New Hampshire Celebrates October as Community Transportation Month

The New Hampshire Transit Association (NHTA), in partnership with the State Coordinating Council for Community Transportation (SCC), is proud to announce the official designation of October as Community Transportation Month across New Hampshire.

This annual statewide celebration provides an opportunity for transit providers to highlight the diverse range of public and community transportation services available to Granite Staters. The term “community transportation” refers to all modes of transportation available in a community that helps to meet its residents’ mobility needs — from buses, shuttles, and vanpools to volunteer drivers, pedestrian networks, and specialized on-demand services like 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.”

Community transportation in New Hampshire is made possible through a diverse network of publicly, charitably, and community-supported services and infrastructure—ranging from public transit agencies to volunteer driver programs and other grassroots efforts—tailored to meet the unique needs of individual communities and regions. This month-long celebration aims to spotlight these vital services and recognize the people who rely on them, operate them, and volunteer to make them possible.

Statewide Events: Honoring the Community That Moves Us
Throughout October, transit agencies across the state will be participating in themed days and activities that celebrate the importance of public transportation and those who keep it moving:

• Wednesday, October 15 – Day of Driver Gratitude: This day celebrates the dedicated drivers who help Granite Staters get where they need to go.
  NOTE: Nashua Transit System will celebrate on October 8. Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services will celebrate on October 23.
• Wednesday, October 22 – Day of Free Transit:  Community members are invited to ride most local transit systems free of charge to experience the value and convenience of public transportation. Please visit your local transit agency’s website to confirm their participation in this day. 
  NOTE: Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services will provide free transit all week (October 20–24). COAST will offer its free public transit day on Saturday, October 25. Advance Transit regularly offers fare-free service.
• Wednesday, October 29 – Day of Rider Appreciation: Transit providers will recognize and thank the riders who depend on and support public transportation services. 
  NOTE: Nashua Transit System will celebrate on October 15.

Additionally, a social media campaign throughout the month will showcase personal stories from riders and drivers, offering a firsthand look at how public transit positively impacts lives and communities throughout the state.

Participating Transit Agencies Include:

• Advance Transit (AT)
• Concord Area Transit (CAT)
• Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST)
• Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services (HCS)
• Manchester Transit Authority (MTA)
• Nashua Transit System (NTS)
• Sullivan County Transportation – Southwestern Community Services (SCS)
• Tri-County Transit

Get Involved
Granite Staters are encouraged to participate in local events, follow their local transit agencies on social media, and explore how community transportation can support their daily lives and the health of their communities.

For more information about Community Transportation Month and a list of participating agencies and events, visit www.nhtransit.org/community-transportation-month.
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About the New Hampshire Transit Association (NHTA)
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 State Coordinating Council for Community Transportation (SCC)
The State 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