DOVER, N.H. – Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) is launching its new “Fare Free Saturday” initiative thanks to a partnership with Cross Insurance. This program aims to allow local businesses to support the nonprofit transit operator while encouraging Seacoast residents to utilize the services offered by COAST. Cross Insurance is the first business to participate, and their sponsored fare-free day will occur this Saturday, March 22nd.
“As household costs continue to rise, often because affordable housing is harder to find, we want to remind people that COAST is a resource that everyone can use to get where they need to go,” said Rad Nichols, executive director of COAST. “Our new ‘Fare Free Saturday’ program offers businesses, who understand the value that COAST brings to the people and communities we serve, to make an investment in public transportation in the region. We know that every dollar invested in COAST generates more than $4 in spending in the local economy. When people can get to work, shopping, or social activities — reliably and affordably — it’s a win for everyone.”
COAST operates fixed route buses across 10 communities in the greater Seacoast area, and offers demand response and paratransit services to 13 communities in New Hampshire and Maine. The sponsored Fare Free Saturday will apply to both the fixed route and demand response services.
Talitha Franggos, commercial lines account executive at Cross Insurance, stated, “We recognize the vital role that COAST plays in connecting affordable housing, jobs, social supports and medical services that are dispersed broadly across the Seacoast region. Cross Insurance believes in the power of connection and community, and we’re excited to be the first business to sponsor a ‘Fare Free Saturday’ aboard all of COAST’s buses and vans.”
COAST saw 373,940 riders on its fixed and demand response services combined in fiscal year 2024, marking a 28.5% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
Additional “Fare Free Saturdays” will be announced as new sponsors are secured. Businesses interested in sponsoring a fare-free Saturday can find more information at coastbus.org/farefreesponsorship.
