Sullivan County Regional Public Transit and Human Service ... · Survey Responses and Public Comment .....60. Sullivan County Public & Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan

Sullivan County Public & Human Services Transportation

Coordination Plan

June 2012

Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission 10 Water Street, Lebanon, NH 03766

Sullivan County Public & Human Services Transportation Coordination Plan

Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission Page 2 of 61


June 2012

Prepared by:

Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission

10 Water Street Lebanon, NH 03766

Prepared For:

New Hampshire Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration

Sullivan County Regional Coordination Council



Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 4 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS ....................................................................................... 5 3.0 EXISTING COORDINATION EFFORTS ................................................................................. 7 4.0 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE .................................................................................................. 12

4.1 Population Trends .....................................................................................................12 4.2 Senior Citizens ..........................................................................................................14 4.3 Disabled Persons ......................................................................................................17 Source: NH Center for Policy Studies Report – The Silver Tsunami ......................................16 4.4 Employment and Income ...........................................................................................17 4.5 Automobile Ownership ...............................................................................................22

5.0 DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING SERVICES ........................................................................... 24 5.1 Transportation Providers ...........................................................................................24 5.2 Human Service Providers and Funding Sources .............................................................27 5.5 Other Services and Volunteers ..................................................................................31

6.0 TRANSPORTATION AND COORDINATION NEEDS ........................................................... 33 6.1 Enhanced Mobility for all Residents of Sullivan County ......................................................... 33

6.2 Transit Links between the Cities of Claremont and Lebanon .....................................34 6.3 Transit Links between Grantham and Lebanon and Newport and Claremont. ...........34 6.4 Transit link to New London and Exit 12 Park & Ride via Grantham ............................35 6.5 Enhance Existing Transit Services 6.6 Improve Access to Regional Medical Centers ..........................................................35 6.7 Expanded Public Outreach and Improved Marketing of Services ...............................36 6.8 Expansion of Centralized Dispatch Center .................................................................36 6.9 Continued Technology Improvements to Streamline Service and Reporting ..............37 6.10 Supports for Volunteer Transportation Services 6.11 The Regional Coordinating Council ...........................................................................37

7.0 COORDINATION STRATEGIES .......................................................................................... 38 7.1 Enhanced Mobility for all Residents of Sullivan County ..............................................39 7.2 Transit Links between the Cities of Lebanon-Claremont / Service on the Route 12A

Corridor between Charlestown and W. Lebanon 7.3 Transit Links between Grantham, Lebanon, Newport, Claremont ..............................39 7.4 Transit link to New London and Exit 12 Park & Ride via Grantham ............................40 7.5 Enhance and Expand Existing Transit Services 7.6 Improved Access to Regional Medical Centers ..........................................................41 7.7 Expanded Public Outreach and Improve Marketing of Services .................................42 7.8 Expand Centralized Dispatch Service Center ............................................................43 7.9 Continue Technology Improvements to Streamline Service and Reporting ................43 7.10 Supports for Volunteer Driver Programs ...................................................................43 7.11 Support Continuation of the Regional Coordinating Council.......................................45

Appendix B 52 Sullivan County Regional Coordination Council ....................................................................52 Community Transportation Service Directory ........................................................................52

Appendix C 53 Community Alliance Deviated Route Service Maps ...............................................................53 Claremont, Newport and Charlestown ...................................................................................53 Community Alliance Deviated Route Service Maps ...............................................................54 Claremont, Newport and Charlestown ...................................................................................54

Appendix D 60 Survey Responses and Public Comment ..............................................................................60



1.0 INTRODUCTION Beginning in 2005, federal transportation legislation has require that a public transit-human service coordination plan has been required. Before transportation service providers may acquire funding under any Federal Transit Administration (FTA) program, a coordination plan must be completed. The most recent transportation funding and policy bill called Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) passed in June 2012 continues this requirement. The Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) defines coordination as “a process by which two or more organizations interact to jointly accomplish their transportation objectives” (2004). These organizations may include public, private, and not-for-profit transportation services, human services providers, and other entities that represent citizens who have special transportation service needs. Citizens with specialized transportation needs are an important focus of the coordination planning process, as the Federal Transit Administration has provided guidance that coordination plans should “identify the transportation needs of individuals with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with limited income, laying out strategies for meeting these needs, and prioritizing services”. The purpose of this plan is to provide a strategy to assist state and community agencies, transportation service providers, and stakeholders for coordinating public transit and human service transportation efforts in Sullivan County, New Hampshire (See Sullivan County Base Map in Appendix A). Specific goals for the plan include:

• Identifying unmet transportation needs; • Identifying transportation service gaps (e.g. un-served and underserved areas)

and overlaps (e.g. service redundancies); • Completing an inventory of existing public transit and human service

transportation providers; • Identifying strategies to maximize the use of transportation resources through

coordination ; • Enhancing mobility within and between communities; • Increasing access to jobs, schools, medical centers, and other essential human

services; • Utilizing transportation investments and grant funding effectively; • Increasing citizen awareness of public transit and human service transportation

providers and programs.



2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS The Sullivan County Regional Coordination Council (SCRCC) convened in 2009, recognized by the State Coordinating Council for Community Transportation (SCC), has served as the Advisory Committee to provide input and guidance on the development of the plan. The SCRCC is a cooperative effort of local service providers, elected officials, state department representatives, funders, and community members. Members and participants in the work of the SCRCC include:

Aare Ilves American Red Cross- NH West

Rev. Susan Grant-Rosen Charlestown Ecumenical Network

Barbara Brill, Executive Director Community Alliance of Human Services

Pam Joslin, Transportation Director Community Alliance Transportation Services (CATS)

Barbara Brill, Executive Director

Liz Henning Counties United Regional Network

Frederick Roberge Easter Seals NH

Kenneth Hazeltine Granite State Independent Living

Kearsarge Council on Aging, Inc. (COA Chapin Senior Center)Nancy Friese, Executive Director

, New London

Mark Mills, Executive Director Pathways of the River Valley

Helena Kos, Newport Case Manager

Susan Henderson New Hampshire Community Technical College

Kit Morgan, Bureau of Rail and Transit New Hampshire Department of Transportation

Doreen Kusselow New Hampshire Bureau of Adult and Elderly Services

Valerie Mahar River Valley Community College

Bill Ingalls Southwestern Community Services

Mike Sanborn Sullivan County Department of Corrections

Greg Chanis, County Manager Sullivan County, New Hampshire

Christopher Hulquist Sullivan County Commission on Wellness

Patti Koscielniak Sullivan County Healthcare

Brenda Burns Sullivan County Nutrition Services

Patricia Kinne Bunny Perry Sullivan County Senior Advocates

Brenda Foley Turning Points Network

Kitt Griggs Rod Wendt United Valley Interfaith Project

Patricia C. Crocker, Planner

Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission

Claire Vanatta, Commissioner Valley Regional Hospital & Connecticut

Carla Skinder Valley Home Care

Patricia Kinne West Central Behavioral Health

Rev. Susan Grant-RosenCharlestown Ecumenical Network


Minutes of Sullivan County Regional Coordination Council meetings and presentations may be found in Appendix B at the end of this report. Demographic Profile As part of the planning process, the UVLSRPC developed a demographic profile of Sullivan County to identify the population and location of persons with specialized transportation needs: individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, and individuals with limited income. The demographic profile also identifies general population and employment trends, and automobile ownership rates for each town in Sullivan County. The demographic profile is presented in Section 4 of this report. Description of Existing Services An important step in the public transit-human services coordination planning process is conducting a thorough inventory of existing transportation services. These transportation services may include public transit, carpool and vanpool services, paratransit services, and volunteer services. The description of existing transportation services is presented in Section 5 of this report, as well as in the Sullivan County Transportation Directory included in this report as Appendix C. Transportation and Coordination Needs By assessing demographics, existing services, and coordination efforts, a needs evaluation was prepared for the County. These needs are focused on how to use existing services most effectively to meet the county’s transportation needs. This includes an assessment of existing services, unmet needs and remaining obstacles to coordination. The needs assessment is presented in Section 6 of this report. Coordination Strategies A number of strategies were suggested to assist human service agencies and transportation providers address the existing needs and enhance the county’s transportation and human service delivery system. The Coordination Strategies are presented in Section 7 of this report. Public Involvement and Comment The Regional Coordination Council provided input and comment on the plan throughout the process at public meetings on: December 14, 2011 – Work Plan and RCC Role in Plan Update January 25, 2012 – RCC & Public Discussion and Input of Survey and Needs May 31, 2012 – RCC Public Workshop on Draft Plan June 25, 2012 – RCC Public Presentation of Final Draft Summarized Survey Comments – Appendix C


3.0 EXISTING COORDINATION EFFORTS 3.1 Statewide Coordination The Governor’s Task Force on Community Transportation has studied and provided recommendations and policies to establish a coordinated, interconnected, and accessible statewide transportation system in New Hampshire. The findings of this work are published in the Statewide Coordination of Community Transportation Services report completed by Nelson-Nygaard Consulting Services. The report recommended an “institutional and geographic framework” for coordinating services. This framework includes the State Coordinating Council (SCC) to oversee coordination policies at the state level; Regional Coordinating Councils (RCC) to implement coordination and to monitor providers at the regional level, and Regional Transportation Coordinators. (RTC). Figure 3.1 presents the oversight structure proposed under the Statewide Coordination Plan. FIGURE 3.1- Oversight Structure of Statewide Coordination Plan

Source: Governor’s Taskforce on Community Transportation, Statewide Coordination of Community Transportation Services, October 2006. Prepared by Nelson-Nygaard Consulting Associates

NHDHHS Bureaus

NHDOT Advocacy

Groups

SCC

RCC RCC RCC RCC RCC RCC RCC RCC RCC RCC

RTC

RTC RTC RTC RTC RTC RTC RTC RTC RTC


State Coordinating Council (SCC) The State Coordinating Council is comprised of funding agencies and stakeholders acting primarily as an advisory body. The Statewide Coordination Plan recommended that this council be charged with “setting coordination policies, assisting regional efforts as needed, and monitoring the results.” The State Coordinating Council directly oversees the Regional Coordinating Councils and has the ability to approve or reject the Regional Coordinating Councils selection of their Regional Transportation Coordinator. However, at the operational level, the State Coordinating Council would not have the power to execute contracts. Thus, direct service funding does not flow through the State Coordinating Council. Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) The Regional Coordinating Council is comprised primarily of organizational members. The RCC includes regional representatives of funding agencies and service providers. The RCC works with providers to create local service designs, implement coordination policies, and provide feedback to the State Coordinating Council relative to policies. The Regional Coordinating Councils provide advice and oversight of their respective Regional Transportation Coordinators. Each of the Regional Coordinating Councils has the following responsibilities under the Statewide Coordination Plan:

• Implementing coordination initiatives and policies in their region; • Selecting, guiding, and monitoring their Regional Transportation Coordinator; • Working with their Regional Transportation Coordinator to provide community

input into the local service design and coordination of inter-regional trips; • Providing feedback to the State Coordinating Council on coordination policies

that are working or not working well in their region; • Recommending replacement of a Regional Transportation Coordinators.

Regional Transportation Coordinator (RTC) The Regional Transportation Coordinator may be a service provider, public entity, or private firm. Under the Statewide Coordination Plan, the purpose of the Regional Transportation Coordinator is to “coordinate the service delivery of customers of sponsoring organizations to maximize the use of scarce resources and combine trips sponsored by different organizations.” At the operational level, Regional Transportation Coordinators may contract directly with state agencies and/or other groups purchasing transportation services. The Regional Transportation Coordinator will have the following responsibilities under the Statewide Coordination Plan:

• Developing and/or maintaining a database of customers in the region that have been deemed eligible for service by each sponsoring organization;

• Processing service requests from individuals according to the policies of the applicable sponsoring organization;

• Scheduling trips via appropriate transportation service providers;


• Monitoring the performance of transportation providers to ensure that the service quality and cost efficiency goals of each sponsoring organization are met;

• Performing customer service functions, responding to information requests, trip scheduling, and complaints;

• Preparing and submitting reports and invoices per the requirements of each sponsoring organization.

