New Way to Ride

There’s big news rolling out at Advance Transit—and it’s all about making travel easier, more flexible, and more empowering for our Access AT riders.

We’re thrilled to share that Access AT, our ADA complementary paratransit service, now has a brand-new ride management system designed to give riders more independence and more control over their trips. For the first time, riders can book, manage, and even track their rides online or right from a mobile app. Think of it as a fresh, modern upgrade built entirely around convenience and accessibility.

More Freedom at Your Fingertips
To bring this new system to life, Advance Transit teamed up with Via, a leader in transit-focused technology. Thanks to this partnership, riders who previously needed to schedule rides by phone during office hours can now:

• Book rides through a secure online portal or mobile app
• See their vehicle’s location in real time with an interactive map and estimated arrival times

It’s a huge step up from the phone-only system—and it means planning a trip can now fit more naturally into your day.

This important upgrade was made possible by a generous grant from the Mascoma Bank Foundation. Their support helped us bring modern, user-friendly technology to a service that thousands of Upper Valley residents rely on.

As Mariah Davis, Community Impact Officer at Mascoma Bank, shared:

“We believe that access to reliable transportation is essential for building strong, inclusive communities… We’re proud to help make this innovative step forward possible.”

What This Means for Our Community

Access AT provides more than 8,500 rides every year to riders who are unable to use our fixed-route buses. Enhancing this service strengthens the independence, mobility, and overall quality of life for so many of our neighbors.

Here’s what riders can expect from the new system:

• Easier, more flexible trip planning
• Digital access to schedules and reservations
• Real-time vehicle updates to reduce uncertainty
• Smoother operations behind the scenes, replacing paper-heavy processes with efficient routing tools

All of these improvements work toward a bigger goal: helping every rider move confidently through their day, whether they’re heading to work, a medical appointment, or a favorite local spot.

Building a More Inclusive Future
This technology upgrade isn’t just about software—it’s about people.

By modernizing Access AT’s reservation and dispatch systems, we’re breaking down barriers to transportation, supporting greater independence, and making travel more predictable and less stressful. Ultimately, it strengthens community connection by making it easier for riders to access essential services, jobs, and social activities across the Upper Valley.

AT Executive Director Adams Carroll puts it best:

“Technology should empower people. This upgrade is about more than software—it’s about improving accessibility and strengthening our community’s mobility.”

Onward, Together
At Advance Transit, we’re committed to doing everything we can to make travel accessible, reliable, and equitable for everyone. This new ride management system is a meaningful step in that mission—and we’re excited for riders to experience it.

Here’s to easier trips, more independence, and a more connected Upper Valley. If you or someone you know uses Access AT, we can’t wait for you to try the new system!