Portsmouth Senior Transportation
Portsmouth Senior Transportation is a partnership between COAST and the City of Portsmouth to provide sustainable, safe, convenient, and comfortable transportation options to Portsmouth Seniors and eligible adults with disabilities. COAST offers a variety of shared-ride transportation services that are operated by COAST staff.
For complete information about this service, please view the Service Guide.
Who can use this service?
Portsmouth Senior Transportation is open to all Portsmouth residents who:
- are ages 62 and over
- have an eligible disability (ages 18-61)
Individuals who qualify under these conditions are eligible for subsidized trips with discounted fares (see section 3.0: Fares in the Service Guide).
Individuals from the general public who are 18 or older who do not qualify for the service under the eligibility conditions are eligible to use the service, but must pay the full cost of their trip (see section 3.0: Fares in the Service Guide).
When does the service operate?
Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where can I travel to?
When using Portsmouth Senior Transportation services, all trips must either originate or end within the City of Portsmouth. Trips may not exceed more than 5 miles beyond the Portsmouth City line, and must stay within New Hampshire, and Eliot or Kittery, Maine.
How much does it cost?
The fare you pay will vary based on the type of service you use. (See below.)
Non-Emergency Medical Trips FREE
Trip reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance, but must be made by 5:00 PM the weekday prior to your requested trip.
Trips to Seacoast Mental Health Center FREE
Trip reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance, but must be made by 5:00 PM the weekday prior to your requested trip.
Group Shopping Trips $2.00 each way
Schedule a ride on one of our group shopping trips!
Monday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Hannaford, Rite Aid, CVS, Plaza 800 on Islington St.
Wednesday 10:00 AM -11:30 AM
Walmart and Portsmouth Green Shopping Center on Lafayette Rd.
Thursday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Fox Run Mall & Trader Joe’s in Newington
Friday 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Market Basket, Whole Foods, & Rite Aid on Woodbury Ave.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic - NOTE: Expanded flexibility on group trips will end May 31, 2022.
Through May 31, 2022, Portsmouth Senior Transportation riders are not restricted to the days or hours of the group shopping trips when needing to go shopping. Senior Transportation riders can schedule a shopping trip to any of the locations currently served at any time Senior Transportation is operating (Monday – Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm). Additionally, COAST will pick up a Senior Transportation rider at 5:30am in order to get them to the senior shopping hours outlined below, for the stores with 6:00 am to 7:00 am hours. This temporary policy change is being implemented to promote social distancing and allow seniors greater flexibility to access the “senior only” hours at local shopping locations.
Starting June 1, 2022, group shopping trips will once more be limited to the days and hours advertised above.
Trips to Approved Senior Activities $3.00 each way
Schedule a trip with Portsmouth Senior Transportation to go to the following locations:
- Community Campus (Families First, Krempels, Senior Center)
- Portsmouth Library
- YMCA
- Spinnaker Point Gym
- Indoor Pool
- Gather Food Pantry
- Operation Blessing / Crossroads
- Connections Peer Support
- Seacoast Pathways
- Greenleaf Recreation Center
- Voting Locations on Election Days
- Portsmouth Recreation Department outings that otherwise fit within service guidelines
- Other locations upon review and approval
Trips to Volunteer Jobs $3.00 each way
Do you need a ride to your volunteer job? Schedule your trip with Portsmouth Senior Transportation for just $3!
Caregiver Trips $3.00 each way
Do you need a ride to care for or visit your loved one? Schedule your trip with Portsmouth Senior Transportation for just $3!
How do I pay?
For trips that require a fare, you can either pay with exact cash, or you can purchase a Multi-Ride Ticket.
Multi-Ride Tickets can be purchased:
- Online
- From your driver
- Over the phone at 603-743-5777, Option 3
- By mail, using this order form
- In person at COAST's Administrative Office
How do I sign up?
COAST uses the TripLink Common Application for all of its services. The Common Application allows applicants to apply for multiple transportation services at the same time. As part of the application you will need to provide documentation that you are eligible based on your age or disability status.
The TripLink Common Application can be completed online or you may download the pdf of the application. You may also request that a paper application be mailed to you by calling TripLink at 603-834-6010. Paper applications may be submitted by mail or fax.
How do I schedule trips?
Once your application has been accepted, you will be able to start booking trips.
Simply call TripLink at 603-834-6010. Our staff will be happy to assist you with scheduling your rides!
Trips on all Portsmouth Senior Transportation services require an advance reservation. No same-day trip requests are accepted.
How do I make multiple appointments for trips I take regularly (such as physical therapy)?
If you have regular recurring trips, like going to physical therapy on the same days of the week and at the same times, our staff can book your trips as a "standing order" for a defined period. Just ask our staff about this when you call TripLink.
Traveling with a Guest
All eligible passengers can bring one guest along with them. Your guest is required to pay the full fare. Please notify TripLink when you schedule your trip if you will have a guest with you.
Traveling with a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) or Caregiver
If you require a PCA/Caregiver to assist you during your ride or at your destination, that person is permitted to travel with you for free. Please notify TripLink when you schedule your trip if you will have a PCA/Caregiver with you.
Should I tip my driver?
While we hope that you enjoy your interactions with our staff and receive nothing but the best customer service at all times, we ask you to please refrain from offering your driver any tips or gifts. Simply letting us know that you appreciate our service is all the "tip" we need!
Please contact our staff at TripLink with any questions.