ServiceLink “ a network of ten community-based ServiceLink Resource Centers and forty satellite offices with the common purpose of providing information and supportive referrals about resources for older adults, adults living with disabilities, chronic illness, and their families and caregivers,” helps to coordinate a variety of services including transportation through referrals and information. On a case-by-case basis, The ServiceLink system directs people to the existing human service or transportation resources that best meet their individual needs. A ServiceLink Resource Center for Sullivan County is located on Pleasant Street in the City of Claremont. The chief objectives of the service are to reduce duplication and enhance coordination in the delivery of human services for this target population. 3.2 Local Coordination Beginning in 2005, the United Way of Sullivan County sponsored a transportation summit designed to examine the many issues, challenges, and barriers to a successful transportation program in Sullivan County. This effort led to the creation of the Community Mobility Project, a cooperative effort of 29 local service providers, elected officials, state department representatives, funders, and community members united to improve transportation options for Sullivan County residents. The Community Mobility Project goals were: 1) enhance awareness of transportation issues and programs, and 2) improve collaboration and mobility options for Sullivan County residents. The Project was a model for community collaboration that served to enhance services and improve coordination in the region. In the fall of 2008, the Sullivan County Community Mobility Project partnered with the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission to obtain grants from the New Hampshire Endowment for Health to seek strategies to reduce geographic barriers to access health care and community life, and from NH DOT for Mobility Management to provide staffing and technical support to the Sullivan County Community Mobility Project (CMP). During the summer of 2009, the group approved bylaws, selected leaders, and the transition to the Sullivan County Regional Coordinating Council (SCRCC) was completed and approved by the State Coordinating Council that September. The Sullivan County RCC, in partnership with Community Alliance of Human Services and other organizations, has accomplished numerous objectives towards achieving improved coordination of transportation services as well as improved mobility for residents in some of the most rural reaches of the region.


The Sullivan County RCC has participated in and/or helped to:

• Complete a 5-year Transportation Coordination Implementation Plan with the region’s public transportation provider, Community Alliance of Human Services Transportation (CATS);

• Extended CATS bus services between Claremont and Charlestown and Newport, NH;

• Complete a feasibility study on bus service between downtown Claremont and Lebanon, NH linking all routes for commuters north and south along Rt. 120;

• Create a web site about the work of the Council and the importance of transportation to the quality of life in the region http://www.sullivancountyrcc.org ;

• Publish a transportation directory of services available in the region; • Identify CATS as “lead coordination agency” with a central toll free number —

877-418-0118 for information and scheduling; • Install RouteMatchTM scheduling software to improve service, efficiency and data

collection; • Agreed upon standards of service and qualifications for volunteer drivers; • Implement a flexible, county-wide volunteer driver program at CATS that serves

the general public, clients of numerous county social service agencies, seniors, and individuals with disabilities using private autos and/or accessible vehicles as needed.

Figure 3 included in the 2008 Coordination Plan, showed that steps 1 through 8 had been completed. Steps 9 through 11 are now complete with only Step 12, State Contracting All Transportation Services, remaining. The status of regional/state service contracting remains a goal. Legislative and fiscal management decisions within the NH Department of Health and Human Services have halted the creation of a fully coordinated system as originally envisioned. Specifically, the NH Medicaid Program encompassing transportation has been put in the hands of three private managed care companies that have no obligation to contract with local transportation providers. Whether managed care transportation will be integrated into local coordination regions is unknown. Nevertheless, the coordination regions have taken steps to work with available FTA funding through the NH DOT to implement coordination and enhance services for seniors and individuals with a disability with Section 5310 Purchase of Services funds and with mobility management strategies funded by Section 5317 New Freedoms Funds and Section 5316 Job Access Reverse Commute funds, and informally among local human service agencies In Sullivan County, the availability of FTA funds has greatly enhanced coordination of services and bolstered provision of services including the establishment of a county-wide volunteer driver service while establishing a framework for operating a fully coordinated system should the policy and fiscal environment change.

http://www.sullivancountyrcc.org/�


FIGURE 3.2- Status of the Sullivan County Coordination Planning Process Starting Coordination

√ Step 1: Identify Stakeholders √ Step 2: Organize Initial Meeting √ Step 3: Establish Commitments and form Partnerships √ Step 4: Specify Goals, Objectives, and Constraints √ Step 5: Identify Needs √ Step 6: Identify Transportation Resources √ Step 7: Determine Service and Financial Options √ Step 8: Select and Recommend a Plan of Action √ Step 9: Confirm Agency and Community Commitments

√ Step 10: Develop Implementation and Funding Plan √ Step 11: Measure Performance, Monitor, and Evaluate In Progress Step 12: State Contracting All Transportation Services Full Coordination


4.0 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE Sullivan County is located in western New Hampshire, along the Connecticut River and adjacent to the New Hampshire/Vermont border (See Sullivan County- Base Map in Appendix A). The 528 square mile county is home to 15 communities. The largest community in Sullivan County is the City of Claremont, which had a population of 13,355 in 2010. Newport, the second largest community in Sullivan County, serves as the County seat. The following demographic profile was developed to document important socio-economic characteristics of Sullivan County that impact the delivery and coordination of public transit and human service transportation. This demographic profile identifies the locations of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and low-income persons within Sullivan County. The profile also documents the locations of key employers, which helps identify underserved areas and transportation service gaps within the county. 4.1 Population Trends Since 2000, the population of Sullivan County has grown by 8.1 percent to 43,742 in 2010. Figure 4.1 (a) and Table 4.1 (b) below show key population growth trends for Sullivan County. FIGURE 4.1 (a) Sullivan County Population Growth Trend

Source: US Census 2010; NHOEP Population Data 1900 - 2000

18,009 19,337

20,922 24,286

25,442 26,441 28,067

30,949

36,063 38,592

40,458 43,742

1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Sullivan County Population Growth Trend


TABLE 4.1 (b) Population Change by Community in Sullivan County

Population Change by Community in Sullivan County, NH 1960 to 2010

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Numeric Change

00-10

Percent Change 00-10

New Hampshire 606,921 737,681 920,610 1,109,252 1,235,786 1,316,740

80,954 6.55%

Sullivan 28,067 30,949 36,063 38,592 40,458 43,742

3,284 8.1% Acworth 371 459 590 776 836 891

55 6.6%

Charlestown 2,576 3,274 4,417 4,630 4,749 5,114

365 7.7% Claremont 13,563 14,221 14,557 13,902 13,151 13,355

204 1.6%

Cornish 1,106 1,268 1,390 1,659 1,661 1,640

-21 -1.3% Croydon 312 396 457 627 661 764

103 15.6%

Goshen 351 395 549 742 741 810

69 9.3% Grantham 332 366 704 1,247 2,167 2,985

818 37.7%

Langdon 338 337 437 580 586 688

102 17.4% Lempster 272 360 637 947 971 1,154

183 18.8%

Newport 5,458 5,899 6,229 6,110 6,269 6,507

238 3.8% Plainfield 1,071 1,323 1,749 2,056 2,241 2,364

123 5.5%

Springfield 283 310 532 788 945 1,311

366 38.7% Sunapee 1,164 1,384 2,312 2,559 3,055 3,365

310 10.1%

Unity 708 709 1,092 1,341 1,530 1,671

141 9.2% Washington 162 248 411 628 895 1,123

228 25.5%

Table 4.1 (b) shows that Sullivan County population growth rate exceeds the statewide average. Much of the growth in Sullivan County is occurring in rural communities, rather than in urban centers. Sullivan County’s largest community, the City of Claremont, has experienced a 1.6 percent increase in its population between 2000 and 2010. The second and third largest communities in the county, Newport and Charlestown, are growing at lower rates than the county average. Rural communities in Sullivan County have experienced the most significant growth over the past 10 years. Since 2000, eleven of fifteen Sullivan County communities have grown at rates higher than the State of New Hampshire average.

The fastest growing community in Sullivan County, the Town of Grantham, nearly doubled in size between 1990 and 2000 and it continues a robust growth rate of 38.7% between 2000 and 2010. This growth is due in part to the rapid development of the 3,600-acre Eastman Village, a private community located almost entirely in the Town of Grantham. Eastman is appealing to both retirees and working professionals with its offering of golf, tennis, lake and mountain activities. Residential development has also increased because of the town’s central location between the Hartford/Lebanon and Claremont Labor Market Areas and proximity to Interstate 89. According to the recently completed Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Housing Needs Assessment, the most rapidly growing age groups between 2000 and 2010 in the


region, as well as the nation, were among the “baby-boomers” and those age 85+. The representation of senior citizens among the general population in Sullivan County is shown in Table 4.2 (a). 4.2 Senior Citizens

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 14% of New Hampshire citizens were over the age of 65. In Sullivan County, the proportion of senior citizens exceeds the state average with more than 16% of the population 65 years or older. As “baby boomers” are quickly reaching retirement, this number is projected to steadily increase over the next 15 years. The increase in senior citizens in Sullivan County will be the result of two key factors: 1.) the aging of Sullivan County’s population, and 2.) the in-migration of senior citizens to Sullivan County from other regions. During this five year plan, the

percentage of those between 60 and 64 years of age will rise annually. (Map in Appendix A) Combined, those over the age of 60, classified as eligible for service by the FTA under the 5310 Elderly and Disabled Transportation Program, will represent 23% of the county population.

Senior populations are broadly distributed among the 15 communities of Sullivan County. The lowest concentrations are in Charlestown and Springfield at 6% and 8% respectively. The highest concentrations are located in Washington, Sunapee, Grantham, Goshen, Croydon, and Claremont where between 16% and 23% of the population is age 65 or older.

The high population of senior citizens in the Town of Grantham is attributable to the success of the Eastman Community in offering an attractive retirement lifestyle and resort amenities. Eastman’s 3,700 environmentally-protected acres of woodlands offer families, second-home owners and retirees hideaways for homes, condominiums, and several yet-to-be developed sites. Eastman’s amenities include a two-mile lake, six beaches, an 18-hole championship golf course, 10 tennis courts, and more than 26Km of cross country ski, snowshoe and hiking trails in the Town of Grantham.

The Town of Unity hosts Sullivan County Health Care, a 156-bed Skilled Nursing Facility accounting for more than half of its senior population. In the City of Claremont and Town of Newport, the high concentration of senior citizens is attributable to two factors. Claremont and Newport are the largest communities in Sullivan County, and as such, are the county’s two largest service centers. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that

The Sullivan County Nursing Home is a 156-bed skilled Nursing Facility in the Town of Unity.


Claremont and Newport attract aging citizens from throughout Sullivan County for their proximity to essential services, compact walkable village centers, and public transportation. Claremont and Newport are also home to the majority of assisted and independent subsidized living facilities in the County. The population of seniors in Sullivan County is predicted to more than double between 2010 and 2030 according to a report by entitled The Silver Tsunami – the Aging of New Hampshire

published in 2010 by the NH Center for Policy Studies. Figure 4.2 (b) displays data by NH County.

