Service Notices & Changes

COAST will place information on upcoming service notices and schedule changes on this page. Specifics on the changes will be listed under the effective date.

For current information on our services, including where the bus is in real time, short term stop closures/detours, or temporary service suspensions, please use the Passio Go app.

Partial Service Curtailment Notice for Wednesday, April 3, 2024 and Full Service Curtailment for Thursday, April 4, 2024

COAST plans to end some services early on Wednesday, April 3 due to impending inclement weather. All services will be ending by 8:00pm.

Additionally all services will be curtailed on Thursday, April 4.

Details for the early curtailment of services on Wednesday, April 3 are listed below:

Routes 1, 6, 33, 34, 40, 42, and 100 will operate on their normal weekday schedules.

Last runs for other routes will be as follows:

Rte. 12N: 7:30pm from Dover Transportation Center

Route 12S: 6:55pm from Lilac Mall

Route 13N: 7:00pm from Hanover Station

Route 13S: 7:30pm from Dover Transportation Center

Route 14N: 6:44pm from Park and Ride

Route 14S: 8:00pm from Lilac Mall

Rte. 41: 7:00pm from Hanover Station / 7:30pm from Hillcrest Estates

Rte. 43: 7:00pm from Hanover Station / 7:30pm from Fox Run Mall

Rte. 44: 7:43pm from State/Atkinson / 7:45pm Government St. (PNSY Gate 1)

More Service Suspensions to be Lifted (effective 10/28/23)

COAST will resume hourly services during weekday afternoons on our Route 40 and 43 bus routes beginning on Monday, October 30.

Specifics on the changes going into effect include:

Route 40 in Portsmouth will run hourly all day between 6:00am and 7:00pm Monday - Friday. This includes a 3:00pm run that has not been part of the schedule since the new service started in 2020.
Route 43 in Portsmouth and Newington will run hourly all day between 6:45am and 8:00pm Monday - Friday. Route 43 will also resume the 3:00pm run on Saturdays starting October 28th.

We continue to seek to remove Saturday service suspensions as expeditiously as possible.

Recent Service Suspensions to be Partially Lifted (effective 10/16/23)

COAST will resume hourly services during weekday mornings and early afternoons on our Route 40 and 43 bus routes beginning on Monday, October 16. COAST was forced to suspend these services on September 1 due to an unexpected wave of unavailability among current staff. The return of several operators, as well as several new bus operators to the COAST team progressing successfully through training, has made the return of these services possible.

Specifics on the changes going into effect on Monday, October 16 include:

Route 40 in Portsmouth will run hourly between 6am and 1pm Monday - Friday. Afternoon and evening service will continue to run from 4pm through 8pm, but every other hour.
Route 43 in Portsmouth and Newington will run hourly between 7am and 4pm Monday - Friday. Evening service will continue to run from 6pm through 9pm, but every other hour.

We continue to seek to remove additional service suspensions as expeditiously as possible.

Some Suspended Runs Back in Operation

Effective Monday, September 11 the following weekday services began operating after temporary service suspensions were lifted.

Route 33

4:30pm outbound run from the Dover Transportation Center
4:59pm inbound run from the Strafford County Courthouse

Route 34

6:17pm inbound from Sumner Drive
6:30pm outbound from the Dover Transportation Center

Unexpected Driver Shortage Forcing New Temporary Suspension of Services

While COAST has been slowly reintroducing suspended services in the last few months with staffing improvements, a recent wave of unavailability among current staff is forcing new temporary service suspensions. The new suspensions will take effect on Friday, September 1.

After coming very close to renewing all weekday and Saturday services by mid-spring of this year, ridership has experienced a notable positive jump over the summer.

The primary reason COAST is suspending these services now is due to several current staff being out for a variety of reasons and are therefore are not available to drive. The goal is to get back to full operations as soon as possible.

Starting wages for CDL Bus Operators at COAST start at $25.20-$27.00 per hour. After a CDL Bus Operator completes their first year at COAST, the wage rate currently increases by an average of 14.6% per year through their third anniversary. COAST's wage scale is also increased annually, or more frequently when necessary, to account for market conditions and inflation. The organization regularly has overtime opportunities which result in time and a half for all hours worked over 40 in a week. COAST also offers a benefits package including medical, dental, disability, life, generous paid time off, SIMPLE IRA with employer match, and many others.

