DOVER, NH: The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, has received a $25,000 grant from the Foundation for Seacoast Health. The funds will support travel training for seniors in Portsmouth and the surrounding communities, and the creation of a set of educational videos about various aspects of using COAST’s services.
COAST provides a broad range of public transportation services that connect the people and communities of the greater Seacoast. Since 1982, COAST has given 17 million rides to people in the Greater Seacoast region, linking them to work, school, doctor appointments, shopping, and social events. COAST connects people and communities in two primary ways: with fixed route buses that serve ten communities in the Greater Seacoast area; and by providing demand response and paratransit services to 13 communities in New Hampshire and Maine.
Last fiscal year, ridership on COAST soared by over 28% to a total of 373,940 riders. They are expecting to carry approximately 400,000 riders in 2025. On average, between 20-30% of COAST riders would not be able to make their trip without public transportation.
“Operating in the second oldest state in the U.S., COAST plays a critical role in helping seniors to maintain their independence. By providing transportation options beyond driving, COAST keeps people connected to their communities and the services they rely on for support as they grow older,” said Rad Nichols, Executive Director of COAST. “We are grateful to the Foundation for Seacoast Health for investing in making sure all riders, and Portsmouth area seniors in particular, have the information and confidence to take advantage of this important resource.”
For more information about COAST, please visit www.coastbus.org.