TABLE 4.2 (a) Sullivan County Senior Population Census 2010

Sullivan County Senior Population Census 2010

Sullivan County 2010

Population Age 60 -

64 Over 65 % 60 to 64 % Over 65 New Hampshire 1,316,470 83,224 178,823 6% 14% Sullivan County 43,742 2,998 7,013 7% 16% Acworth 891 35 123 4% 14% Charlestown 5,114 406 308 8% 6%

Claremont 13,355 856 2,304 6% 17% Cornish 1,640 153 190 9% 12% Croydon 764 49 125 6% 16% Goshen 810 92 190 11% 23% Grantham 2,985 211 665 7% 22% Langdon 688 116 115 17% 17% Lempster 1,154 37 134 3% 12% Newport 6,507 291 1,049 4% 16% Plainfield 2,364 192 253 8% 11% Springfield 1,311 57 106 4% 8% Sunapee 3,365 270 657 8% 20%

Unity 1,671 131 241 8% 14%

Washington 1,123 102 253 9% 23% US Census Data Population 2010/NHOEP Age Cohort Estimates 2005


FIGURE 4.2 (b) Current and Predicted Senior Population by County

Population of Seniors Current and Predicted by County

Source: NH Center for Policy Studies Report – The Silver Tsunami


4.3 Disabled Persons The definition of disability can vary. In this plan, data presented is consistent with the 2010 U.S. Census definition of disability. It should be noted that this definition differs from that used to determine eligibility for paratransit services required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To qualify for ADA paratransit services, an individual’s disability must prevent them from independently being able to use the fixed route transit service, even if the vehicle itself is accessible to persons with disabilities. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, 16.9 % of New Hampshire citizens aged 65 or older had one or more disabilities. In Sullivan County, the proportion of all citizens with disabilities is higher than the state average, with 19.3 % of the population having one or more disabilities. The Population of Disabled Citizens Map in Appendix A shows the distribution of disabled persons in Sullivan County. The highest concentrations of disabled citizens in Sullivan County are in Claremont, Newport, and Charlestown. As these communities are the three largest in the county, they offer services to the disabled population that other communities in the County cannot. As mentioned above, the location of assisted living facilities in Sullivan County may also play a role in determining the concentration of disabled persons. Claremont, Newport, Sunapee, and Charlestown are the four communities in Sullivan County where assisted living facilities are located. 4.4 Employment and Income The Sullivan County economy can be characterized as one that is adjusting to a new business environment. The Claremont-Newport area was once well known for the production of textiles, machine tools, and a wide range of other manufactured products. There has been a long-term loss of manufacturing employment as a result of globalization, as well as the 2008 recession. This has led to the replacement of higher paying jobs with lower paying retail and service jobs as displayed in Table 4.4 (a) below. The table outlines the industries that employ residents of the UVLSRPC region and the average annual wage. Among the three counties that the UVLSRPC region encompasses, Sullivan County has the lowest median household wage. Significantly, households comprised of seniors aged 65 and older and those under age 25 have income well below the median as seen in Table 4.4 (b) on the following page. The employment area for Sullivan County encompasses more than those employers based solely in Sullivan County. The labor market area represents an economically integrated region within which workers can readily change jobs without changing their place of residence. A map of that area is provided in Figure 4.4 (c) along with a map of the location of major employers in the Claremont/Lebanon Labor Market area Figure 4.4(d). The major employers, location, and number of employees are in Appendix C.


TABLE 4.4 (a) UVLSRPC Region Average Annual Wage – 2009

TABLE 4.4 (b) Household Income by age Cohort

Area Median Income

(Household) Under 25 25 - 44 45 - 64 65 & Older New Hampshire $63,277 $33,076 $71,284 $74,000 $36,981 Grafton County $53,075 $27,534 $56,735 $65,513 $36,232 Sullivan County $50,698 $27,600 $57,904 $57,734 $32,713 Merrimack County $63,012 $36,197 $70,488 $72,189 $37,223 Claremont, NH NECTA1 $43,174 $27,550 $51,810 $47,347 $27,266 USA $51,914 $26,465 $57,132 $63,398 $33,906

Source: US Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey B19049

1 New England City and Town Area (NECTA): Areas within an urban cluster with a population of 10,000 to 50,000 with adjacent cities and towns that have a high degree of social and economic integration as measured through commuting ties.


Figure 4.4 (c) Labor Market Areas in and Around UVLSRPC Region


Figure 4.4 (d) Transit Dependency, Major Employers and Existing Transit Service Source: Nelson/Nygaard LLC


The U.S. Census Bureau uses income thresholds by family size and composition to determine if an individual is “impoverished.” If a family’s total income is less than that family’s defined threshold, then every individual in that family is considered impoverished. These thresholds do not vary geographically; however, they are adjusted annually for inflation. Table 4.4 (e) below shows the poverty status for each community in Sullivan County. TABLE 4.4 (e) Poverty Status of Individuals in Sullivan County

Poverty Status of Individuals in Sullivan County

Area Population

Population Living Below Federal Poverty Level

(2010) % of Population

(2010)

New Hampshire 1,316,470 99,527 7.6%

Sullivan County 43,742 4,330 9.9%

Acworth 891 36 4.0%

Charlestown 5,114 278 5.4%

Claremont 13,355 1,774 13.3%

Cornish 1,640 92 5.6%

Croydon 764 70 9.2%

Goshen 810 72 8.9%

Grantham 2,985 189 6.3%

Langdon 688 21 3.1%

Lempster 1,154.00 130 11.3%

Newport 6,507.00 875 13.4%

Plainfield 2,364.00 156 6.6%

Springfield 1,311.00 72 5.5%

Sunapee 3,365.00 209 6.2%

Unity 1,671.00 210 12.6%

Washington 1,123.00 146 13.0% Source: 2006-2010 ACS 5 Year Estimates Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months S1701; Federal Poverty Level defined as having an individual income below $11,500 or for a family of 3 below $19,090.

Table 4.4 (e) shows that poverty rates in Sullivan County are 2.3% above the state average. The highest concentrations of impoverished people are in Claremont, Newport, Lempster, Unity, and Washington. However, in terms of raw numbers, the three largest communities in the county: Claremont, Newport, and Charlestown also have the highest number of citizens with incomes below the state poverty level. It should be noted that there are a number of communities in the county with poverty levels below the state average. The two least impoverished communities in the county are Acworth and Langdon. Poverty rates have risen at the state and county level by approximately 1.2% over the decade between 2000 and 2010. Two factors are likely responsible for the change: the recession beginning in 2008 and an aging population entering retirement.


4.5 Automobile Ownership Automobile ownership rates also play an important role in determining public transit demand and in identifying unmet needs. Automobile ownership is generally considered a proxy variable for senior citizens, with some national estimates proposing that 65% of autoless households are households with elderly persons. However, automobile ownership rates can also provide important insight in determining where there are concentrations of people without a reliable ride to work. Automobile ownership rates in Sullivan County are presented in Table 4.5 below. TABLE 4.5 – Autoless Households Sullivan County 2010Poverty Status of Individuals in Sullivan County

Autoless Households Sullivan County 2010

Area Total Households (2010)

Households Without

Automobiles (2010)

% of Households (2010)

New Hampshire 513,804.00 26,809 5.22 Sullivan County 18,227 1,340 7.35

Acworth 277 5 1.81 Charlestown 2,336 72 3.08 Claremont 5,928 887 14.96

Cornish 641 11 1.72 Croydon 335 16 4.78 Goshen 379 4 1.06

Grantham 1,130 0 - Langdon 297 0 - Lempster 454 12 2.64 Newport 2,655 277 10.43 Plainfield 915 0 -

Springfield 357 13 3.64 Sunapee 1,393 17 1.22

Unity 658 20 3.04 Washington 472 6 1.27

Source:2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates B08201

As Table 4.5 illustrates, Sullivan County as a whole has a significantly higher percentage of households without automobiles than the state average. The two communities with the highest concentration of households without automobiles are Claremont and Newport. In terms of raw numbers, the City of Claremont has the largest number of households without automobiles, with 887. In over one-third of Sullivan County towns including Acworth, Cornish, Goshen, Grantham, Plainfield, Sunapee, and Washington, automobile ownership rates are relatively high with less than 3 percent of households without a vehicle. With limited alternatives to the automobile, auto ownership is a necessity in these very rural communities.


DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE FINDINGS

• Since 2000, Sullivan County’s population has grown at a rate less than half of the state average.

• Much of the growth in Sullivan County is occurring in rural communities, not in larger urban centers. Sullivan County’s largest community, the City of Claremont, has gained just 1.2 % of its population since 2000. The Town of Grantham has nearly doubled in size during the same period.

• The proportion of senior citizens in Sullivan County is higher than the state average, as nearly 16 % of the population is aged 65 years or older. The highest concentrations of senior citizens in Sullivan County are located in Grantham, Unity, Claremont, and Newport.

• The population of senior citizens in the county will double by 2030 and represent more than one-fourth of the residents.

• The proportion of citizens with disabilities in Sullivan County is higher than the state average, with 19.3 % of the population having one or more disabilities. The highest concentrations of Sullivan County disabled citizens live in Claremont, Newport, and Charlestown.

• The Sullivan County economy can be characterized as one that is in “adjustment”, undergoing a long-term loss of manufacturing employment that has led to the replacement of higher paying jobs with lower pay retail and service-sector jobs.

• The Sullivan County labor market area extends into neighboring Grafton County and Windsor and Windham County in Vermont.

• The Median Household Income in Sullivan County, $50,698.00 in 2010, has been consistently less than the national $51,914.00 and state $63,277.00 figures.2

• Poverty rates are 2.3% higher, at 9.9%, in Sullivan County than the state average. The highest concentrations of impoverished people reside in Claremont, Newport, and Acworth.

• Sullivan County, at 7.35%, has a statistically significant higher rate of households without automobiles than the state average. The two communities with the highest concentration of households without automobiles are Claremont and Newport.

2 Sources: BLS Statistics, May 2, 2012; US Census < http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/33000.html>


5.0 DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING SERVICES An inventory of transportation and human service providers was completed as part of this plan. As a whole, human service agencies in the county are predominantly private, not-for-profit agencies. Community Alliance Transportation Services (CATS) is the primary transportation provider, however, several client-based “systems” exist that provide transportation service to residents.

In summary, vehicular transportation services are provided in several ways within Sullivan County: • Demand Response, door-to-door service; • Route Deviation Services; • Volunteer drivers; • Private charter services; • Taxis.

5.1 Transportation Providers CATS Route Deviated /Demand Response Service Community Alliance of Human Services Transportation operates bus services for communities in Sullivan County. Deviated Route – Demand Response Service is provided in Charlestown, Claremont, and Newport. Buses operate between 6:25 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday (except holidays), but communities are linked through a system of transfer points along the routes. All schedules allow for deviation up to ¼ of one mile. Patrons within the ¼ mile service area may call to schedule a pick up. These recent scheduling and timing changes have reduced demand for the more costly CATS dial-a-ride service. Approximately one-half of CATS’ ridership is estimated to be general public, the other social service agency clients. Route maps and schedules are provided in Appendix D. During 2011, CATS vehicles logged 133,414 vehicle miles and provided 25,535 passenger trips. The most popular destinations included:

• Valley Regional Hospital, Claremont; • West Central Behavioral Health , Claremont; • Retail Services on Washington Street, Claremont; • Newport Health Center, John Stark Highway, Newport;

The CATS FY 2013 Fare Structure: Fares: $1.00 one-way within one town $2.00 one-way from town to town ($1.00 added for each additional town line crossed.) Passes $8.00 - 10 Rides $20.00 - In-Town Monthly $35.00 - Monthly Unlimited Use Children under 5 ride free when accompanied by an adult.

All CATS Deviated Route /Demand Response Services are provided in accessible vehicles


• Municipal / Retail Services in Downtown Charlestown, Claremont, and Newport; • Summercrest/Partners in Health, Newport.

Volunteer Driver Services

A door-to-door volunteer driver service has been established for individuals of all ages throughout Sullivan County. It has also expanded services to seniors over age 60 and individuals with a disability. Typically, advance notice of 48-hours is requested to schedule rides, but last minute or urgent requests are often accommodated. Paratransit van services are available to those who cannot be accommodated in private autos. The program began in FY 2011 with the support of FTA New Freedoms and Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) funding. Services provided to seniors and individuals with a disability are funded through a Purchase

of Service Agreement under the FTA Section 5310 program. In its first year, the program logged 5,624 miles and provided 213 one-way trips. The program growth has been remarkable. During FY 12, CATS volunteer drivers travelled a more than 62,000 miles serving seniors and individuals with a disability and 20,500 miles serving other members of the general public providing 2,300 one-way trips. The most popular destination was Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Fresenius Medical Care, a dialysis center in Lebanon, NH. The most popular destinations included:

• Valley Regional Hospital, Claremont • Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon • West Central Behavioral Health, North Street, Claremont • Fresenius Medical Care, Lebanon • Newport Health Center, John Stark Highway, Newport • Summercrest/Partners in Health, Newport • Employers in Claremont, Charlestown, Newport • Sullivan County Complex /Department of Corrections, Unity • Municipal and Retail Services in Downtown Charlestown, Claremont and

Newport


TABLE 5.1 (a) CATS Service Usage Summary SFY 2011

CATS Service Usage Summary SFY 2011 Type of Service Annual Vehicle Miles Annual Passenger Trips

Deviated Routes: 19,186

1,146 Charlestown

Claremont 32,079 9,895 Newport 43,900 8,925 Volunteer Driver Service 5,624 213 Other (Dial-a-Ride) 32,625 5,356 TOTAL 133,414 25,535 Source: CAHS FTA/DOT Reports - March 2012

As shown in Table 5.1 (b) below, Community Transportation Services is funded by a number of sources. The largest funder is the Federal Transit Administration through the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. Local contributions, fares, and charitable contributions are also sources of revenue. Other large contributors include Medicaid and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS). TABLE 5.1 (b)

CATS Operating Revenue (Budgeted) Funding Source State FY 2011

Title III Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services $ 34,440.00 Section XIX Medicaid $ 50,000.00 Non-Urbanized Section 5311 $ 253,535.00 State DOT $ -0- Passenger Fares $ 27,000.00 Vehicle Advertising $ 12,000.00 Local/County Contributions $ 40,000.00 Charitable Contributions $ 23,923.00 New Freedom $ 27,504.00 Purchase of Service FTA5310 $ 26,000.00 JARC $ 27,504.00 TOTAL $ 521,906.00

CATS acquired RouteMatchTM software in 2010 which captures data for reporting requirements electronically. This exceeds the standard of other providers in the county.


