October is Community Transportation Month in New Hampshire: Statewide celebration seeks to raise awareness about transit resources available to Granite staters

The New Hampshire Transit Association (NHTA), in collaboration with the Statewide Coordinating Council for Community Transportation, has designated October as Community Transportation Month. The statewide celebration is an opportunity for transportation providers across New Hampshire to highlight and promote the types of public and community transportation available to Granite Staters.

In New Hampshire, Community Transportation, also known as public transit or local transportation, refers to a system of publicly or charitably subsidized services and infrastructure designed to provide convenient and affordable transportation options within a specific community or region. This typically includes buses, volunteer drivers, shuttles, vanpools, bicycle and pedestrian networks, and other specialized, on-demand services such as paratransit and non-emergency medical transportation.

“Currently, New Hampshire has a robust system of public and community transportation services that the public is often unaware of,” said Rad Nichols, chair of NHTA. “The goal of Community Transportation Month is to raise awareness among residents who are looking for affordable access to essential services, employment opportunities, education, and recreational activities while reducing congestion, pollution, and the reliance on private cars.”

As part of Community Transportation Month, transit operators across the state are encouraged to find creative ways to shine the light on the services they provide.

“There are so many ways NHTA members will be participating in Community Transportation Month,” said Nichols. “From #NHCelebratesTransit social media campaigns featuring rider stories and driver appreciation spotlights, to sticker and poster campaigns and participating in local events.”

The first week of Community Transportation Month in New Hampshire corresponds with the national Week Without Driving initiative—a national empathy and understanding campaign created to help those who can drive or afford to own a car learn firsthand about the barriers and challenges that nondrivers face.

COAST, which operates both fixed route and demand services in the Greater Seacoast region, plans to kick off Community Transportation Month by participating in the Week Without Driving national campaign.

“Several of members of COAST’s board of directors have agreed to take the Week Without Driving challenge as a way to celebrate Community Transportation Month,” said Vanessa Polychronis, Community and Employee Relations Manager. “We’ll be sharing their experiences—what worked, what was challenging—in an effort to spark discussion and awareness about what resources are out there for people who need and want to be able to get to work, school, shopping or medical appointments without using a personal vehicle.”

Chuck Saia, Chair of the State Coordination Council for Community Transportation underscored the importance of shining a light on community transportation services. “Many of our residents rely on these services to access jobs, healthcare, food and other basic needs. Our job as a council is to connect people to these services and foster an environment that can sustain existing services and create new ones to meet the need. October is the month when policy makers, providers and the public can celebrate strides that have been made to improve services and support efforts to Keep NH Moving!”

For more information about Community Transportation Month, public transit and community transportation agencies operating in New Hampshire, the NH Statewide Mobility Management Network, and other statewide resources, please visit www.nhtransit.org/community-transportation-month or KeepNHmoving.com.

About New Hampshire Transit Association

The mission of the New Hampshire Transit Association (NHTA) is to provide information, education, and support to transportation providers in New Hampshire and improve access to mobility for our citizens. The NHTA works to promote general awareness and support of public and paratransit service; encourages cooperation among members and the general public; aids members in dealing with special issues and legislation pertaining to public and paratransit; collects, compiles data and information relative to public and paratransit and makes it available to members and others; and provides a medium for exchange of experiences, discussion, and comparative study of transportation issues. More information can be found at www.nhtransit.org.

About the Statewide Coordinating Council for Community Transportation

The Statewide Coordinating Council for Community Transportation (SCC) was created by the General Court in 2007. Duties include convening state agencies, transportation providers, and other stakeholder groups to implement, and provide guidance for the coordination of community transportation options, set statewide coordination policies, and develop innovative strategies across sectors that address transportation barriers and sustainability of mobility services. Overall, the SCC is working to advance its vision for New Hampshire, an integrated system of safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation options that allow residents to maintain independence and participate in work and community life no matter their age or ability.

About Keep NH Moving

Keep New Hampshire Moving is the official website and transportation resource directory for the New Hampshire State Coordinating Council for Community Transportation and the Regional Coordination Councils. It has been designed to assist the public and professionals in learning and securing mobility services.  www.keepnhmoving.com