COAST is a mission driven public transit system, offering career-oriented jobs that positively impact the communities we operate in. When you leave work for the day at COAST, you know you made a real difference in people's lives.

COAST provides a comprehensive paid training program that allows operator to be fully prepared prior to driving routes on their own. Unfortunately, COAST cannot train drivers to get their commercial license, due to liability insurance restrictions. However, COAST can help CDL drivers earn their passenger endorsement, if needed.

Being a public transit bus operator can be an incredibly rewarding career, where every day you help your many passengers safely get to work or school and back, go to doctor appointments, make trips to the grocery store or local retailers, meet up with friends for a day or evening out, or otherwise go about their daily lives. COAST buses are "rolling neighborhoods" that represent each of the 13 communities in which we operate. Friendships are formed, life stories and struggles are shared, and successes are celebrated. COAST bus operators get to experience all that first-hand.

If you have a commercial driver's license and are looking for a change and a great work environment, please visit www.coastbus.org/careers.

Additional Weekday Service on Route 43 Starting Monday, May 22, 2023 (posted on 5/15/23)

Route 43 will be adding a new inbound from the Fox Run Mall to Hanover Station in Portsmouth at 1:30pm and 3:30pm on weekdays. There will also be a new outbound from Hanover Station to the Fox Run Mall at 3:00pm on weekdays.

Additional Service Resuming Starting Saturday, May 20, 2023 (posted on 5/15/23)

COAST is very pleased to announce that we are bringing back some of our Saturday service, starting on Saturday, May 20. Routes 1, 12, 13, 14, 33, 34, and 41 will run the same schedule as on weekdays. As a reminder, the Saturday version of Route 33 services the Dover Pool instead of the County Courthouse. Routes 40 and 43 will also have expanded service, running approximately every two hours on Saturday.

Route 7 On Demand Service Change Starting Saturday, May 20, 2023 (posted on 3/15/23)

After a year without Saturday service on Route 7 On Demand, COAST will be returning Route 7 On Demand service to its regular four days of Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday starting May 20, 2023. This means May 16 will be the last Tuesday with Route 7 On Demand Service and riders will be able to use Route 7 On Demand on Saturday starting May 20, 2023.

Service Curtailment Notice for Tuesday, March 14, 2023 (posted at 3pm on 3/13/23)

Due to the winter storm that will arrive overnight and result in a high rate of accumulating snow, wind, and significant snow totals, the decision has been made to curtail all service on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. "We really do not want to suspend service again this winter season, but feel this is the most sensible decision we could make based on the predicted conditions," stated Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director.

Based on the current forecast, COAST plans to return to normal operations on Wednesday.

Service Curtailment Notice for Saturday, March 4, 2023 (posted at 11:40am on 3/3/23)

Due to the winter storm that will arrive overnight and result in a high rate of accumulating snow, wind, and significant snow totals overall, the decision has been made to curtail all service on Saturday, March 4.

COAST plans to return to normal operations on Monday, March 6.

Service Curtailment Notice for Thursday February 23, 2023 (posted at 2:40pm on 2/22/23)

Due to the winter storm that is predicted to arrive overnight and result in moderate to heavy snow, with expected accumulating sleet and additional ice glazing, the decision has been made to curtail all service on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

Based on the current forecast, COAST plans to return to normal operations on Friday, February 24.

Partial Service Curtailment Notice for Wednesday, January 25, 2023

COAST plans to end some services early on Wednesday, January 25 due to impending inclement weather. All services will be ending by 7:00pm.

Routes 6, 34, 42, and 100 will operate on their normal weekday schedules.

Last runs for other routes will be as follows:

Rte. 1: 5:30pm from DTC / 5:55pm from Berwick

Rte. 12N: 6:30pm from DTC

Route 12S: 5:54pm from Lilac Mall

Route 13N: 6:00pm from Hanover Station

Route 13S: 6:30pm from DTC

Route 14N: 5:41pm from Park and Ride

Route 14S: 6:00pm from Lilac Mall

Rte. 33: 5:30pm from DTC / 5:59pm from Courthouse

Rte. 40: 5:00pm loop

Rte. 41 & 43: 6:00pm loop

Rte. 44: 6:36pm from Hanover Station / 6:47pm from PNSY

Service Curtailment Notice for Monday, January 23, 2023

Due to the winter storm that is predicted to arrive overnight and result in moderate to heavy snow, with the possibility of rain and a freezing rain mix, teh decision has been made to curtail all service on Monday, January 23, 2023. The mixing, rates of snowfall, visibility concerns and total amount predicted makes it look like travel will be very messy on Monday.