Reports are required for NHDOT 5311 and 5310, BEAS, Sullivan County, NHDHHS, and Medicaid funding sources. Despite improvements in tracking and prompt billing and reporting, an extended turn-around time for receiving reimbursement for several services continues to present periodic cash flow challenges. 5.2 Human Service Providers and Funding Sources

Since there are other transportation options available to Sullivan County residents, many social service agencies do not provide transportation, instead focusing on a wide range of other primary services including health care, family safety, housing, and education/training programs. About one-third of all social service agencies still provide transportation to their own clients. Human service providers have cited that the most prominent transportation limitations among clients are financial, disability, and age related. These constraints prevent some clients from using the deviated-route bus system. Their alternatives are transportation provided by family and friends, the Dial-a-Ride program, the volunteer driver program, or self- drive to services and appointments. Walking is also an option for some, but the location of many services frequently makes this difficult. Aside from Community Alliance Transportation Services (CATS), most transportation services in Sullivan County operate to meet the needs of specific client groups such as religious congregations, assisted living facilities, and developmentally disabled individuals. This has resulted in a complex system where different providers are frequently needed to service specific needs. For example, the Veterans Administration

could provide a veteran transportation to one of the administrations hospitals for medical needs; however, the same person would need to seek another means of transportation for shopping and recreational trips. Most providers serve a group of clients where needs have been most apparent. Names and service descriptions of all transportation providers operating in Sullivan County are found in the region’s Community Transportation Service Directory in Appendix B.

5.3 Funding Sources and Grant Programs The New Hampshire Department of Transportation receives funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) which are distributed to transportation providers

Some transportation services in Sullivan County continue to only serve the needs of target groups.


statewide as part of a grant process. There are three sources of funding used in Sullivan County, including Section 5309, 5310, and 5311.

1. Section 5309- Capital Investment Program Section 5309- Capital Investment Program funding is administered by the Federal Transit Administration and provides funding for bus and rail transit projects, purchase of vehicles, and facility construction and upgrades. Program areas applicable to Sullivan County include: Bus/Bus Facilities Funding under the Bus/Bus facilities program can be used for capital projects such as replacement or expansion of buses or bus facilities. New Starts Funding under the New Starts program is used to finance the construction of new rail, bus rapid transit, and ferry systems, or extensions to existing systems.

2. Section 5311- Non-Urbanized Area Formula Program The Section 5311 Program provides funding for planning, capital, operating, and administrative assistance to state agencies, local public bodies, and nonprofit operators of public transportation in non-urbanized areas with populations less than 50,000. The Section 5316 Job Access Reverse Commute Program (JARC) that provided funding “to develop transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients and low income individuals to and from jobs and to develop transportation services for residents of urban centers and rural and suburban areas to suburban employment opportunities has ended as a separate program. The JARC program has been repealed by MAP-21 and the funding formerly allocated to this program is now included in Rural 5311 and Urban 5307 Programs. A regional public transit-human service coordination plan must be in place before providers may obtain funding under the Section 5311 or 5307 formula funds.

3. Section 5310- Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities

The Section 5310 Program provides funding to public and nonprofit agencies for the purchase of services, accessible vehicles, and other equipment to serve elderly persons and persons with disabilities where existing transportation is unavailable or insufficient. The program has been consolidated with the Section 5317 New Freedoms Program which was designed to “encourage services and facility improvements to address the transportation needs of persons with disabilities that go beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.” MAP-21 requires that a regional public transit-human service coordination plan be in place before providers may obtain funding under the Section 5310 Program.


All Federal Transit Administration funding programs require a 20-50 percent match from non-DOT, state, or local sources. One of the most notable funding sources for human service providers has been the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. DHHS operates several transportation funding programs. Many of these programs have their own vehicles, but many of the services they provide are in the form of outsourcing trips to other providers and the utilization of volunteers. Divisions include:

1. Medicaid Administration – Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Provides funds for two types of transportation services that are not reimbursed or purchased through DHHS Medicaid client services, these include: 1) Adult Medical Day Care (ADMC), and 2) Non-emergency Medical Transportation trips that are made by Medicaid recipients who require wheelchair-accessible vehicles (NEMT/WC). Service for non-emergency medical transportation for ambulatory Medicaid beneficiaries is accomplished by reimbursing volunteer drivers or family members for driving. Beginning in January 2013, three private companies will undertake the management of NH Medicaid services. The outsourcing of Medicaid care management and transportation has the potential for further fragmenting the delivery of human services transportation in direct conflict with the United We Ride Principles.

2. Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) BEAS provides funding for transportation to all residents age 60 and older, individuals with disabilities, long-term healthcare residents, and adult Medicaid recipients. Trips are frequently to medical appointments and shopping. The two primary sources of funding for this program include Title III-B and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

3. Bureau of Behavioral Health The bureau supports transportation service for individuals with mental illness who are in residential programs. It also provides funding for trips to medical appointments and transportation for children to various enrichment and clinical programs.

4. Division for Children, Youth, and Families/Division for Juvenile Justice Services DCYF funds transportation services for children, youth, and families to medical, mental health, social services, court appointments, and visitation.


5. Division of Family Assistance

Families may receive reimbursements for mileage or bus passes of up to $160 per month to participants in the NH Employment Program (NHEP). Reimbursements are provided through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and are only available for those who have work requirements no other transportation options.

Agencies are supported by a host of resources. Many have strict funding requirements, and restrict human service agencies’ flexibility to allocate resources to best meet the needs of their clients. For example, this may prohibit the use of funds unless the client is part of a certain population, e.g. elderly or disabled (client-based), or restricting the service to certain trips such as a medical appointment. Another common requirement is that service will only be provided if the client has no other means of transportation. It is estimated that about 40 percent of customer trips are restricted to medical visits or “agency” associated service trips. Approximately one-half of these restrictions are agency policies and one-half are associated with funding. One of the problems with such a system is that funding requirements, billing and contracting procedures are complex. Funding is limited, and due to many of the restrictions, intergovernmental and public/private partnerships are limited by the lack of flexibility with funding sources. Because of the continuing practice of resource allocation in silos, service fragmentation continues despite progress in implementing a coordinated system. It is difficult to disaggregate the funds used for human service transportation by each of these agencies, as funding is frequently bundled with the provision of other human services. One of the challenges with the existing funding system is that many trips provided by human service providers are not fully reimbursable. This is because overhead costs cannot be included in the cost of a trip. The barriers to coordination among multiple human service agencies stem from systemic policy conflicts that must be addressed at the federal executive staff level. A June 2012 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report has recommended that the Secretary of Transportation, as chair of the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility, and the Secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, and Veterans Affairs should meet and complete and a strategic plan. The plan should clearly outline agency roles and responsibilities and articulate a strategy to help strengthen interagency collaboration and communication. A report on progress made since the 2005 Executive Order to develop coordination, including a cost sharing policy and actions taken by member agencies to increase federal program grantee participation in locally developed, coordinated plans shall be completed.


5.5 Other Services and Volunteers Connecticut River Transit, a Vermont 5311 rural transportation provider, operates a commuter route between Bellows Falls, Vermont and Lebanon, New Hampshire with stops along Interstate 91 at exits 8 and 9. Many New Hampshire residents utilize this service to commute to work in White River Junction or Lebanon as evidenced by the number of vehicles with New Hampshire license plates in park-and-ride facilities along Interstate 91 in Vermont. Private transportation options are limited within Sullivan County. Much of the additional transportation demands are met by volunteer drivers using their personal cars. Volunteers are an important component of the transportation system in Sullivan County. Volunteers throughout the county provide transportation via formalized services administered by the Community Alliance of Human Services, NH Association of the Blind, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). This is a time-honored New England tradition of helping neighbors, family and friends with rides in personal vehicles. This is likely a preferred method of transportation for most, but it can be difficult to recruit enough volunteers to meet the growing demand. Those with the time and resources to volunteer are often retired, serve for a time and then cycle out due to their own changing ability to drive. Younger volunteer availability is influenced by income, which unless meeting their own needs, will restrict their ability to volunteer. Insurance coverage for volunteers and the organizations that deploy them also have an effect on the pool of volunteers, as many insurers have concerns about liability. As successful as the region’s volunteer programs have been to date, it is important to note that although volunteers are an important part of the overall transportation system, they cannot be relied upon to alleviate all heavy or complex travel demands in the County.

A park-and-ride facility in Ascutney, Vermont is frequently filled with vehicles from Sullivan County.


EXISTING SERVICE FINDINGS Maps and service schedules are located in Appendix B.

• The most prominent transportation service within Sullivan County is Community Alliance Transportation Services(CATS), which offers deviated route services within Claremont, Charlestown and Newport, Dial-a-Ride Service/ door-to-door paratransit services, and a county-wide volunteer driver service.

• Existing bus services are targeted where the greatest demands exist (Claremont, Newport, and Charlestown) and supplemented by volunteer driver services in the remainder of the county.

• Transportation services in the population centers of Claremont, Newport, and Charlestown are provided by several human service agencies and volunteers, but communication and coordination efforts have begun to simplify consumer access with the installation of a toll free number located in the CATS Newport office for transportation information.

• Coordination among providers has been improved through the Regional Coordination Council process, but additional opportunities for coordination continue to exist.

• Some of the historic coordination obstacles have been reduced through the efforts of the Regional Coordination Council, but several obstacles continue to prevent systemic efficiency. These inefficiencies are problematic because demand-response trips are expensive, and available resources are limited. By eliminating redundancies, cost savings can be achieved by realizing economies of scale.

• Funding systems, billing, and contracting procedures are complex and reporting requirements for funding are often burdensome even when streamlined with state of the art computer software systems recently implemented.

• Funding for transportation services in Sullivan County is inadequate. For example, the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services reimburses CATS for approximately 7,000 trips annually. CATS is reimbursed $5.74 when each trip actually costs over $ 13 .00.

• Existing funding sources have restrictions that make intergovernmental and public/private partnerships difficult and hamper flexibility.

• Volunteers are an important part of the overall transportation system in Sullivan County but they cannot be relied upon to alleviate all heavy or complex travel demands.


6.0 TRANSPORTATION AND COORDINATION NEEDS 6.1 Enhanced Mobility for all Residents of Sullivan County The creation of a volunteer driver program provides improved mobility to all residents of Sullivan County and will be crucial moving forward. Public transit services are currently concentrated in the Claremont-Newport-Charlestown population center of the county. Despite service improvements to date, rural communities in Sullivan County remain unserved or underserved by existing transportation services. These communities include:

Town of Acworth Town of Langdon Town of Cornish Town of Lempster Town of Croydon Town of Plainfield Town of Goshen Town of Sunapee Town of Grantham Town of Unity Town of Springfield Town of Washington

Providing mobility to all Sullivan County residents also includes providing mobility during evenings and weekends. Travel training and education of residents in outlying communities is needed to help residents become familiar with services and navigate the transportation system. In Sullivan County, the lack of transportation services in rural communities is a reality that, barring a large influx of new funding, is not likely to change dramatically in the near future. But, implementation of Volunteer Driver Programs holds promise. Sullivan County has a significant pool of dedicated citizens who volunteer their time and vehicles to transport people in need to medical appointments. In June 2007, the New Hampshire Legislature adopted a bill addressing the insurance liability barrier, and was signed into law by New Hampshire Governor John Lynch in August 2007. This bill is based upon successfully enacted legislation in Maine, which prohibits insurance companies from raising rates, canceling insurance, or rejecting coverage solely based upon the insured persons being a volunteer driver. Although this was an important step forward, insurance remains a perennial concern. The SCC has engaged in discussions with representatives of the insurance industry and regulators that have reduced some of the concerns, but risk management and rate-setting are inconsistent around the state. In addition, because many volunteer drivers in Sullivan County are elderly citizens with limited incomes, a program that would reimburse those drivers for their vehicle mileage is a key aspect of maintaining the existing pool of volunteers. CAHS currently reimburses volunteer drivers at the federal GSA mileage rate (currently $.555 cents per mile) through the FTA 5310 Purchase of Service Program for those age 60 or over and persons with a disability. This program has allowed CAHS to maintain its existing pool of volunteer drivers despite fuel price volatility.


