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COAST Adds New Buses to Fleet

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December 11, 2014
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) took delivery of two model year 2000 MCI DL3 commuter coaches from Concord Coach Lines Friday. The coaches, previously purchased by the State of NH for use in long-haul service operated by Concord Coach Lines between Berlin and Littleton to Boston, are being transferred to COAST for use on their shorthaul Clipper Connection Commuter Express routes. Both buses have seen approximately 1.2 million miles of service, and while still in good shape, are now better suited for short-haul service. Without the transfer the two buses would have been placed in Concord Coach Lines reserve fleet. The transfer means these public assets will continue to see daily use and will achieve the maximum public benefit for the tax dollars that were invested in them.
 
"The move is a win-win-win for all involved," stated Rad Nichols, COAST Executive Director. "These buses will not only result in an improved rider experience for our Clipper Connection riders, but the additional seating capacity will mean we can significantly reduce our operating by eliminating the need to run two buses on our most heavily utilized route between Somersworth, Berwick, South Berwick, Eliot and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard." The transfer of this type of equipment is a first in New Hampshire. It began with a simple conversation between Nichols and Mark Sanborn, Director of Government Relations & Corporate Development at Concord Coach Lines, when Nichols mentioned COAST was looking to upgrade to coach buses for their Clipper Connection. After both agreed there was the potential for mutual benefit, they approached the NHDOT's Bureau of Rail & Transit Administrator, Shelley Winters, to discuss a transfer of the assets and investigate the feasibility. "The Department was happy to facilitate this transaction and appreciates the partnership that came together between COAST and Concord Coach Lines in order to make this a reality" stated Ms. Winters.
 
After some retrofitting and rebranding to incorporate the vehicles into the COAST fleet, as well as training for COAST operators, the buses are expected to be placed back into service in January 2015. Nichols remarked, "We are very excited to usher in the New Year with such an ideal upgrade to our Clipper Connection fleet. These buses will be more comfortable for our riders, with plush seating and upgraded interior climate control. We thank the NHDOT and Concord Coach Lines for their commitment to helping ensure the maximum public benefit is derived from their continued daily use."
 
COAST is Greater Seacoast New Hampshire's public, non-profit regional public transit system, with the mission of promoting and/or providing public mass transit services in Southeastern New Hampshire. As a non-profit public agency, COAST relies primarily on passenger fares, federal grants, local government support and advertising revenues to operate its services.
Riding and supporting public transit is one of the best ways to advocate for more convenient, green, and affordable alternatives to driving your car. To find out more about the COAST system and its work to improve public transportation options in Southeastern New Hampshire, visit www.coastbus.org or call 603-743-5777.

 
Contact:
Rad Nichols
info@coastbus.org, (603) 743-5777

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