Based on the current forecast, COAST plans to return to normal operations on Tuesday. When service resumes, expect delays as storm cleanup may still be affecting the roads and walkways.

Partial Service Curtailment Notice for Friday, January 20, 2023

Due to the winter storm that is predicted to arrive overnight and result in moderate to heavy snow, with the possibility of a freezing rain mix, including a light glaze of ice over the course of the day Friday, the decision has been made to curtail all morning service on Friday, January 20, 2023.

Based on the current forecast, we plan to run our afternoon service on Friday. On Friday morning however, we will re-evaluate afternoon service based on the latest conditions.

COAST fixed route operations should resume in staggered fashion after 12:15pm. Similarly, COAST demand response services should also resume after 12:15pm. For specific details on COAST fixed routes see below.

Route 1:

Start with 12:30pm departure from DTC

Route 6:

Start with 3:25pm departure from Farmington

Route 12 South:

12:54pm

Route 12 North:

12:30pm

Route 13 South:

12:30pm

Route 13 North:

1:00pm

Route 14 Inbound from Park & Ride:

12:41pm

Route 14 Outbound from Lilac Mall:

1:00pm

Route 33:

Start with 12:30pm departure from DTC

Route 34 Inbound:

12:17pm

Route 34 Outbound:

1:30pm

Routes 40 & 41

1:00pm

Routes 42 & 43:

2:00pm

Route 44:

2:36pm

Route 100:

3:15pm (PM Northbound only)

COAST services will operate as normal through today, January 19. The expectation is that COAST will return to regular operations starting on Saturday, January 21. When COAST resumes service, expect delays as storm cleanup may still be affecting the roads and walkways.

COAST to Offer Free Rides to the Polls on Election (11/8/22)

COAST is honored to offer free rides to anyone on their way to vote in the Elections on Tuesday, November 8.

While the COAST public transit system does not provide transportation to each individual polling station directly, our hope is to encourage voters to get to the polls and participate in voting by eliminating the barrier of transportation costs.

All passengers need to do is tell their driver that they are on their way to vote, or on the way back from voting, and they will not be charged for the ride. COAST will be following an honor system.

Not sure where your polling place is? The Secretary of State's website can help you find it - https://app.sos.nh.gov/viphome

ADA, Route 7 On-Demand, and Portsmouth Senior Transportation Clients: Please call TripLink for details 603-834-6010. Should we have capacity constraints for trips to the polls on these specific services, we may offer alternative travel times throughout the day.

Afternoon Services to Resume on Routes 1 and 33 on October 24, 2022

Nearly all weekday afternoon services on bus Routes 1 and 33 will resume again, beginning on Monday, October 24. COAST has run reduced afternoon services on these routes since late-May because of a shortage of bus operators.

Specific bus runs that are resuming, by route, are as follows:

Route 1 - 2:30pm NB, 2:55pm SB, 4:30pm NB, 4:55pm SB, 6:30pm NB, and 6:55pm SB

Route 33 - 1:30pm OB, 1:59pm IB, 3:30pm OB, 3:59pm IB, 5:30pm OB, 5:59pm IB, 7:30pm OB, and 7:44pm IB. The 4:30pm OB and 4:59pm IB runs will be suspended for now.

An adjustment will also be made to the Route 34 schedule because of the resumed services on Routes 1 and 33. The 7:57pm Route 34 OB will resume once again.

Limited Saturday Service to Resume on September 17, 2022

We are on track to resume limited Saturday service beginning on September 17. COAST has not operated any Saturday service since late-May because of a shortage of bus operators.

Saturday services will be limited to the following bus routes and service hours, for now.

Route 1 (Dover/Somersworth/Berwick): 9:30 am – 3:25pm, with a service gap between 11:30am and 12:30pm
Route 12 (Rochester/Somersworth/Dover): 8:30am – 4:00pm
Route 13 (Dover/Portsmouth): 7:30am – 3:30pm
Route 14 (Rochester): 9:00am – 1:55pm
Route 41 (Lafayette Trolley): 9:00am – 3:50pm, with a service gap between 12:00 and 1:00pm

List of Saturday Routes & Runs to be Operated

Emergency Service Suspensions for Tuesday, September 6 through Thursday, September 8, 2022

UPDATED: Thursday, September 8 @ 4:00pm

Effective Friday, September 9 all previous emergency service suspensions on our scheduled bus routes will be lifted. All fixed route bus services will return to their schedules that went into effect on July 1, 2022.