As successful as the region’s volunteer programs have been to date, it is important to note that although volunteers are a very important part of the overall transportation system, they cannot be expected to alleviate all complex travel demands in the County. 6.2 Transit Links between the Cities of Claremont and Lebanon

a. Establishing a regular transit connection between Claremont and Lebanon along the Route 120 corridor has been a priority of the region for more than a decade. There is a significant need for transportation services to better connect to employers and employment centers. Many Sullivan County residents, especially those who work during the 2nd or 3rd shifts, do not have reliable transportation to and from work. Transportation service is needed to link the employment centers of Lebanon and Claremont along the NH Route 120 Corridor. A route feasibility study completed in June 2011 found significant demand for this service. As important, municipal, private sector employers and general public support for this project was overwhelming.

b. In the course of the Route 120 transit feasibility study, public comments demonstrated support for a transit service along the Route 12A corridor that would provide easy access to employment and services in the retail center in West Lebanon for those residing on the west sides of Cornish and Plainfield along. A future feasibility study could consider whether there is a sufficient market for this service and whether existing services could be extended along 12A into those towns or a new service linking Claremont to West Lebanon’s existing transit service provided by Advance Transit could be successful. 6.3 Transit Links between Grantham and Lebanon and Newport and Claremont. The fastest growing community in Sullivan County and one of the fastest aging, the Town of Grantham, is not served by public transportation. The town’s central location along Interstate 89 between the Lebanon and Claremont Labor Market Areas creates a potential opportunity for linking the transit systems of Grafton and Sullivan County. In fact, auxiliary infrastructure that would compliment a public transit service is already in place. A Park-and-Ride lot with capacity for over 50 vehicles is adjacent to Interstate 89 Exit 13, but currently is not served by public transit.

A park-and-ride facility in the Town of Grantham has capacity for over 50 vehicles, but is underutilized

because of the lack of a transit connection.


6.4 Transit link to New London and Exit 12 Park & Ride via Grantham One of the area’s primary medical facilities and employers is New London Hospital. The Town of New London is also one of the area’s residential communities for individuals working in Claremont and Lebanon. The only existing transit service connecting the Upper Valley to this community is Dartmouth Coach. The schedule for this service limits its use as a commuter resource because it makes just one stop at the I-89, Exit 12 Park-and-Ride. Dartmouth Coach does not sell tickets at New London for their northbound run. If a commuter service were to be developed it would ideally be accessible at Exit 9, Exit 12, Exit 13, and DHMC in Lebanon and Dartmouth College in Hanover. A number of citizens of New London and Grantham have inquired about the possibility of adding such a commuter service. Although the route is a compelling idea, the in-depth analysis of a feasibility study will be necessary to determine the extent of demand and a market for such a service. The Town of New London, Upper Valley Lake Sunapee RPC, and Central New Hampshire RPC could collaborate on an application for FTA Section 5304 funding to commission a feasibility study of this transit link. 6.5 Enhance Existing Transit Services Ridership is growing on existing routes serving Claremont, Newport and Charlestown. The current schedules provide adequate, but not ideal access and are regarded as inconvenient by many potential riders because of the length of time between return trips. Shortening headways on services in Claremont, Charlestown, Newport and extension of services to the Sullivan County Complex will vastly improve service. Decreased wait times will make the service more convenient to use and have the potential to further increase ridership with more frequent operation. Higher frequency services will require capital improvements that may include, but are not limited to, fleet expansion and increased vehicle spare ratios, a number of capital improvements to the Newport garage and facilities that include the addition of new maintenance equipment and building reconfiguration that will allow for routine in-house maintenance such as oil changes and cleaning along with the commensurate staffing. Bus shelters are an immediate need at key stops for improved customer service and safety, as well as for any expanded service. An updated Short Range Transportation Plan for CAHS will be necessary in the near term to assess and assist with all service enhancement objectives. 6.6 Better Access to Regional Medical Centers Central Sullivan County is fortunate to be proximate (approximately 25 miles) to a tertiary care medical facility- the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon and regional hospitals and clinics of New London Hospital, Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, Alice Peck Day Memorial in Lebanon, and the VA Hospital across the


Connecticut River in White River Junction, Vermont. However, with no existing transit or shuttle-bus service linking Sullivan County, Grafton County and Merrimack County, those in need of transportation to medical appointments must rely on family or friends or on the CATS volunteer driver program. Improved access is needed between Sullivan County and the medical facilities in Merrimack County and Grafton County and adjacent Windsor County Vermont with non-commuter services. ADA accessible buses to provide regularly scheduled shuttle service and to complement the volunteer driver program would begin to meet these needs.

6.7 Expanded Public Outreach and Improved Marketing of Services Increasing ridership and fostering the continued development of transportation alternatives in Sullivan County will require a substantial cultural shift. The public must be made aware of existing services in Sullivan County and view them as viable alternatives to single occupant vehicle travel. This will require significant public outreach. A marketing campaign for transportation services in Sullivan County is needed to increase public awareness. A short video about the effectiveness and importance of existing services and the need for additional service supported by local communities has been highly effective in development of public support in other regions of the country. A public service informational video should be a priority of the marketing strategy. Community Alliance has played a vital role in serving those in the community that are transit dependent and this has lead to a misconception that services may not be open to the general public. According to rider surveys, more than half of the riders are members of the general public. Rebranding Community Alliance Transportation Services to establish it as a provider of general public transit services with a smart logo and catchy theme can overcome this public perception and broaden its general public appeal to increase ridership. In addition, a fresh presentation of this service as essential for all community members will enhance the status of those for whom public transit service is a critical component of fully engaging in community life. Sullivan County residents benefit from information about carpooling options available for travel to regional employment centers through increased public outreach efforts to educate citizens about the Upper Valley and New Hampshire Rideshare Programs. Both are free carpooling programs for New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont commuters facilitated by NH DOT. When commuters enroll in the program, they receive a "match list" of others who have similar commuting patterns. Members may then contact each other directly to set up a carpool or can coordinate with each other via an on-line “ride board”. Professional marketing consulting assistance to accomplish these objectives will be necessary. 6.8 Expansion of Centralized Dispatch Center

http://www.uppervalleyrideshare.com/�

http://www.nh.gov/dot/programs/rideshare/�


Community Transportation Services (CATS) has begun this effort with the addition of a toll-free centralized number and the addition of Routematch dispatching software that has enhanced efficiency, recordkeeping, and data maintenance. This has helped to mitigate existing service redundancies in the county and maximize the use of existing resources. Service enhancements would necessitate additional phone line capacity and staffing. 6.9 Continued Technology Improvements to Streamline Service and Reporting RouteMatch Software was launched in the spring of 2010 by CATS. The addition of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) systems could assist in optimizing route timing and scheduling. Additional operations and scheduling software modules to enhance reporting and accounting functions will be required in the future along with the continued annual licensing, updating, staff training, and maintenance of the products. 6.10 Support for Volunteer Transportation Services County-wide volunteer services are largely provided in Sullivan County by Community Alliance of Human Services Transportation. Other organizations that provide volunteer service to their clientele include Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurses Association, St. Luke’s Church (Charlestown area), NH Association of the Blind, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), West Central Behavioral Health, Veteran’s Administration, and American Red Cross. The American Red Cross supports two volunteer transportation programs: the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Program and the Rural Rides Program. The Road to Recovery program provides transportation to cancer treatment appointments, but the NH West Chapter of the American Red Cross is located in Keene and primarily serves residents of Cheshire and Hillsborough County. Service in Sullivan County has consisted of a car service in Charlestown when volunteer drivers are available, and weekly service originating in Cheshire County when space is available. Since July of 2011, Sullivan County residents have had access to the CATS Volunteer Driver Program in all 15 of the county communities. The Kearsarge Area Council on Aging, Inc. (COA Chapin Senior Center) has a large corps of volunteers that provide rides in the Lake Sunapee area; however, the council also covers the Sullivan County Towns of Sunapee, Grantham, and Springfield. A total of 52,000 miles of trips to necessary appointments were provided to seniors in 2011. Likewise, the Grafton County Senior Citizens Council provides transportation service for senior citizens residing in the Town of Plainfield. Volunteers are an important component of the transportation system in Sullivan County. Volunteers throughout the county provide transportation via formalized services administered by the Community Alliance of Human Services, NH Association of the Blind, and Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). This is a time-honored New England tradition of helping neighbors, family, and friends with rides in personal


vehicles. This is likely a preferred method of transportation for most, but it can be difficult to recruit enough volunteers to meet the growing demand. Those with the time and resources to volunteer are often retired, serve for a time and then cycle out due to their own changing ability to drive. Younger volunteer availability is influenced by income, which unless meeting their own needs, will restrict their ability to volunteer. Insurance coverage for volunteers and the organizations that deploy them also have an effect on the pool of volunteers, as many insurers have concerns about liability. 6.11 The Regional Coordinating Council The Sullivan County Regional Coordinating Council for Community Transportation (SCRCC) is playing a significant role in fostering coordination efforts. The Regional Coordinating Council should continue to advise providers on local service designs, coordination policies, and provide feedback to the State Coordinating Council relative to policies and regional transportation needs. The Council should remain active in oversight, advisory, and advocacy role for improved access and mobility.


7.0 COORDINATION STRATEGIES The following strategies to improve and enhance mobility for residents of the region include: 7.1 Enhanced Mobility for all Residents of Sullivan County Educational programs and travel training may help new users navigate the transportation system and provide information to communities about the importance of the service to their residents. Part of this process should include recruitment of individuals to join the volunteer driver corps. Ongoing efforts to garner additional funding sources for the volunteer driver mileage reimbursement as well as overall support for program administration are vital to the program’s continued success. Sullivan County is very fortunate to have a pool of dedicated volunteers that provide mobility to many residents in need of transportation. Continuing to support volunteer transportation services is an essential part of the solution to the County’s transportation needs. Project/Tasks:

• Seek funding for continued travel training and educational outreach to rural communities.

• Seek funding to continue mileage reimbursement for volunteer drivers. • Develop standard in-house presentation for staff to conduct travel training and to

recruit volunteer drivers. • Report to communities on a routine schedule, the services provided to their

residents through the volunteer driver program. • Continue to seek funding for service evaluation and planning for the region. • Work with the SCC on continued volunteer program policy development.

7.2 A. Transit Links between the Cities of Claremont and Lebanon Transit service between Claremont and Lebanon along Route 120 has been a priority of the region for more than a decade. A feasibility study was completed in 2011 and demonstrated a market for the service among employers and employees in both cities as well as overwhelming public interest in the service. 7.2 B. Service on the Route 12A corridor between Charlestown and W. Lebanon Significant public support was voiced during the course of the Route 120 feasibility analysis. Before such a service can be implemented, a feasibility study of the market for service options should be completed Project/Tasks:

• Seek FTA funding to enable implementation of Route 120 service. • Seek future commitments from employers and municipal governments to provide

match funding necessary to implement optimal service.


• Develop a capital improvement plan and funding for additional vehicles, shelters, and facilities required to implement and maintain the necessary fleet enhancements for the Route 120 services.

• Seek FTA Section 5304 funds to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of a Route 12A service.

