Improving public transportation in New Hampshire is the goal of a marketing campaign recently begun by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation in cooperation with transit providers around the state.

"New Hampshire Transit - The Ride Choice" is the theme of the campaign, which will include an effort to educate students about transit as well as provide information to the general public on transit options available to provide access to work, services, and tourist destinations.

Ridership on several local transit systems, and especially on commuter buses, has been on the rise in New Hampshire. The Department of Transportation hopes that increased public awareness of the benefits of transit and of local bus schedules will convince more people to ride the buses.

"We are working to give the residents of New Hampshire more transportation choices. Public transportation can help thousands of people get to their jobs more easily, ease congestion and reduce pollution," Gov. Jeanne Shaheen said.

"By helping communities promote their public transportation systems, we are increasing the public's awareness of their transportation options and working to make public transportation more efficient and effective for everyone."

The statewide marketing campaign has produced a workbook that local transit systems will be using to educate middle school students around the state about public transportation and how it can provide a safe way for them to get around. Local transit managers will arrange field trips for school groups using the book and materials about their bus routes.

The other products of the marketing program are:

A statewide public transportation map illustrating transit options, from intercity bus routes to local transit systems

A park and ride brochure listing all 28 of the state's official park and ride lots, with a location map and details on services at the lots

Posters promoting ridesharing as a better way to get to work and promoting transit for young people

A "New Hampshire Transit" logo to be placed on transit buses and vans

Radio and print advertising that will raise awareness of transit in the state

As part of the campaign, Governor Shaheen and the Executive Council have approved funds for local and intercity bus systems to begin their own marketing efforts that will improve public awareness of transit as an alternative to driving alone.

Local marketing grants will support a variety of activities, including developing web sites, purchasing ads to spread the word about bus schedules, and designing and producing improved bus schedules, route maps, and information displays at seven local transit systems:

Advance Transit in the Hanover-Lebanon area

City Express in Keene

COAST in the Seacoast area

Concord Area Transit

Greater Laconia Transit Agency

Manchester Transit Authority

North Country Transportation in Berlin-Gorham

Similar marketing efforts for intercity and commuter bus services operating from park and ride lots and transportation centers have been approved for Concord Trailways and The Coach Company. Grants for the Nashua Transit System and C&J Trailways are awaiting formal approval.

To receive a transportation map, brochure, or more information, contact the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Bureau of Rail & Transit, at 271-2468.

Telephone:
   (603) 271-3734
Fax:
   (603) 271-3914