Thank you for your understanding as we worked on a daily basis over the past few days to maintain as much service as possible during a notable COVID wave that continues to affect the availability of our operating staff.

UPDATED: Tuesday, September 6 @ 11:15am

While we thought we had gotten past emergency suspensions due to a COVID wave amongst our operating staff, we unfortunately have had another employee have to be out and so have to re-implement the following emergency service suspensions for Tuesday-Thursday this week.

4:00pm Route 40 outbound
4:24pm Route 40 inbound
5:00pm Route 41 outbound
5:30pm Route 41 inbound
6:00pm Route 42 outbound
6:21pm Route 42 inbound
6:36pm Route 44 outbound
6:47pm Route 44 inbound

We apologize for any inconveniences.

COAST to Offer Free Rides to the Polls for State Primary Election (9/6/22)

COAST is honored to offer free rides to anyone on their way to vote in the State Primary Elections on Tuesday, September 13.

While the COAST public transit system does not provide transportation to each individual polling station directly, their hope is to encourage voters to get to the polls and participate in voting by eliminating the barrier of transportation costs.

All passengers need to do is tell their driver that they are on their way to vote, or on the way back from voting, and they will not be charged for the ride. COAST will be following an honor system.

Not sure where your polling place is? The Secretary of State's website can help you find it - https://app.sos.nh.gov/viphome

Bus Tracking App Go Live Release Delayed (9/5/22)

Despite best efforts on our part, our new bus tracking app will not be ready for prime time on Tuesday, September 6.

For now, please continue to rely upon the Doublemap app for bus location information.

We hope the new Passio GO! app will be ready to go live later in the week and we will post updates when that is known.

Emergency Service Suspensions for Tuesday, August 23 through Friday, September 2, 2022

UPDATED: Tuesday, August 30 @ 7:15pm

Effective Wednesday, August 31 all previous emergency service suspensions on our scheduled bus routes will be lifted. All fixed route bus services will return to their schedules that went into effect on July 1, 2022.

Thank you for your understanding as we worked on a daily basis over the past week to maintain as much service as possible during what was a notable COVID wave that hit our operating staff.

UPDATED: Monday, August 29 @ 8:40pm

Route 41 will return to the July 1, 2022 schedule starting on Tuesday, August 30.

Route 44 - inbound runs at 9:47am and 5:47pm will also return to service on Tuesday, August 30.

UPDATED: Monday, August 29 @ 8:00pm

Routes 40 and 43 will return to their July 1, 2022 schedules starting on Tuesday, August 30.

UPDATED: Monday, August 29

Unfortunately, due to continued impacts of a COVID outbreak amongst operating staff we have to announce the following additional cancellation of runs for today, Monday, August 29.

Route 40

5:00p outbound
5:42p inbound
There will be no service on Route 40 between 2:00pm and 7:00pm.

Route 43

4:00p outbound
4:33p inbound

We hope to be able to operate these runs again tomorrow, Tuesday, August 30.

UPDATED: Friday, August 26

Announcement for Services the week of August 29 - September 2

COAST anticipates being able to resume some canceled services throughout next week, returning to the levels of service advertised as of July 1st by Friday (9/2). The situation may still change, and COAST will announce which runs will start running again each day as soon as we are able to confirm driver coverage.

For the most up-to-date information please visit this web page. We will also do our best to regularly update the printed information available on-board the buses.

UPDATED: Thursday, August 25

Route 6 is back to full service.

List of all Fixed RouteS & Runs that are Operating

UPDATED: Tuesday, August 23 at 11:30am

As more staff have been affected by COVID, we must announce the following.

For the afternoon of Tuesday, August 23 we are cancelling the following additional runs.

Route 12 cancellations:

4:30pm northbound
5:54pm southbound
7:30pm northbound

Route 13 cancellations:

6:30pm southbound
7:00pm northbound

Route 14 cancellations:

5:00pm southbound
5:41pm northbound
8:00pm southbound

*******************************

For Wednesday, August 24 through Friday, August 26 we are cancelling the following additional runs.

