DOVER, NH: The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST), more commonly known as COAST, is proposing to make its Route 7 On Demand service that operates in Exeter, Stratham and Newmarket more flexible for riders beginning October 1.
Under the proposed plan, the advanced reservation service would now be available anywhere in Exeter and Newmarket. Service would continue to be available around the Market Basket shopping plaza in Stratham. Rockingham County Aging & Disability Resource Center (formerly ServiceLink) will also be an eligible destination. Service will continue to be available on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
Previously, Route 7 On Demand operated within a set corridor between the Exeter Train Station and the Newmarket gazebo via Portsmouth Avenue in Stratham and included designated stops in all three towns.
The proposed expanded flexible service is being funded by a generous grant from a local foundation and would continue until September 30, 2026. Continued service beyond September 2026 will be contingent on available funding.
Fares for the expanded service are $3.00 each way. The number of trips each rider takes each month may be limited if demand exceeds available funding.
“COAST is excited to make Route 7 On Demand service more flexible for riders in the Exeter and Newmarket,” said Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director. “The generous support we’ve received to expand this service—last year to include Fridays and now to eliminate set stops—demonstrates the powerful impact that local philanthropic investment can have on increasing access for everyone in our communities.”
The public is invited to learn more and share feedback about these proposed changes at two listening sessions. Sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at 4:00 p.m. at Exeter Public Library in Exeter and Thursday, September 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Newmarket Town Offices in Newmarket.
Route 7 On Demand is open to everyone and can be reserved up to two weeks in advance. To schedule a trip, riders can contact COAST's call center, TripLink, at 603-834-6010 by 5:00 p.m. the weekday before the day they wish to ride.
Some riders may also qualify for other local transportation options. TripLink uses a Common Application that allows people to apply for a number of nonprofit transportation services all at one time. In addition to COAST’s Route 7 On Demand, Exeter, Newmarket and Stratham residents can use the Common Application to sign up for Rockingham Nutrition & Meals on Wheels’ Senior Transportation, Community Rides, and volunteer rides provided by Transportation Assistance for Seacoast Citizens (TASC).
For more information about COAST’s Route 7 On Demand service can be found at coastbus.org/routes/route-7 and the Common Application can be found at communityrides.org.