At this time the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) has no plans to cancel or suspend service. We have the following notice regarding COVID-19 and its impact on our public transit system.
Last week was unprecedented for most, if not all, of us. We are likely all experiencing varying amounts of internal conflict and stress as we take in everything that we are hearing/seeing and then try to figure out how to best deal with. It can be overwhelming, but we must remember to stay calm and make decisions based on what we know.
COAST takes the health and safety of our passengers and staff seriously and we continue to closely monitor the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic. We understand that maintaining public transit service is a critically important public service for the Greater Seacoast. Without COAST, many residents can’t get where they want, or need, to be (i.e., grocery stores, doctor’s offices, pharmacies, work, etc.). As such, we are striving to maintain our services until such time as we may be directed by government or public health officials to do otherwise.
Again, at this time, we have no plans to suspend any of our services and all services are running on a normal schedule. We have increased the frequency and thoroughness of sanitizing and disinfecting our vehicles. Our staff continues to evaluate this dynamic situation and adapt as necessary. We will communicate any changes or cancellations of COAST services immediately through social media, DoubleMap app, on our website, and through the media.
There is a growing national movement toward implementing social distancing recommendations of a minimum of 6-feet in public spaces. Starting Monday, March 16, COAST is strongly encouraging the practice of maintaining safe social distances on our vehicles (to the maximum extent practicable) and at our facilities. To that end, only employees will be permitted at our Maintenance and Operations facility and our Administrative Offices. Vendors will be asked to only visit our properties when requested or otherwise necessary. Ticket and pass sales will only be handled through the mail, online or by phone. All COAST staff will be encouraged to maintain minimum social distancing standards while at work.
Like the steps many communities across New Hampshire have taken over the weekend, we are changing our approaches to how we serve the public. These are all important steps to help reduce exposures to the virus, while also attempting to maintain COAST’s public service.
Thank you and please practice good health habits.