COAST Bus Service Funding Urged

(Dover, NH) - The operators of the non-profit COAST bus service would like to see the town of Farmington return some $22 thousand dollars to its budget for transportation. 

The Town meeting is Wednesday, and COAST Executive Director Rad Nichols pointed out that bus service to the town cannot continue without financial support from the community.  He wants residents who are concerned about the potential loss of the service to express their support at the session.  COAST has provided public transportation service on Route 6 since 1996.   In 2013, there were over 16,700 passenger boardings, second highest in the 18 year history of that route.  The non-profit found in a recent survey that one fourth of passengers ride to access medical services, and another  25 per cent ride to get necessary shopping done.  Some 20 residents also qualify for Paratransit service under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  COAST points out that there are few if any other options for those individuals.  The non-profit says that the local funds, if appropriated, can combine with some $33 thousand Federal dollars to provide service.