Route 12 cancellations:

1:30pm northbound
2;54pm southbound
4:30pm northbound
5:54pm southbound
7:30pm northbound

Route 13 cancellations:

3:30pm southbound
4:00pm northbound
6:30pm southbound
7:00pm northbound

Route 14 cancellations:

2:00pm southbound
2;41pm northbound
5:00pm southbound
5:41pm northbound
8:00pm southbound

UPDATED: Tuesday, August 23 at 9:30am

We are dealing with a rapidly expanding outbreak of COVID amongst our staff & will be forced to suspend more services as early as this afternoon. We are working on plans as fast as we can and will announce them as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconveniences.

UPDATED: Tuesday, August 23 at 8:30am

DEMAND RESPONSE SERVICES

As of Tuesday, August 23, COAST will stop taking new trip requests on the following services as our operating staff continue to be affected by a surge in COVID cases. This will include for trips to be taken between Wednesday, August 24 through Friday, September 2.

Route 7 On Demand
Portsmouth Senior Transportation (EXCEPT for medically-related trips)
Other Demand Response services may be affected as well. Please call TripLink at 1.603.834.6010 for details.

Posted on the evening of Monday, August 22nd

FIXED ROUTE SERVICES

Due to driver shortages this week because of COVID quarantine protocols, COAST is announcing the following service cancellations for Tuesday, August 23 - Friday August 26. We will post an update by the end of the week on cancellations for the week of August 29 - September 2. Please call or text 603-743-5777 with any specific questions about service.

Routes 12, 13, 14, 34 and 100 will continue to operate as scheduled.

Route 1 cancellations:

• 6:30am 1N and 6:55am 1S

• 10:30am 1N and 10:55am 1S

• 12:30pm 1N and 12:55pm 1S

Route 6 cancellations:

• All service cancelled until 1:20PM. The 3:25pm – 6:20pm runs will operate as scheduled.

Route 33 cancellations:

• 6:12am 33 inbound

• 7:30am 33 outbound and 7:59am 33 inbound

• 9:30am 33 outbound and 9:59am 33 inbound

• 11:30am 33 outbound and 11:59am 33 inbound

Route 40 cancellations:

• 8:00am 40 outbound and 8:24am 40 inbound

• 4:00pm 40 outbound and 4:24pm 40 inbound

Route 41 cancellations:

• 9:00am 41 outbound and 9:30am 41 inbound

• 5:00pm 41 outbound and 5:30pm 41 inbound

Route 42 cancellations

• ALL SERVICE CANCELED

Route 43 cancellations

• 10:00am 43 outbound and 10:33am 43 inbound

Route 44 cancellations*

• 7:36am 44 outbound

• 8:36am 44 outbound and 8:47am 44 inbound

• 9:36am 44 outbound and 9:47am 44 inbound

• 10:36am 44 outbound and 10:47am 44 inbound

• 11:36am 44 outbound

• 12:36pm 44 outbound and 12:47pm 44 inbound

• 1:36pm 44 outbound

• 2:36pm 44 outbound and 2:47pm 44 inbound

• 3:36pm 44 outbound

• 4:36pm 44 outbound and 4:47pm 44 inbound

• 5:36pm 44 outbound and 5:47pm 44 inbound

• 6:36pm 44 outbound and 6:47pm 44 inbound

*The following runs are still operating on Route 44:

• 5:55am 44 outbound express (continues as 13N to Dover)

• 6:05am 44 inbound

• 7:47am 44 inbound

• 11:47am 44 inbound

• 1:47pm 44 inbound

• 3:47pm 44 inbound

• 7:47pm 44 inbound

• 8:47pm 44 inbound

Free Transfer Pilot Program Extension (June 13, 2022)

COAST is extending it's Free Transfer Pilot program through to the end of calendar year 2022.

The pilot has been quite successful, transferring passengers have appreciated the lower costs to ride, and there have been lower than anticipated impacts to overall fare revenues collected.

Upcoming Service Modifications for May 21, 2022 (May 9, 2022)

Due to a severe shortage of CDL-qualified operators, we regret that COAST is being forced to suspend Saturday service on all fixed routes, ADA paratransit, and other demand response services, and must reduce the weekday frequency of service on Routes 40/43 (Portsmouth/Newington) and Routes 1/33 (Dover/Somersworth/Berwick). Saturday Route 7 On Demand service will shift to Tuesday for the time being. These changes will take effect beginning May 21.

