COAST expands ride-share program for medical visits

Recent regional surveys indicate that aging in place is a priority for seniors and individuals with disabilities (Courtesy photo)

The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, commonly known as COAST, has received a $25,000 grant on behalf of the Alliance for Community Transportation from the Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation.

The funds will support the expansion of ACT's Community Rides service, which provides fare-free transportation to medical appointments for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Community Rides, a program of ACT--southeastern New Hampshire's Regional Coordination Council for Community Transportation--was launched in 2014 to assist people who do not qualify for or are not served by other transportation programs in the region. In 2024, the program provided 600 rides to 71 individuals.

"Community Rides has always been a relatively small program, meant to fill gaps between other services. But demand is increasing," said Jeff Donald, Regional Mobility Manager for ACT and TripLink. "We're excited that the Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation is investing in the program's expansion, allowing us to provide more trips for more people."

Recent regional surveys indicate that aging in place is a priority for seniors and individuals with disabilities, though transportation remains a significant concern.

"Expanding transportation options in the region, especially for essential needs like healthcare, will have a tremendous impact on those trying to stay in their long-term homes as they age," Donald added.

Trip requests for Community Rides are managed by TripLink, the regional call center. TripLink assigns requests to one of three partner agencies: COAST, Meals on Wheels of Rockingham County, or the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County. TripLink oversees trip schedules for all three agencies and determines the most suitable provider for each request.

Individuals seeking transportation can visit TripLink's website at CommunityRides.org or call 603-834-6010 to learn more about eligible programs.

About the Alliance for Community Transportation
The Alliance for Community Transportation (ACT) is southeastern New Hampshire's state-designated Regional Coordination Council for Community Transportation. Its membership includes healthcare providers, human service agencies, transportation providers, and regional planning commissions. ACT's mission is to facilitate coordinated community transportation and promote the development of improved and expanded regional transportation services. ACT is led by the Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST). For more information, visit CommunityRides.org/ACT.