Advance Transit (AT) and the Kilton Library have partnered to present a history exhibition in honor of Advance Transit’s 40th anniversary. 40 Forward: A History of Advance Transit will be on display at the Kilton Library in West Lebanon, New Hampshire beginning Saturday, October 12. This exhibition examines AT’s evolution, from its humble beginnings as a program of the Upper Valley Senior Citizens Council to becoming a major regional transit agency with fare-free bus service. It is a reflection on the impact of community-driven work and a celebration of growth in the Upper Valley.
The exhibition will include the following elements:
- History of AT Timeline: Follow the path of AT’s role in the Upper Valley through a timeline that walks through the major milestones of the transit agency.
- Evolution of AT: View various artifacts that reflect the growth and changes of AT, including bus stop signs, vehicles, rider resources, and more.
- Read with AT: Check out AT-recommended transit-related books and learn about the impact that public transit has in our communities, from large bustling cities to small rural towns.
The exhibition will kick off with a family-friendly opening reception on Saturday, October 12, 10:30am-12:00pm. While viewing the exhibition, visitors can also enjoy family story time, arts and crafts, and light brunch fare and refreshments.
This year, Advance Transit celebrated 40 years of service in the Upper Valley. Since its founding on January 12, 1984, AT has become a crucial part of the fabric of our towns, ensuring accessible transportation and connecting people with essential resources and each other. The journey has been incredible, filled with accomplishments and obstacles. AT has grown from 3,157 trips in its first month of service to over half a million annual trips today. It has expanded from a small fleet of school buses to over 30 city buses, including four electric buses.
Advance Transit is a nonprofit organization that provides FREE public transportation in Upper Valley communities of Hanover, Lebanon, Canaan, and Enfield in New Hampshire and Hartford and Norwich in Vermont. AT is committed to offering a crucial service that increases access, expands mobility, operates sustainably, and strengthens communities. In recent years, AT has expanded its services, introduced electric buses to its fleet, and developed helpful rider tools. Today, with over 14 million passenger trips, AT stands as an integral part of the Upper Valley.
“With 40 Forward, we’re thrilled to celebrate the incredible work of AT’s staff, thank our loyal riders and funding partners, and recognize the transformative impact of fare-free public transportation on the Upper Valley,” said Adams Carroll, Advance Transit Executive Director. “We hope the timeline, artifacts, and transit books curated for this exhibition will inspire people to hop onboard with us for the next forty years as we pursue our vision of an Upper Valley where transportation is a bridge, not a barrier.”
For more information, contact Trish Palao, Director of Marketing and Development, at tpalao@advancetransit.com or (802) 295-1824.