Regional Economic Impact

For the past 40 years as the region's primary public transportation provider, COAST has been a growing and integral part of the region's economy. 

We have connected riders to their destinations over 15.6 million times, helping individuals affordably meet their travel needs, and facilitating an interconnected network of more economically competitive communities because of the provision of our services. We have a tremendous track record of success.

Our vision at COAST is to be an innovative leader in providing a broad range of public transportation services, connecting and coordinating a robust network of transportation options for everyone. 

A 2021 joint study by the Rockingham and Strafford Regional Planning Commissions on the Economic Benefits of COAST provides quantitative and qualitative insights into how our services impact the regional economy of the Greater Seacoast. The direct, indirect, and induced effects of our spending on the local economy in FY2019 were estimated to be $14M annually. The economic impact of access provided by COAST services in the same time period were estimated at $11M annually. The study concluded that every dollar invested in COAST public transportation services generates approximately $4.08 of activity in the local economy. 

As expressed in the Study through an extensive series of interviews with major employers, service sector employers, developers, and other professionals in healthcare, education, housing, and social services, COAST is an integral part of the inconnected Greater Seacoast region of New Hampshire.