concord Area Transit Serving the City of Keene; also (CAT) periodic service to medical facilities Serving the City of Concord, at the VA in White River Junction and Penacook, Boscawen, Bow, at Dartmouth Hitchcock in Lebanon. Pembroke, and Suncook. MILES OF SERVICE: 115 MILES OF SERVICE: 188,437 What transit looks like in communities across RURAL TRANSIT AGENCIES New Hampshire...
ADVANCE TRANSIT (AT) CONCORD AREA TRANSIT (CAT)
About: By scal 2019 AT’s xed route ridership had About: Looking to the future, CAT would like to increase Advance Transit’s operations are funded increased by 293% over scal 2001, a most Since 1989, Concord Area Transit (CAT) has frequency on all routes, extend service hours through a diverse range of federal, state and convincing argument that fare-free worked and provided public transportation service to the into the evening and explore providing more local funds including contributions from munici- was responsive to rider needs. residents, visitors, nonpro t organizations and service to surrounding communities. These palities, major community institutions including businesses of the City of Concord. CAT’s mission service expansions and the addition of new Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Hitchcock Fare-free not only increased ridership but also is to provide safe, accessible, a ordable, custom- technologies like real-time bus tracking and Medical Center as well as successful philanthro- contributed to increased e ciency of opera- er-centered public transportation that responds online ride reservations will keep the service py and community sponsorship programs. tions. AT consistently has consistently had the to, and serves the transit and economic develop- current and relevant and help attract new riders. Among rural transit operations, Advance Transit lowest small town cost per passenger mile and ment needs of our great city. has been credited with developing one of the the highest small town boardings per hour as Challenges: most innovative and diversi ed funding packag- measured by both the Vermont Agency of Trans- Successes: Insu cient operating funds from federal and es to support operations. portation and the New Hampshire Department For over 30 years CAT has been awarded state governments. of Transportation. competitive grants and has secured donations Increased need for demand response service Successes: needed for operating, planning and capital for seniors and riders with disabilities. SERVICE AREA In scal 2003, the rst full year of fare-free, Challenges: expenses. With a recently renewed eet in place Serving the Upper Valley of New SERVICE AREA Need to improve the image and perception Hampshire and Vermont including ridership on AT increased by 76.3% over scal Federal and State Funding Serving the City of Concord, CAT is now poised to complete a route system of public transportation in order to attract Hanover, Lebanon, En eld and 2001, the last full year when fares were charged. Municipal Funding Penacook, Boscawen, Bow, redesign that will make timing and stop adjust- choice riders. Canaan in New Hampshire and Pembroke, and Suncook Norwich and Hartford in Vermont By scal 2019 AT’s xed route ridership had Shrinking pool of quali ed maintenance, ments on all three xed routes and extend increased by 293% over scal 2001, a most driver and management candidates in the service out to Manchester street and into a SERVICE MODELS convincing argument that fare-free worked and industry previously unserved section of the city. was responsive to rider needs. Maintaining a Fare-Free system Accessible Fixed Route SERVICE MODELS Park and Ride Shuttles Accessible Fixed Route ADA Paratransit ADA Paratransit Senior Demand Response QUICK STATS QUICK STATS 2019 RIDERSHIP: 909,715 2019 RIDERSHIP: 82,403 MILES OF SERVICE: 566,063 MILES OF SERVICE: 188,487 # OF BUS STOPS: 168 # OF BUS STOPS: 111
WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY: WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY: You are life-savers for those of us who no longer drive. I use the Your service makes it possible for Chris to be employed and Excellent driver! I feel very safe (when riding the bus). Your (Your driver) is kind, considerate, helpful and makes the entire Brown and Blue buses a lot. Michael (with the big black beard) get to work. He thrives on his independence in traveling the driver provides good customer service, has good attitude and experience so much nicer. is a ne young driver. I’m 90 years old and he is so thoughtful Upper Valley. You and your drivers are an integral part of his was very helpful. and watchful of my entrance and exit from the bus. life and we thank you.”
#1: Ensuring nancial stability #2: Implementing service #3: Retaining and recruiting #2: Appeal to choice riders by #3: Increase public/private through funding sources and planning, development and the sta necessary to continue #1: Complete route adjust- FUTURE ensuring access to capital. prioritization in the core service to distinguish AT through FUTURE ment to better align transfers implementing technology partnerships to help diversify area. outstanding customer service and improve e ciency. using real time bus tracking funding and provide access to GOALS: while also ensuring the GOALS: and trip planning tools. potential riders. management depth necessary for continued success. What transit looks like in communities across RURAL TRANSIT AGENCIES New Hampshire...
