MEMBER UPDATES
North Country Completes Regional Coordinated Transit Plan
North Country Council has completed a coordinated transit plan that identifies public transportation needs, makes recommendations for coordination of existing services, and presents plans for new services.
Download a copy of the completed plan here [PDF format].
For more information about the plan, please contact Stacey Doll at 603-444-6303 Ext. 13 or by e-mail at sdoll@nccouncil.org.
Keene Introduces Biodiesel Fuel
Home Healthcare Hospice & Community services, operator of Keene's City Express public transportation system and the Friendly Bus transportation for seniors, has been using biodiesel fuel in its diesel buses since the first of the year. Buses have begun to show better mileage and demonstrate smoother acceleration with this clean-burning fuel, which puts fewer pollutants in the air.
Keene is a member of the Cities for Climate Protection. More information is available at http://www.ci.keene.nh.us/planning/climateminutes.htm.
COAST Switches to Biodiesel Fuel
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) switched its bus fleet to biodiesel fuel. COAST purchased a blend known as B20, consisting of 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel fuel, for all diesel buses in its fleet. Biodiesel is derived from soybean or canola oils, and it is biodegradable, non-toxic and emits less pollution. Existing diesel engines need no modification to operate on B20 and see no reduction in performance. In fact, the use of biodiesel has been found to prolong engine life.
Download more information here [PDF format].
COAST Introduces Seasonal Loop in Downtown Portsmouth
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) introduces the Downtown Loop to provides convenient trolley service from Market Square to many of Portsmouth's downtown attractions, including its historic parks, neighborhoods and waterfront.
Downtown Loop will operate from June 26, 2006, through September 3, 2006. Service is available Monday through Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM. No service is provided between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM.
Trolley departs Market Square on the hour and half hour. Loop is approximately 30 minutes. Connections to other Coast Trolleys are available at Market Square. For more information, call 603-743-5777.
COAST Provides Mini-Strobe Lights For Evening Passengers
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) has recently purchased safety buttons for passengers who ride the buses and trolleys in the evening hours. On February 13, COAST drivers began distributing mini blue strobe lights. Drivers hope that passengers will activate them when they are waiting for the bus. “In the winter, the sun sets early, people are usually bundled up in dark clothing and visibility is not as good with all the road spray from other vehicles,” explains COAST driver John Linehan. He adds, “The blue flashers are bright and we hope they will help us to spot someone waiting at a bus stop from a further distance.” For more information, call 603-743-5777.
New Bus Route Serves Lancaster-Littleton
North Country Transportation kicked off the Tri-Town Bus on January 4. The bus operates Monday through Friday and makes three round trips a day. For more information, call 1-888-997-2020 or visit the Tri-Town website.
Concord Area Transit Receives Honor
Concord Area Transit was named 2004 Rural Community Transportation System of the Year by the Community Transportation Association of America. CAT was recognized for its commitment to improving mobility, community service, inspired leadership, and extraordinary innovative achievements.