7.3 Transit Links between Grantham, Lebanon, Newport, Claremont The fastest growing community in Sullivan County is Grantham. Transit service to the town does not currently exist. The desire for services to Grantham has been expressed by residents of the town who are employed in the Lebanon and Claremont Labor Market areas. Such a service provides the potential for linking transit services operating in Sullivan and Grafton Counties and by utilizing auxiliary infrastructure, the I89, Exit 13 Park-and- Ride. Project/Tasks:

• Seek FTA Section 5304 funds to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of services between Grantham and Lebanon and Grantham to Newport and Claremont.

7.4 Transit link to New London and Exit 12 Park & Ride via Grantham One of the area’s primary medical facilities and employers is New London Hospital. The Town of New London is also one of the area’s residential communities for individuals working in Claremont and Lebanon. The only existing transit service connecting the Upper Valley to this community is Dartmouth Coach. The schedule for this service limits its use as a commuter resource because it makes just one stop at the I-89, Exit 12 Park-and-Ride. Dartmouth Coach does not sell tickets at New London for their northbound run. If a commuter service were to be developed it would ideally be accessible at Exit 9, Exit 12, Exit 13, and DHMC in Lebanon and Dartmouth College in Hanover. A number of citizens of New London and Grantham have inquired about the possibility of adding such a commuter service. Although the route is a compelling idea, the in-depth analysis of a feasibility study will be necessary to determine the extent of demand and a market for such a service. Project/Tasks

• Conduct a general survey of among area residents to determine commuting patterns.

• Hold initial discussions with municipal leaders about the potential for service and the community interest and willingness to provide financial support for future planning and project implementation.

• Develop a collaborative application with the Town of New London, Upper Valley Lake Sunapee RPC, and Central New Hampshire RPC to obtain FTA Section 5304 funds to commission a feasibility study of this transit link.


7.5 Enhance and Expand Existing Transit Services Ridership is growing on the routes servicing Claremont, Newport and Charlestown. The current service schedules provide adequate, but not ideal access and are regarded as inconvenient by many potential riders because of the length of time between trips. Shortening headways on services in Claremont, Charlestown, Newport and extension of services to the Sullivan County Complex will greatly increase convenience and result in increased ridership with more frequent operation. Higher frequency services will require capital improvements that may include, but are not limited to, fleet expansion and increased vehicle spare ratios, various capital improvements to the Newport garage and facilities that include the addition of new maintenance equipment and building reconfiguration that will allow for routine in-house maintenance such as oil changes and cleaning along with the commensurate staffing. On existing routes, bus shelters are an immediate need at key stops and locations for improved customer service and safety.

Project/Tasks:

• Apply for 5304 Planning Funds to up-date the CAHS Short Range Transportation Plan.

• Seek funding to provide more frequent service to improve convenience and encourage ridership expansion.

• Conduct a formal evaluation of the market for evening and weekend services. • Seek FTA funding for capital improvements and for fleet expansion, bus shelters

at key locations on existing routes, appropriate spare ratios, shop equipment and facilities improvements management information software to improve required recordkeeping and efficiency.

• Seek FTA funding for management information software to improve record keeping for both operations and maintenance.

• Phase in the addition of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) terminals in all vehicles to use real-time information to improve efficiency in trip dispatching and consumer information.

7.6 Improved Access to Regional Medical Centers Central Sullivan County is fortunate to be in relatively close proximity (approximately 25 miles) to a tertiary care medical facility -- the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. However, with no existing transit or shuttle-bus service linking Sullivan County, Grafton County, and Merrimack County those in need of transportation to medical appointments must rely on family or friends or on the CATS volunteer driver program. Improved, regular access is needed between Sullivan County and New London Hospital in Merrimack County and DHMC in Grafton County on non-commuter service schedules. ADA accessible vans to provide regular shuttle service supplemented by the volunteer driver program could begin to meet these needs.


Project /Tasks • Using volunteer driver statistical reports from Community Alliance of Human

Services, Kearsarge Council on Aging, Inc. /Chapin Senior Center and others, track volume and frequency of demand for services to various medical facilities and need for accessible vehicle service.

• Consider addition of a regularly scheduled ADA accessible small bus to serve each of the centers on various days and times to and from key locations.

• Seek advice and assistance of the hospitals and clinics to cooperate in scheduling service hours and days.

• Add supplemental ADA bus for regional hospital shuttles and volunteer driver program and seek capital funding to implement services.

• Collaborate on a funding strategy with various stakeholders and constituencies that might benefit from this service, including new Medicaid managed care organizations and hospitals/clinics where possible.

7.7 Expanded Public Outreach and Improve Marketing of Services

Increasing ridership and fostering the continued development of transportation alternatives in Sullivan County will require a substantial cultural shift. The public must be made better aware of existing services in Sullivan County and view them as viable alternatives to single occupant vehicle travel. This will require significant public outreach. A marketing campaign for transportation services in Sullivan County is needed to increase public awareness of services and improve the image of public transit. Project/Tasks:

• Produce a short video about the effectiveness and importance of Community Alliance Transportation volunteer and bus services and the concept of public transportation as an alternative to solo commuting.

• Rebrand Community Alliance Transportation Services to establish it as a provider of general public transit services with a smart logo and catchy theme to change public perception, broaden its appeal, and further increase ridership.

• Update web services and schedules to reflect the new image. • Present service in all communications as essential for all community members -

the general public, choice riders as well as those dependent on public transportation.

• Promote carpooling options available for travel to regional employment centers through increased public outreach efforts to educate citizens about the Upper Valley Rideshare and New Hampshire Rideshare Programs.

• Obtain the necessary professional marketing consulting assistance to accomplish these objectives.

• Seek one-time marketing funds to launch specific components and on-going marketing funds in all operational grant applications.



http://www.nh.gov/dot/programs/rideshare/�


7.8 Expand Centralized Dispatch Service Center CATS established a toll-free contact for transportation information and scheduling in 2010. RouteMatchTM dispatching, scheduling, and reporting software has greatly improved efficiency, recordkeeping, and data maintenance. This has helped to mitigate existing service redundancies in the county and helped to maximize the use of available resources. Service enhancements will necessitate additional phone line capacity and staffing. Project/Tasks:

• Working cooperatively, human service providers should develop a unified tracking and reporting system.

• Plan for additional capital and staff resources as transportation demand grows including additional phone lines and staffing.

• Use data captured to assess demand for services as a planning tool for service expansions and route adjustments.

7.9 Continue Technology Improvements to Streamline Service and Reporting RouteMatch Software was launched in the spring of 2010 by Community Alliance Transportation Services. The addition of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Automatic Vehicle Locating (AVL) systems could assist in optimizing route timing and scheduling. Additional operations and scheduling software modules to enhance reporting and accounting functions will be required in the future along with the continued annual licensing, up-dating, staff training, and maintenance of the products. Project/Tasks:

• Incorporate routine information technology maintenance, updates, and upgrades into operating budgets to keep products current.

• Phase in the use of AVL and GPS technology to improve efficiency and respond to service requests using real-time vehicle location information.

• Track and assess the use of information technology in improving operational efficiency and service delivery to riders.

7.10 Support for Volunteer Driver Programs Sullivan County is very fortunate to have a pool of dedicated volunteers that provide mobility to many residents in need. Continuing to support volunteer transportation services is an essential part of the solution to the County’s transportation needs. HB 0767 was passed by the New Hampshire House Legislature, and signed by Governor John Lynch. The law, provides some assurance that volunteer drivers will not be refused issue of a policy of automobile insurance, as defined in RSA 417-A, to an applicant solely because the applicant is a volunteer driver. An insurer may not impose a surcharge or otherwise increase the rate for a policy of automobile insurance solely on the basis that the named insured, a member of the insured’s household, or a person who customarily operates the insured’s vehicle is a volunteer driver. But this does


not protect the volunteer from rate increases and it does not prohibit an insurer from refusing to renew, imposing a surcharge, or otherwise raising the rate for a policy of automobile insurance based upon factors other than the volunteer status of the insured driver, nor provide any other protection for volunteers such as those generally found in Good Samaritan laws. The full text of the legislation can be found below:

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Seven AN ACT relative to insurance for volunteer drivers: Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened: 1 New Section; Rate Regulation, Motor Vehicle Insurance; Volunteer Drivers. Amend RSA 412 by inserting after section 17 the following new section: 412:17-a Volunteer Drivers. An insurer may not refuse to issue a policy of automobile insurance, as defined in RSA 417-A, to an applicant solely because the applicant is a volunteer driver. An insurer may not impose a surcharge or otherwise increase the rate for a policy of automobile insurance solely on the basis that the named insured, a member of the insured’s household, or a person who customarily operates the insured’s vehicle is a volunteer driver. For purposes of this section, “volunteer driver” means a person who provides services, including transporting individuals or goods, without compensation above expenses to a charitable organization as defined in RSA 7:21. This section does not prohibit an insurer from refusing to renew, imposing a surcharge, or otherwise raising the rate for a policy of automobile insurance based upon factors other than the volunteer status of the insured driver. 2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect January 1, 2008.

Developing incentives for volunteerism will also be important. There are a number of ways of providing incentives such as sponsoring a recognition dinner for volunteer drivers. These efforts help to let volunteer drivers know that their services are important and appreciated. Second, work cooperatively with local employers to develop programs that provide incentives for their employees to volunteer. Third, develop a program that reimburses volunteer drivers for their mileage expenses. Because many volunteer drivers in Southern Sullivan County are elderly citizens with limited incomes, a program that would reimburse those drivers for their vehicle mileage would be a key aspect of maintaining the existing pool of volunteers. The Sullivan County Senior Citizens Council currently reimburses volunteer drivers at the federal mileage rate (currently $.555 cents per mile) through the FTA 5310 Purchase of Service Program for those age 60 or over and persons with a disability. This program has allowed the GCSCC to maintain its existing pool of volunteer drivers despite fuel price volatility. Projects/Tasks:

• Human service transportation providers that depend on volunteer drivers should work to maintain funding resources and programs that reimburse drivers for their mileage expenses.

• Consider incentives to boost volunteerism, including volunteer recognition dinners and employer-based volunteering programs.

• Work with the SCC on volunteer driver programs and to enhance volunteer insurance coverage.


7.11 Support Continuation of the Regional Coordinating Council The Sullivan County Regional Coordinating Council for Community Transportation (SCRCC) is playing a significant role in fostering coordination efforts. SC RCC will play an important role going forward as an advisor to providers on local service design and for providing feedback to the State Coordinating Council on policy formulation as well as identifying local needs for service. Project/Tasks:

• Involve the RCC in the planning process to implement the Sullivan County Coordinated Public Transit/ Human Services Transportation Plan.

• Continue RCC collaboration with human service agencies and transportation providers to facilitate meaningful coordination and build relationships.

• Participate in the State Coordinating Council and other statewide stakeholder groups working on public transportation infrastructure and policy development.

• Serve as a community resource for information and education about the importance of and need for community transportation services.


Appendix A

Demographic Maps

Sullivan County Population and Density



Sullivan County Population over Age 60*

*Eligibility for FTA Section 5310 eligibility is age 60.


Sullivan County Population Disabled


Sullivan County Median Household Income


Sullivan County Population in Poverty


Appendix B

Sullivan County Regional Coordination Council Community Transportation Service Directory

Community Transportation Service Directory

January 2011

Sullivan County Regional Coordination Council

Community Alliance of Human Services to Newport Senior Center

Volunteer Drivers at Red Cross and Community Alliance Transportation

Sullivan County Regional Coordination Council for Community Transportation – www.sullivancountyrcc.org Page 1

Sullivan County Directory of Community Transportation Services

This directory is a listing of community transportation services in Sullivan

County, New Hampshire including:

• Public Transit, Dial-A-Ride and Volunteer Driver Services

• Taxis & Private, For-Hire Car Services

• Non-Emergency Medical Transport Services

• Transportation by agencies that serve persons with disabilities

• Client transportation programs of human service agencies

• Transportation operated by nursing homes for their residents

Directory by the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission and the Sullivan County Regional Coordination Council for Community Transportation with thanks to the New Hampshire

Endowment for Health.