HOME HEALTHCARE HOSPICE & COMMUNITY SERVICES (HCS) SULLIVAN COUNTY TRANSPORTATION
About: Successes: About: phase of connecting Sullivan County to lower Transportation programs at Home Healthcare, HCS Transportation is now working with region- Sullivan County is located in southwestern New Grafton County. (Claremont/Newport to the Hospice and Community Services (HCS) include al and city planning efforts determining the Hampshire and covers an area of 552 square Lebanon/Dartmouth Hitchcock area) These new the City Express public transportation and feasibility of a multi modal transit center in miles. It consists of 15 municipalities and is the routes will assist riders with the demand of paratransit, the Friendly Bus on demand service downtown Keene. As Keene works to go green second least populated county in New Hamp- getting to the Upper Valley for medical appoint- for older adults and the Medical Express service in the next decade, HCS transportation shire. Population as of 2016 was 43,051. ments, shopping and work. to facilities in White River Junction and at programs can be a piece of this complex puzzle. Dartmouth Hitchcock in Lebanon. These We currently operate three deviated xed Challenges: services offer safe, reliable transportation in the routes, in the municipalities of Claremont, Having the adequate funding to o er City of Keene and beyond for riders of all ages. Challenges: Charlestown, Newport. Route deviation is competitive wages/bene ts for drivers. Aging population available up to ¼ of a mile. Dial-A-Ride service Being able to have the transportation The City Express stops at 32 locations in the City Insufficient operating funding, particularly for operates in Claremont, and a Volunteer Driver resources whether it is VDP/public bus routes of Keene and where the bus can be flagged to on demand services Program available to all residents of Sullivan or TNC, to reach our entire service area. safely stop, giving riders from throughout the Attracting younger riders County. Having the marketing resources/technology SERVICE AREA City access. Our Friendly Bus and Medical SERVICE AREA to assist in the perception of our public Serving the City of Keene; also Serving the Upper Valley periodic service to medical Express Services offer door to door service to including Claremont, Charlestown Successes: transportation. (Its for everyone, not just facilities at the VA in White River provide mobility and independence to elders of and Newport. During the pandemic SCT did reduce the hours elderly) Junction and at Dartmouth Hitchcock in Lebanon, NH our community. on some of our routes for a few months, howev- er, SCT has remained open during the pandemic. SERVICE MODELS SERVICE MODELS SCT has also been in the planning Fixed Route Deviated Fixed Route Paratransit Demand Response Door-to-door service for Senior Citizens
QUICK STATS QUICK STATS 2019 RIDERSHIP: 33,682 2019 RIDERSHIP: 18,165 MILES OF SERVICE: 115 MILES OF SERVICE: 104,524 # OF BUS STOPS: 32 # OF BUS STOPS: 28
WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY: WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY: I have used the Friendly Bus since I moved here in 2006… Just wanted to let you know how lucky we are to have the Your bus drivers are so kind and helpful when I ride the bus. I Thank you to SCT for your service. Without it I wouldn’t be I appreciate the service. Friendly Bus in our area. I never knew how much until I am new to the area and they have been very helpful with able to get to work in Newport from Charlestown. I cannot needed it. I gave up my driving a month ago at age 84 and suggestions regarding places in town. a ord the price of the taxi to get that far. decided to give it a try. ….a great big thank you to all of you!
