COAST details spikes in ridership across fixed routes, demand services

Through TripLink, the regional transportation call center for the region, new client registrations were up 16% (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The nonprofit Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, recently released its 2024 Annual Impact Report. The report details dramatic increases in demand and ridership across both their fixed route and demand response services in FY24. In addition, COAST's direct, indirect, and induced effects on spending, as well as the economic impact of access provided by their services is estimated to have produced over $31 million in regional economic activity for the year.

COAST connects people and communities in two primary ways: with fixed route buses that serve 10 communities in the Greater Seacoast area; and by providing demand response and paratransit services to 13 communities in New Hampshire and Maine. COAST also operates TripLink, a regional transportation call center that takes trip requests on behalf of COAST, Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, Community Rides, Ready Rides, and Meals on Wheels of Rockingham County, and serves as a regional information and referral source for transportation services in southeastern NH.

"Affordable housing, jobs, social supports and medical services are dispersed broadly across the Seacoast region, requiring travel between communities. COAST is a common thread. Put simply, we offer everyone an affordable and reliable connection to the opportunities and services they need to succeed," said Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director. Nichols added, "We are proud to play a critical role in connecting people and communities across the region."

Over the last fiscal year (October 2023 to September 2024) COAST reported 349,143 customer trips on their fixed route services to and from work, classes, medical services, shopping, and social activities (+30.3% over FY23), avoiding an estimated 2.34 million miles of car travel, and saving 1,033 tons (2.07 million lbs.) of greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere. These trips also represent an estimated savings of over $650,000 in avoided gasoline and maintenance expenses for riders.

COAST's demand response services also saw ridership gains in FY24. Older adults and individuals living with disabilities that use these services took 24,797 trips to work, classes, medical services, shopping, and social activities (+7.8% over FY23). These riders traveled an average of 7.5 miles per trip, totaling 184,869 passenger miles of travel (or the equivalent of going 7.4 times around the world).

"Operating in the second oldest state in the U.S., COAST helps seniors to maintain their independence. By providing transportation options beyond driving, COAST keeps people connected to their communities and the services they rely on for support as they grow older," noted Nichols.

Through TripLink, the regional transportation call center for the region, new client registrations were up 16%, the number of people served by 15%, and the number of trips facilitated by the regional call center increased 11% to 41,223. Riders traveled an average of 6.2 miles per trip, for a total of just over 256,000 passenger miles during the year.

COAST is in the final planning stages for a new maintenance, operations, and administrative facility at their current location in Dover. The project will be funded through a combination of funding from federal, state, local and private sources. COAST is implementing a major capital campaign to raise the remaining $4M needed to construct their new home. They have already raised $14M for the project.

"We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of 2024. However, COAST faces a challenging financial future as we work to raise the remaining funds needed to construct our new facility while also replacing several federal operating grants that have come to an end," said Nichols.

"Every one dollar invested in COAST returns an estimated $4.08 of economic activity within the region. We are encouraged that the communities COAST serves recognize the important services we offer--and their significant social and economic impact. As we head into a new year, we're looking forward to growing our base of support among the business and philanthropic community across the Seacoast."

More information about COAST, its routes and schedules can be found at coastbus.org.