Table of Contents Page Alphabetical List of Transportation Services……………………………………………………………..…..…..3-5 General Public Transportation………………………………………………………………………………………….…..5 Taxi Companies……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…...5 Non-Emergency Medical Transportation………………………………………….………………………………..6-7 Seniors and Persons with a Disability…………………………………………………………………………………7-8 Restricted Client Transportation…………………………………………………………………………………………8-9 Information and Referral Services………….……………………………………………………………………………..9 Coordination Fast Facts…………………………………………………………………………………………………..10-11

IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY CALL 911 FOR ASSISTANCE

E-mail comments or suggestions to [email protected]


Provider Name Service Area SERVICE DESCRIPTION Contact Fees & Fares

American Red Cross Charlestown and Route 12 corridor between Keene, Lebanon, White River Junction

Rides to medical appointments throughout New England. Open to the General Public. Special services for veterans and military families. Volunteer drivers. Call at least 24-hours in advance. http://www.newhampshirewest.redcross.org/ Rural_Rides_Program.php

603-352-3210 ext 120 or

800-244-2214 ext 120, between 9 AM and 3PM.

Donations Accepted.

CATS Community Alliance of Human Services Transportation

Claremont, Newport, Charlestown Sullivan County

Public Transportation Demand Response - Accessible – Dial-a -Ride 6:40 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday Except major holidays. Dial-a-Ride – Call to schedule one day in advance. Volunteer Drivers – Free Service. Call to schedule a minimum 48 hours in advance. http://www.communityalliance.net/

603-863-0003 603-863-2772 Toll Free

877-418-0118

Town-Town - $2 one way. In-Town - $1 one way. 10 Punch Ticket $8. Claremont - Newport $35/month. Within Newport or Claremont - $20/month.

Charlestown Ambulance Service

Charlestown Residents Only

Ambulance, non-emergency medical trips from from hospital to hospital to nursing facility or home. http://www.charlestown-nh.gov/Public_Documents/index

603-826-5747 Call to check availability.

Charges vary depending on distance and level of care required.

CNC Cab Company Claremont Long Distance

Traditional Taxi Service (non-accessible) 603-542-2280 $5 one-way in town. Varied by destination.

Connecticut Valley Home Care & Hospice

Sullivan County Transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping or errands for Homecare clients receiving Companion/Personal Services

603-543-6800 No additional charge for eligible clients.

Easter Seals Statewide Services for individuals with a disability including students and elders. http://nh.easterseals.com

603-668-8603 Fares or charges vary by destination.

http://www.newhampshirewest.redcross.org/�

http://www.communityalliance.net/�

http://www.charlestown-nh.gov/Public_Documents/index�


http://nh.easterseals.com/�


Provider Name Service Area SERVICE DESCRIPTION Contact Info Fees & Fares

Granite State Independent Living

Statewide Person with disabilities when public transportation is unavailable. http://www.gsil.org/

800-826-3700 Fee-for-Service and Reimbursement if qualified Financial assistance available.

Kearsarge Area Council on Aging

Andover, Danbury, Grantham, Newbury, New London, Sunapee, Springfield, Sutton, Wilmot

No-cost local and long-distance (Concord, Hanover, Claremont) transportation to residents living within the nine towns served by COA and who are 55 years old and older. Call to schedule at least 4 days in advance. http://www.kearsargecoa.com/

603-526-6368 None required

Golden Cross Ambulance

Claremont Local or Long Distance

Emergency & Routine Medical Transports Wheel Chair Vans or Ambulance Services Available 24-Hours a Day http://www.goldencrossamb.com


Newport Senior Center

Newport with limited services to Kellyville, Guild

Individuals Age 60 or Older. Car Service & Volunteers 9:00 AM to 2:45 PM Monday-Friday, except on holidays and snow days. Medical trips a priority. http://www.newportrec.com/locations- senior-center.htm

603-863-3177 Call 24-hours in advance.

$1 Donations requested, but not required.

Pathways of the River Valley

Sullivan & Southern Grafton Counties

Services for people with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and their families. http://www.pathwaysnh.org

Sullivan County

603-542-8706 Grafton County

603-448-2077

Transportation service is provided at no extra charge for participants.

Sullivan County Healthcare

Sullivan County Services for residents of the County Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center http://www.sullivancountynh.gov/

603-542-9511 Transportation service is provided at no extra charge for residents.

http://www.gsil.org/�

http://www.kearsargecoa.com/�

http://www.goldencrossamb.com/�

http://www.newportrec.com/locations-%20senior-center.htm�

http://www.newportrec.com/locations-%20senior-center.htm�

http://www.sullivancountynh.gov/�


Provider Name Service Area SERVICE DESCRIPTION Contact Info Fees & Fares

Veterans Administration

Northeastern New Hampshire

VA general and medical services for disabled veterans. http://www.va.gov/

802-295-9363 Free services for veterans to medical services at VA health facilities.

West Central Behavioral Health

Sullivan & Grafton Counties

Community Mental Health Services for Adults & Children. Transports available for program participants only. http://www.wcbh.org

603-542-5128 Charges vary by destination and programs

Provider Name Service Area PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Contact Info Fees & Fares



Public Transportation Demand Response - Accessible – Dial-a -Ride 6:40 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday Except major holidays. Dial-a-Ride – Call to schedule one day in advance. Volunteer Drivers – Free Service. Call to schedule a minimum 48 hours in advance. http://www.communityalliance.net/

603-863-0003 603-863-2772 Toll Free

877-418-0118


Provider Name Service Area TAXI SERVICES Contact Info Fees & Fares

CNC Cab Company Claremont Local and Long Distance

Traditional Taxi Service (non-accessible) 603-542-2280 $5 one-way in Claremont Charges vary by destination and distance.

http://www.va.gov/�

http://www.wcbh.org/home.php?msg=RS�



IN A MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLEASE DIAL 911 FOR ASSISTANCE

Provider Name Service Area NON EMERGENCY MEDICAL

TRANSPORTATION Contact Info Fees & Fares


Rides to medical appointments throughout New England. Open to the General Public. Special services for veterans and military families. Volunteer drivers. Call at least 24-hours in advance. http://www.newhampshirewest.redcross.org/ RuralRidesProgram.php

603-352-3210 ext 120 or


Donations Accepted.



Public Transportation - Demand Response Accessible and Dial-a -Ride 6:40 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday Except major holidays. Dial-a-Ride – Call to schedule one day in advance. Volunteer Drivers – Free Service. Call to schedule a minimum 48 hours in advance. http://www.communityalliance.net/

603-863-0003 603-863-2772 Toll Free

877-418-0118


Charlestown Ambulance Service

Charlestown Residents Only

Emergency or non-emergency medical trips from hospital to hospital or to nursing facility or home. http://www.charlestown-nh.gov/Public_Documents/index

603-826-5747 Call to check availability.

Charges vary depending on distance and level of care required.

Golden Cross Ambulance

Claremont and Long Distance

Emergency & Routine Medical Transports. Wheelchair Vans or Ambulance Services available 24-Hours. http://www.goldencrossamb.com

603-542-6660 Charges vary by destination.



VA general and medical services for disabled veterans. http://www.va.gov

802-295-9363 Free Services for veterans to medical services at VA health facilities.





http://www.goldencrossamb.com/�



Provider Name Service Area NON EMERGENCY MEDICAL

TRANSPORTATION Contact Info Fees & Fares


Newport with limited services to Kellyville, Guild.

Individuals Age 60 or older. Car Service & Volunteers 9:00 AM to 2:45PM Monday-Friday except on holidays and snow days. Medical trips a priority. http://www.newportrec.com/locations-senior-center.htm

603-863-3177 Call 24-hours in advance.

$1 Donations Requested, but not required.

Provider Name Service Area SENIORS OR PERSONS WITH A

DISABILITY Contact Info Fees & Fares


Rides to medical appointments throughout New England. Open to the Public. Special services for veterans and military families. Volunteer drivers. Call at least 24-hours in advance. http://www.newhampshirewest.redcross.org/ Rural_Rides_Program.php

603-352-3210 ext 120 or


Donations Accepted.



Public and Demand-Response Transportation - Accessible – Dial-a -Ride 6:40 AM – 5:00 PM Mon.-Fri. Except holidays. Dial-a-Ride – Call to schedule one day in advance. Volunteer Drivers – Free Service. Call to schedule a minimum 48 hours in advance. http://www.communityalliance.net/

603-863-0003 603-863-2772 Toll Free

877-418-0118


Easter Seals Statewide Services for individuals with a disability including students and the elderly. www.easterseals.org


http://www.newportrec.com/locations-senior-center.htm�

http://www.newportrec.com/locations-senior-center.htm�




Provider Name Service Area SENIORS OR PERSONS WITH A

DISABILITY Contact Info Fees & Fares

Granite State Independent Living

Statewide Persons with disabilities when public transportation is unavailable. http://www.gsil.org

800-826-3700 Fee-for-Service Reimbursement if qualified. Financial assistance available.

Kearsarge Area Council on Aging

Andover, Danbury, Grantham, Newbury, New London, Sunapee, Springfield, Sutton, Wilmot

No-cost local or long-distance (Concord, Hanover, Claremont) transportation to residents living within the nine towns served by COA and who are 55 years old and older. Call to schedule at least 4 days in advance. http://www.kearsargecoa.com

603-526-6368 None required


Newport with limited services to Kellyville, Guild

Individuals Age 60 or Older. Car Service & Volunteers 9:00 AM to 2:45 PM Monday-Friday, except on holidays and snow days. Medical trips a priority. http://www.newportrec.com/locations- senior-center.htm

603-863-3177

Call 24-hours in advance.

$1 Donations requested, but not required.

Provider Name Service Area RESTRICTED CLIENT TRANSPORTATION Contact Info Fees & Fares

Connecticut Valley Home Care & Hospice

Sullivan County Transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping or errands for Homecare clients receiving Companion/Personal Services.

603-543-6800 No additional charge for eligible clients.

Pathways of the River Valley

Sullivan & Southern Grafton Counties

Community-based non-profit agency for people with developmental disabilities and brain injuries and their families. Transportation is for participants. http://www.pathwaysnh.org/index.html

Sullivan County

603-542-8706

Grafton County

603-448-2077

Transportation service is provided at no extra charge for participants.

http://www.gsil.org/�

http://www.kearsargecoa.com/�

http://www.newportrec.com/locations-�


Provider Name Service Area RESTRICTED CLIENT TRANSPORTATION Contact Info Fees & Fares

Sullivan County Health Care

Sullivan County Services for residents of the County Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center http://www.sullivancountynh.gov/

603-542-9511 Transportation available for eligible residents.



VA general and medical services for disabled veterans. http://www.va.gov/

802-295-9363 Free services for veterans to medical services at VA health facilities.

West Central Behavioral Services

Sullivan & Grafton Counties

Community Mental Health Services for Adults & Children. Transports available for program participants only. http://www.wcbh.org

603-542-5128 Charges vary by destination and programs.

Provider Name Service Area INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES Contact Info Fees & Fares

Medicaid Transportation

Statewide Volunteer Driver and Service Referrals provided by Medicaid Division of NH Department of Health Human Services. http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/ DHHS/MEDICAIDPROGRAM/

800-852-3345 Ext. 3770

No charge for those eligible for transport to covered medical services.

Service Link Resource Center

Claremont, Lebanon

A statewide network of community-based resources for seniors, adults with disabilities and their families. Monday-Friday 8AM to 4PM http://www.nh.gov/servicelink/index.html

603-542-5177 603-448-1835 866-634-9412

Free referral and information for services for healthy and independent living.

United Way Statewide Free information that connects people with important community services. http://www.scunitedway.org

211 Free Information and Referrals

http://www.sullivancountynh.gov/�


http://www.wcbh.org/home.php?msg=RS�

http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/%20DHHS/MEDICAIDPROGRAM/�

http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/%20DHHS/MEDICAIDPROGRAM/�

http://www.nh.gov/servicelink/index.html�

http://www.scunitedway.org/�

COORDINATION: FAST FACTS


WHAT DOES COORDINATION LOOK LIKE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE? The State Coordinating Council for Community Transportation (SCC) is leading a coordination effort in New Hampshire to reduce duplication, increase the availability of transportation services, and make scarce resources go further as the need for transportation increases with an aging and growing population. New Hampshire has a two-level strategy: a state-level coordinating council (the SCC) and ten regional

coordinating councils (RCCs). The SCC is responsible for developing policy, funding, and other strategies that foster coordination, while RCCs are responsible for implementing coordinated transportation programs, advising community transportation service providers, and providing feedback to the SCC. In Sullivan County the RCC has designated Community Alliance of Human Services Transportation to lead the coordination efforts for the region.