#1: Appeal to a broad #2: Find nancially feasible #3: Maintain a high level of #1: Expand service to include #2: Updating our schedules, #3: Continue with marketing FUTURE spectrum of riders by provid- ways to acquire and operate service to older and disabled FUTURE a Lebanon route operating for routes, and times to become a that explains that SCT is public ing “big city service” in a small environmentally friendly riders while appealing to Newport and Claremont user friendly system. Ensure transportation service that is GOALS: town. vehicles to assist the City to younger riders. GOALS: residents. that our schedules are easy to available to all, not just elderly meet its green targets. read and understand. and disabled riders. SPOTLIGHT ON NEW HAMPSHIRE’S 5310 funded agencies
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & People with Disabilities GRAFTON COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL (GCSCC)
FTA 5310 Formula Funds for Enhanced Mobility of About: Successes: Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities and other GCSCC has eleven lift-equipped buses to trans- GCSCC has developed a new delivery service to sources are as varied as their service modes. Rural port older and disabled adults to medical assist homebound adults during the pandemic. Agencies are widely separated mostly by topographic appointments, shopping, or the local senior Instead of transporting people, as we were boundaries meaning that connections to services center. Last year, the Council provided 33,666 pre-COVID, GCSCC now uses its fleet of buses to outside of the local area are limited or non-existent. rides to 847 passengers. Ninety-three percent of deliver shelf-stable food, Meals on Wheels, our survey respondents said that this service library books, prescriptions, groceries, and other SERVICE MODELS helps make it possible for them to remain living essential supplies. By delivering these items Supporting transportation needs throughout the state Door-to-door transportation in their own home. Our Door-to-Door service directly to the homes of vulnerable adults, for older and disabled adults are also a number of community support agencies. provides direct pickup and dropoff at requested GCSCC is taking an active role in keeping These agencies assist their clients with a variety of times, within our hours of operation. high-risk individuals safe during the pandemic. needs including transportation and receive some FTA 5310 Formula Funds for that service. #1: Ensure older adults and #2: Expand transportation #3: Communicate with our adults with disabilities living in services to include delivery of target population and their Two of these 5310 funded agencies are detailed on the FUTURE Grafton County have access to essential items to homebound families to increase awareness following page. door-to-door transportation adults. of our transportation program GOALS: service. among the growing number of older adults in our region.
Other 5310 funded agencies include: - BMCAP - Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. RURAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES (RTS) - Community Partners (Behavioral Health & DSSC) - Easter Seals New Hampshire, Inc. About: Successes: - Friends Program, Inc. The Rural Transportation Service (RTS) bus CAPBMCI RTS services has been providing safe, system provides door-to-door transportation convenient transportation to seniors and - Grafton County Senior Citizens Council (GCSCC) services for individuals 60 years and older or individuals with disabilities across Belknap and - Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) with disabilities within Belknap and Merrimack Merrimack Counties for over 20 years. In Decem- - Lakes Region Mental Health Center (LRMHC, formerly Genesis) Counties in NH. ber of 2019 Transportation Services Dispatch - Monadnock Adult Care Center Center assumed responsibility for coordination SERVICE MODELS Without the RTS bus, I would not be able to get to of RTS services allowing the dispatch team to - Rockingham Nutrition and Meals on Wheels Fully accessible my doctor appointments. I have a chronic illness determine the most e cient or appropriate - Rural Transportation Services (RTS) demand-response that requires monthly appointments and do not service for every ride request seamlessly for have family in the area to help. - Southwestern Community Services (SCS) individual riders across the region. - Southern NH Services - Sta ord County Community Action Program #1: Provide safe, comfortable #2: Implement new technolo- #3: Increase public/private FUTURE and convenient transportation gies that will facilitate better partnerships to help diversify - Souhegan Valley Transportation Collaborative (SVTC) to our riders. coordination of vehicles and funding and provide access to - Tri-County Community Action Program (TCCAP) GOALS: drivers and provide better potential riders. - VNA at Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services safety oversight. Our collective roadmap for increasing transit use VISION FOR THE FUTURE and connecting communities ... 1. Better Serve Older Adult Populations 3. build ridership to improve Transit system productivity The number of people over age 65 in for paratransit services under the No public transit system in the world attract new riders to better distribute New Hampshire is projected to almost Americans with Disabilities Act. fully supports itself out of the farebox, the xed costs of running a bus. Transit double in the next 20 years, growing but fare revenue is a critical piece of the agencies are building ridership from 220,672 in 2015 to 373,209 in New Hampshire’s stated goal is for funding puzzle. Can transit fares just be through outreach programs like travel 2030 to 408,522 in 2040. According to older adults to be able to age in place raised to the point they cover the cost of training that orients new customers to AARP one in ve Americans over age with dignity. Achieving this will running the buses? Unfortunately it’s not riding the bus; through gami cation 65 doesn’t drive. That’s nearly 75,000 require far better transportation that easy. Transit ridership is sensitive to like commuter challenges where non-driving older adults by 2030. capacity than we have currently, fare prices just as it is to gas prices but in companies compete to reduce Transportation needs of a growing through public transit agencies and reverse. As gas prices rise more people automobile trips; and through ameni- older adult population are already especially through non-pro t volun- take transit; but as fares go up, ridership ties like guaranteed ride home showing up in burgeoning demand teer driver programs. goes down. Running a bus with fewer programs where riders who unexpect- riders, even paying higher fares, is ine - edly need to leave work mid-day for cient and self-defeating. A goal for all sick child or family crisis can use a NEEDS & CHALLENGES transit agencies in New Hampshire is to voucher to call a taxi.