We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and want to reassure you we are doing everything in our power to resolve the situation. Like many of the other businesses and nonprofits in our communities, COAST's ability to fulfill our mission is being impacted by economy wide staffing shortages. We are intently focused on regaining control of this situation as quickly as possible so that we can fulfill our promise to the communities and people we serve. We appreciate your patience and your loyalty.

If you or someone you know wants to work for an employer that is focused on serving your community and providing an essential service, please visit our website to learn more about the driving opportunities currently available and to apply. At COAST, we value and recognize the contributions our employees make, communicate with staff directly, set clear expectations, consistently treat staff fairly, and work together as a team. Join us and help make the Greater Seacoast a better place to be every day!

SERVICE MODIFICATIONS

Effective Saturday, May 21 the following services/routes will be modified (specific details for Routes 1/33 and 40/43 will be forthcoming):

Suspension of All Saturday Services - fixed routes, ADA paratransit, and demand response
Routes 1/33 (Dover/Somersworth/Berwick) - will be operated as through routes (interlined) throughout the weekday on a 2-hour service frequency (headway)
Route 34 (Dover) - the 7:30pm outbound run will be suspended.
Routes 40/43 (Portsmouth/Newington) - will be operated as through routes (interlined) throughtout the weekday vs. just in the afternoon/evening as they are now. This will resut in a 2-hour service frequency (headway) throughout the day.
Route 7 On Demand (Newmarket/Stratham/Exeter) - service provided on Saturdays will be moved to Tuesdays, so that the overall level of service is maintained.

For more specifics on affected routes and runs, please visit the webpage for the Route you need information for.

Handout of Services Still Operating as of May 21, 2022

TSA Mask Mandate Suspension (April 19, 2022)

As of this afternoon, after having received concurrence from the Federal Transit Administration, it is no longer a requirement to wear a mask while riding on COAST vehicles.

The CDC does still recommend wearing a mask as an effective measure against COVID-19. COAST encourages passengers to make their own personal choices when riding. We will welcome you aboard regardless of your choice.

For passengers using COAST's demand response services (ADA, PST, Rte 7 On Demand, etc.), at this time we will honor rider requests for our staff to wear a mask when onboard one of these smaller and more confined vehicles. Demand response customers are asked to be considerate of other customers who request they wear a mask, but it will not be a requirement.

Closure for Friday, February 25, 2022

COAST will not be operating any services (fixed route or demand response) on Friday, February 25 due to the predicted snow throughout the day Friday. We expect to be back to full operations on Saturday, February 26.

PRESS RELEASE

Closure for Friday, February 4, 2022

COAST will not be operating any services (fixed route or demand response) on Friday, February 4 due to the predicted mix of ice and snow overnight on Thursday and for most of Friday . We expect to be back to full operations on Saturday, February 5.

Press Release

Closure for Saturday, January 29, 2022

COAST will not be operating any services (fixed route or demand response) on Saturday, January 29 due to the predicted heavy snow and wind. We expect to be back to full operations on Monday, January 31.

Temporary Service Suspensions of January 10 - 14 Removed

The temporary service suspensions implemented for Monday, January 10 through Friday, January 14 have been removed as of Saturday, January 15. COAST is now back to operating on the schedules that went into effect on November 13.

Temporary Service Suspensions for Monday, January 10 through Friday, January 14

Due to temporary staffing shortages because of required COVID-19 isolation or quarantine protocols for our staff, we have made the decision to reduce COAST fixed route services for next week, Monday, January 10 through Friday, January 14. Anything beyond that will be decided based on how things develop during that week.

The specific runs on the listed routes will be affected.

Route 1

6:30am - 7:25am cancelled
10:30am - 11:25am cancelled
12:30pm - 1:25pm cancelled
2:30pm - 3:25pm cancelled
4:30pm - 5:25pm cancelled
6:20pm - 7:25pm cancelled

Route 12

8:30am northbound cancelled
9:54am southbound cancelled
2:30pm northbound cancelled
3:54pm southbound cancelled
5:30pm northbound cancelled
6:54pm southbound cancelled
8:30pm northbound cancelled

Route 13

8:00am northbound cancelled
10:30am southbound cancelled
2:00pm northbound cancelled
4:30pm southbound cancelled
5:00pm northbound cancelled
7:30pm southbound cancelled
8:00pm northbound cancelled