Expand eligible trip purposes for senior transportation programs beyond medical appointments – grocery, pharmacy NEEDS & CHALLENGES and social trips can be just as important to quality of life. Provide ongoing funding for Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) that work with major employers to Expand funding for Volunteer Driver Program (VDP) coverage to include all communities in NH with adequate capacity encourage transit and other alternatives to driving. to meet a substantial share of projected senior trip need. Create value in the private sector to incentivize partnership. Increase travel training to orient older riders to xed route bus systems where they exist. Fund and implement technologies that enhance the customer experience.
2. Connect People to Employment & Services 4. Continue to Improve Service Coordination A core function of public transporta- workforce or address localized parking Due in part to lack of centralized and human service agencies around support transportation services. tion is connecting people to jobs. In challenges. Yet today only 34 out of funding for transportation, many the state have been working to Additional opportunities exist if many cases workers in lower to middle 244 New Hampshire communities non-pro t human service agencies improve service coordination through additional state agencies participate wage jobs can’t a ord to live in the have regular local or regional xed around New Hampshire have devel- the State Coordinating Council for actively in coordination e orts and are cities or towns where they work, route bus service. A key need going oped their own transportation capaci- Community Transportation (SCC) and willing to revisit how they fund trans- forced out by rising home prices and forward in New Hampshire is improv- ty to get clients to medical appoint- nine Regional Coordination Councils portation. As an example, Vermont rental rates. Some can’t a ord a car, or ing employment transportation ments, congregate meal sites, after (RCCs). A goal is to establish regional coordinates Medicaid transportation share a car with a spouse such that one connections between communities. school programs and volunteering call centers that schedule trips for through its regional transit agencies, member of the couple needs alternate This requires not just running a bus a opportunities. Multiple agencies multiple agencies. Support for coordi- while New Hampshire contracts with transportation. Transit is critical for few times a day on weekdays, but with scheduling their own vehicles in nation work has come largely from Medicaid Managed Care Organiza- these riders holding their jobs, and in adequate frequency to meet varied isolation can mean duplicative costs, Federal Transit Administration funds tions that contract with transportation some cases is also critical for employ- shift start and end times including ine cient use of specialized sta and through NHDOT, but more than 65 brokers. ers to attract and hold their evenings and weekends. missed opportunities to combine trips federal programs administered though. Since 2006 transit agencies through state agencies can be used to NEEDS & CHALLENGES
New state and federal resources are needed for service expansion as existing funds are largely programmed. NEEDS & CHALLENGES (e.g. indexing the federal gas tax and establishing a dedicated state funding stream.) Create better connections to other modes of transportation Establish pilot subsidies for vanpools at employment clusters that lack adequate density to support regular bus service. Establish a statewide Mobility Manager to engage other state agencies beyond NHDOT in the SCC and RCCs, and back Establish Commercial Drivers License (CDL) training programs through community colleges to help alleviate driver this with a gubernatorial directive in order to facilitate connections to the most e ective transportation solutions. shortages. Easier and more attractive to get a CDL. • Assess the e ectiveness of current state Medicaid transportation spending. Nashua Transit System AGENCY (NTS) Camille Pattison [email protected] CONTACTS 603-880-0100 ridebigblue.com
Advance Transit (AT) Grafton County Senior Sullivan County Van Chesnut Citizens Council (GCSCC) Transportation [email protected] Carole Zangla Teri Palmer 802-295-1824 [email protected] [email protected] advancetransit.com 603-448-4897 603-542-9609 gcscc.org scshelps.org
Community Action Program-BMC, Inc. (CAPBMCI) Home Healthcare Hospice Tri-County Transit Concord Area Transit (CAT) & Community Services (TCCAP) Rural Transportation Service (HCS) Christine Lee (RTS) Susan Ashworth [email protected] Terri Paige [email protected] 603-752-1741 [email protected] 603-352-2253 tricountytransit.org 603-225-1989 hcsservices.org concordareatransit.com
Cooperative Alliance for Manchester Transit University Transportation Seacoast Transportation Authority (MTA) Services - Wildcat Transit (COAST) Mike Whitten Beverly Cray Rad Nichols [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 603-623-8801 603-862-2328 603-743-5777 mtabus.org unh.edu/transportation coastbus.org
Bureau of Transportation Statistics State Committee on Aging (SCOA) Federal & State Funding for Public Transit, 2019 NH State Plan on Aging, 2019
American Association of State Highway American Association of Retired Transportation O cials (AASHTO) People (AARP) Survey of State Funding for Public Transportation, 2020
National Transit Database (NTD) Funding Sources, 2019
Updated: March 2021