Route 14

9:00am -9:53am cancelled
3:00pm - 3:53pm cancelled
6:00pm - 6:53pm cancelled
9:00pm - 9:09pm cancelled

Route 33

6:12am - 6:25am inbound cancelled
7:30am - 8:25am cancelled
9:30am - 10:25am cancelled
11:30am - 12:25pm cancelled
1:30pm - 2:25pm cancelled
3:30pm - 4:25pm cancelled
5:30pm - 6:25pm cancelled
7:30pm - 7:57pm cancelled

Route 34

7:57pm outbound cancelled

Route 40

6:00am - 6:47am cancelled
8:00am - 8:47am cancelled
10:00am - 10:47am cancelled
12:00pm - 12:47pm cancelled

Route 43

6:30am - 6:54am cancelled
7:00am - 7:57am cancelled
9:00am - 9:57am cancelled
11:00am - 11:57am cancelled
1:00pm - 1:57pm cancelled

We hope that we will be able to remove these suspensions the following week.

Thank you for your patience with our staff who are doing their very best to maintain as much service as possible under very challenging circumstances.

New 6-Month Free Transfer Program Pilot Announced

PRESS RELEASE

On January 3, 2022 COAST will ring in the New Year by piloting a free transfer program on fixed route buses. The pilot will run for six months until June 30.

Transfers will be valid for one immediate transfer to the next available COAST bus on the desired route, but for no greater than 60 minutes. Customers paying with cash or single ride tickets will be issued a free transfer ticket if they request it while boarding their first bus. For a trip involving two different routes to get to a destination, the full cash fare will be cut in half, from $3.00 to $1.50. For individuals who qualify for COAST's half fare program, trips involving two different routes will go from $1.50 to $0.75.

Passengers who remain on a single vehicle to their destination will continue to not need a transfer, including on routes that change number along the way (such as the 12S, which continues as the 13S to Portsmouth).

Customers boarding with a monthly pass, UNH ID, GBCC ID, or a transfer ticket may not request a transfer ticket. Transfers are not valid on COAST demand response services, or on services operated by other providers, such as Wildcat Transit.

COAST ADA paratransit passengers will also benefit from the six month pilot. The fares charged for their equivalent two-legged trips will also be cut in half because of the free transfers offered on the fixed route buses.

The goals of the new program are to make riding with COAST simpler, reduce costs for passengers travelling on multiple routes on COAST's system, and to encourage increased ridership overall.

Near the end of the six month trial period, COAST will evaluate the impacts of the free transfer program on ridership, operations, and revenues to determine whether it will continue.

CDL Driver Shortage Forcing New Adjustments to Temporary Service Suspensions

(effective November 13, 2021)

OUTLINE OF ADDITIONAL SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS

The scarcity of qualified CDL licensed operators across the nation continues to also affect local public transit operators like COAST.

“We know the impacts service suspensions have on other businesses that rely on our buses to get their employees safely and affordably to and from work, students needing to get to classes, and others needing to simply get to where they are trying to go. We are doing everything we can to try and return to full operations, but the lack of qualified candidates looking to become public transit operators is taking time to overcome. In the mid-term we are even looking out and trying to alter our fleet mix (in approximately 9-12 months) so that we could hire non-CDL licensed individuals to drive smaller buses on some of our routes,” states Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director.

Temporary Service Suspensions

Starting on November 13, and continuing until COAST reaches adequate staffing levels, services on the following bus routes will be temporarily suspended:

Route 14 (between the Rochester P&R/Portsmouth Mon-Sat)
Route 33 (continuation of 4:30pm run suspension Mon-Sat)
Route 34 (multiple am and pm runs Mon-Sat)
Route 40 (continuation of current suspensions)
Route 43 (continuation of current suspensions)
Route 44 (one pm run Mon-Fri)

Service Resumptions

Route 12 (all previously suspended runs)
Route 13 (all previously suspended runs)
Route 33 (6:30pm run)

Service resumptions, particularly on Routes 12 and 13 with stronger rider usage, are possible because of deeper suspensions to the lower ridership Route 14.

Nichols confirmed, “like with previous temporary suspensions we have had to put in place, the sole reason COAST is suspending these services is due to the shortage of CDL drivers. We have tried to be even more strategic in our suspensions this time around to impact as few passengers as possible. Our goal is to scale back up to full operations as quickly as possible once we have hired and trained new staff.”

If you have a commercial driver's license and are looking for a change and a great work environment please visit www.coastbus.org/careers.

Ongoing Operator Shortage Forcing Temporary Suspension of Additional Services

PRESS RELEASE

OUTLINE OF ADDITIONAL SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS

COAST continues to struggle to find qualified CDL bus operators to drive their local public transit routes. The lack of qualified drivers has, regrettably, reached a point where the public transit system must temporarily adjust parts of some bus schedules further.

After having to suspend a small number of services starting in mid-June, the non-profit public transit system serving the Greater Seacoast region is having to make additional, deeper service suspensions because in addition to already being short staffed, multiple staff who were available for the summer are soon returning to school, or school-based employment.

Starting wages for CDL Bus Drivers at COAST have been raised twice this year, now at $21.25 per hour. After a CDL Bus Driver completes their first year at COAST, the wage rate currently increases by an average of 8.3 percent per year through their fourth anniversary. COAST’s wage scale is also increased annually, or more frequently when necessary, to account for market conditions and inflation. The organization regularly has overtime opportunities which result in time and a half for all hours worked over 40 in a week. COAST also offers a benefits package including medical, dental, disability, life, generous paid time off, SIMPLE IRA with employer match, and many others.

Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director stated, “We are a mission driven public transit system, offering good career-oriented jobs that positively impact the communities we operate in. When you leave work for the day here at COAST, you know you made a real difference in people’s lives.”

COAST provides a comprehensive paid training program that allows operators to be fully prepared prior to driving routes on their own. Unfortunately, COAST cannot train drivers to get their commercial driver’s license, due to liability insurance restrictions. However, COAST can help CDL drivers earn their passenger endorsement, if needed.

Additional Service Suspensions

Starting on Saturday, August 28, and continuing until COAST reaches adequate staffing levels, services on the following bus routes will be affected:

Route 12
Route 13
Route 14
Route 33
Route 40
Route 43

For more information on the specific runs being suspended on each of the affected routes, please click on the outline of additional service adjustments link above. Schedule pages on the COAST website are in the process of being updated so they will display properly starting on Saturday, August 28.

Operator Shortage Forcing Temporary Suspension of Some Services Beginning Saturday, June 19

Press Release

Like many local, regional, and national employers who rely on commercial vehicle operators, COAST is suffering from a lack of qualified CDL Bus Drivers. “We have been operating with an ongoing driver shortage for most of the last six years,” stated Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director. Unfortunately, over the past few months the shortage has grown, and the region’s public transit provider is now unable to meet all its published service schedules. “The pinch we’re feeling most recently is because we have lost a number of employees who moved out of the area, retired, or due to health related issues,” confirmed Nichols.

Until COAST reaches adequate staffing levels, the following services will be temporarily suspended:

Monday – Saturday

every other run of Routes 40 and 43 during the PM shift (after 1:30pm). On Route 40 this will mean that the following runs will not operate: 2-3pm and 6-7pm. On Route 43 this will mean that the following runs will not operate: 1:30-2:00pm (inbound), 3-4pm, 5-6pm, and 7-8pm. The last normal runs (inbound and outbound) for both routes will be preserved. When a bus from one route continues service on a different route, no additional fare will be charged. This saves one full shift Monday-Saturday in the PM.

Saturdays Only

every other run of Routes 1 and 33 during the PM shift (after 3:30pm). On Route 1 this will mean that the following runs will not operate: 3:30-4:30pm and 5:30-6:30pm. On Route 33 this will mean that the following runs will not operate: 4:30-5:30pm and 6:30-7:30pm. Except for the last inbound departure on Rte. 33 from the Dover Arena and Outdoor Pool, the last normal runs for both routes will be preserved. The last run inbound from the Dover Arena and Outdoor Pool stop will be at 5:57pm. When a bus from one route continues service on a different route, no additional fare will be charged. This saves one full shift on Saturdays in the PM.

Schedule pages on the COAST website are in the process of being updated.

This suspension of service will begin on Saturday, June 19 and will last until COAST is able to return to adequate staffing levels. Nichols confirmed, “the sole reason COAST is suspending these services is due to the shortage of CDL drivers to operate our schedules. This represents a very small overall reduction in the services we offer.”

If you have a commercial driver's license and are looking for a change and a great work environment please visit www.coastbus.org/careers.