WHY NOW? In 20 years, New Hampshire will have 130% more residents aged 65 and older than today according to the NH Office of Energy and Planning (NHOEP). Many residents of all ages are disabled and/or have limited incomes. As our population ages and becomes less mobile, the number of people dependent upon community transportation services is increasing.

In addition, many people with disabilities and limited incomes are unable to access employment if they live in areas not served by transit. Seniors who do not drive are significantly less active in their communities and take: • 15% fewer trips to the doctor • 59% fewer trips for shopping or other activities • 65% fewer trips for social activities. -Source: NHOEP

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? The coordination of community transportation is an important and proven way to cost-effectively improve mobility and access. • Successful programs could

generate combined economic savings of about $700 million per year to human service and transit agencies nation-wide (Transit Cooperative Research Report 91).

COORDINATION: FAST FACTS


• Removing barriers to coordination improves efficiency by allowing agencies to share trips.

• This would help to make services available to more people and expand services to new areas and destinations, new service days and hours, and/or new trip purposes.

• Enhancing mobility and quality of life for people also provides economic benefits to their communities; plus, reducing total vehicle trips enhances air quality and makes other positive environmental contributions.

• Supporting coordinated community transportation networks that serve all citizens is the focus of the SCC. Thousands of hours have been invested moving towards a

coordinated system and expanding mobility options on the local, regional, and statewide levels.

Community transportation expands opportunities and transportation choices. • The mobility created by

community transportation provides opportunities for people from all walks of life.

• Community transportation provides access to job opportunities for millions of Americans.

• Eighty-three 83 percent of older Americans say public transit provides easy access to the things they need in everyday life.

• Public transportation is a vital link for the more than 51 million Americans with disabilities.

Community transportation results in cost saving and benefits for families and businesses. • An average $9,000 can be

saved annually by taking public and community transportation instead of driving or by living with one less car.

• For every $1 invested in public and community transportation, $4 is generated in economic returns. -Source: APTA’s Telling Our Story Toolkit and Mobility Management Resources

Community transportation is the responsible transportation choice. • Greenhouse gases from

transportation represent 28% of US emissions.

• Community transportation offers an alternative for individuals to reduce their energy use.

For More Information, visit www.nh.gov/dot/programs/scc/ or www.sullivancountyrcc.org

http://www.nh.gov/dot/programs/scc/�

http://www.sullivancountyrcc.org/�


Appendix C

Community Alliance Deviated Route Service Maps

Claremont, Newport and Charlestown

Existing Regional Transportation Services Map

List and Location of Sullivan County Employers


Community Alliance Deviated Route Service Maps Claremont, Newport and Charlestown

CATS Community Alliance

Transportation Services

A program of Community Alliance

of Human Services, Inc

Community Alliance Transportation Services

Riders Code of Conduct Riders: Community Alliance Transportation Services (CATS) is open to the public. Services are provided without regard to race, creed, age, or sexual orientation. All riders must abide by this Code of Conduct. Although specific prohibited acts are listed, the bus driver has the final authority to refuse service to anyone deemed a potential safety threat. Fares:

$1.00 one-way Within 1 town/city $2.00 one-way From town to town Add $1.00 for each town line crossed thereafter.

Passes $8.00 10 punch pass (1 punch=$1) $20.00 In Town Monthly Pass $35.00 Unlimited Pass

All riders must pay a fare or use a valid pass. River Valley Community College students ride for free with a valid RVCC photo ID. Children age 5 and under ride free but must be accom-panied by an adult to access service. Carry-on Items: Passengers may take as many parcels as can be carried on the bus in one boarding. Items must be secured under the seat or held on the lap. Pets: Pets are permitted on any CATS bus as long as the pet is restrained, secured, and com-pletely under control at all times. Violations: Individuals who violate this code of conduct will be asked to refrain from the behavior immedi-ately. If the behavior continues, they will be removed from the vehicle immediately. Re-peated violations may cause permanent service denial.

Prohibited Acts The following acts are prohibited on any CATS owned vehicle:

Smoking or carrying any lighted tobacco product or expelling the residue of any to-bacco product including chewing tobacco.

Consuming alcoholic beverages or possess-ing an open container of any alcoholic bev-erage.

Engaging in disruptive verbal or physical behavior, including loud conversation, pro-fanity or insults, sexual advances, or oper-ating any electronic device used for sound without earphones.

Taking any unrestrained or uncrated pets.

Possessing or transporting any flam-mable liquids, combustible material or other dangerous substances such as gasoline, kerosene or propane.

Littering.

Vandalizing the vehicle by writing, marking, scribbling, defacing, or causing destruction to the vehicle in any manner.

Begging or soliciting by forcing yourself upon another person.

Excreting any bodily fluid upon or at an-other person on the vehicle.

Possessing, using, or selling any controlled substance.

Eating, or drinking any beverage other than water.

Community Alliance Transportation Services PO Box 689, Claremont, NH 03743 www.communityalliance.net

Claremont Charlestown

Newport 877-418-0118 603-863-0003

Charlestown Service

Effective 9/6/2011 AM MIDDAY PM

Wal-Mart 7:10 10:35 2:50

222 Lovers Lane Complex 7:35 11:10 3:20

Perry Avenue & Main Street 7:40 11:25 3:25

Charlestown Elderly Housing 7:50 11:38 3:45

Hannafords 8:20 4:30

Effective 9/6/2011 AM AM AM AM PM PM PM PM Opera House Square 6:25 7:20 8:45 10:45 12:30 3:00 4:45

Shaw’s 7:40 9:25 11:40 1:15 Newport Senior Center 9:30 11:50 1:18

Summer Crest 10:10 1:47 Newport Health / CAHS 8:22 10:22 12:02 1:55 4:12

Wal-Mart 8:42 10:42 12:27 2:22

Newport Service

Effective 9/6/2011 AM AM AM Opera House Square 8:00 8:20 9:20

VRH Complex 9:40 Market Basket/K-Mart 8:42 9:50

Opera House Square—Arrive 8:51 9:53 Claremont Senior Center 10:10

——— 11:20 11:40 11:50 12:00 12:15

AM 10:20 10:35 10:42 10:51 11:10

PM 12:20 12:34 12:50 1:00

PM 1:20 1:40 1:50 1:55 2:10

PM 2:20 2:40 2:50 2:55 3:10

PM 3:20 3:40 3:42 3:51

PM 4:20 4:40

Claremont Service

All Service is Demand/Response Riders may board and disembark at any point along the corridor. It is not necessary to call for a ride along the corridor. Riders may call to schedule a ride origi-nating within a 1/4 mile radius of the corridor (shaded area of the map). Please see timetables for scheduled stop times. You may call 1 hour prior to departure or schedule your trips up to 2 weeks in advance. Pick-up and drop-off times will be scheduled to correlate with the corridor. Buses will not express to pick up or drop off locations. When calling to schedule a ride for the first time, please have the following information available: First Name; Last Name; Home Address, Phone Number; and Birth date. If applicable, please provide: Disability; Number of Attendants; Mobility Device. The following information is required for all trips:.), Appointment Time (if applicable) Requested Pick-Up Time and Address of Destination. Purpose of Trip (Shopping, Medical, Nutrition, Work, etc * Please note: trips are scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis, time and space available. We recommended riders call well in advance.


Existing Regional Transportation Services Map


List and Location of Sullivan County Employers

TOWN NAME LOCATION EMPLOYEES CHARLESTOWN Bigelow's Welding 168 Lower Landing Road 1 CHARLESTOWN Bomar (Division of Pompannette Inc) 29 Southwest Street 100 CHARLESTOWN Carroll Concrete Co 386 Springfield Road 8 CHARLESTOWN Charlestown Whelen Engineering Inc 99 Cedar Road 183 CHARLESTOWN Design Standards 140 Cedar Road 55 CHARLESTOWN Green Mountain Glass 43 Church Street 5 CHARLESTOWN Grobet File Co of NH Inc 957 Route 11 95 CHARLESTOWN Hemlock Foundry Corporation 1580 Acworth Road 3 CHARLESTOWN J S P Fabrications Inc 49 Hammond Road 4 CHARLESTOWN Laber Manufacturing Inc 98 Hammond Road 4 CHARLESTOWN Lockwood Architectural Hardware Inc Main Street 6 CHARLESTOWN Mal Tool & Engineering 1105 River Road 35

CHARLESTOWN Meadowbrook Sheet Metal Fabrication 853 River Road 11

CHARLESTOWN Merriam-Graves 806 River Road 25 CHARLESTOWN Norwood Cabinet Co 60 Cedar Road 20 CHARLESTOWN Optical Solutions Inc 26 Bull Run 8 CHARLESTOWN Pompanette Inc 73 Southwest Street 80 CHARLESTOWN Ray-Tech Infrared Corporation 192 Rte 11 9 CHARLESTOWN St Pierre Inc 31 Chestnut Hill Road 20 CHARLESTOWN Unique Signs 3849 Claremont Road 3 CLAREMONT A P C Paper Company Inc 131 Sullivan Street 55 CLAREMONT American Brush Co 300 Industrial Blvd 45 CLAREMONT Belfon Machine Co Inc Industrial Blvd 24 CLAREMONT Bourdon's Institutional Sales Inc Plains Road 19 CLAREMONT Cannon Industries Inc Riverbend Industrial Park 54 CLAREMONT Claremont Flock Corp 169 Main Street 110 CLAREMONT Claremont Foundry Inc Grissom Lane 75 CLAREMONT Claremont Memorials Broad Street 2 CLAREMONT Coca-Cola Bottling Co 285 Main Street 35 CLAREMONT Connecticut Precision Castings Inc River Road 7 CLAREMONT Costa Precision MFG Corp Plains Road 42 CLAREMONT Crown Point Cabintery Corp 153 Charlestown Road 60 CLAREMONT Customized Structures Inc Plains Road 120 CLAREMONT Doolittle's Printservice 152 Washington Street 4 CLAREMONT Dor-Mor Inc 20 Forest Street 3 CLAREMONT Eagle Times River Road 79 CLAREMONT Gray's Sheet Metal Shop 20 Crescent Street 1 CLAREMONT Holson Burnes Group Inc 104 Washington Street 165 CLAREMONT Industrial Engravers Inc Rte 12, Charlestown Road 6 CLAREMONT LaCrosse Footwear 401 Washington Street 160 CLAREMONT The Letter Man Press 97 Pleasant Street 3 CLAREMONT Lion Machine Inc Airport Road 10 CLAREMONT M & W Welding & Fabrication 170 Charlestown Road 4 CLAREMONT Monadnock Forest Products Inc 289 River Road 26 CLAREMONT News Leader of Sullivan County 6 Sullivan Street 4 CLAREMONT North Country Smokehouse Airport Road 15


CLAREMONT Optimum Manufacturing Inc River Road, Rte 12A 16 CLAREMONT Ralph L Osgood Inc Grissom Lane 23 CLAREMONT John Phelps Straw Hill Road 0 CLAREMONT Redi-Print 16 Tremont Square 2 CLAREMONT Sinclair Machine Products Inc 62 Airport Road 45 CLAREMONT Sullivan-Palatec Inc River Road 70 CLAREMONT Tanx Inc 30 Crescent Street 48 CLAREMONT Timberpeg East Inc Twistback Road 30 CLAREMONT Venture Machine Washington Street 4 CORNISH Harold A Morse Clark Camp Road 0 CORNISH Another Light Stained Glass School Street 1 CORNISH Dingee Machine Co Route 120 7 CORNISH North Country Door Rte 120 23 GRANTHAM Cote & Reney Lumber Co Inc 742 Springfield Road 16 GRANTHAM Inga Enamels Inc 65 Anderson Pond 5 GRANTHAM Yankee Barn Homes 131 Yankee Barn Road 45 NEWPORT Arlington American Sample Co 20 South Main Street 140 NEWPORT The Barrett Press Inc 8 Central Street 2 NEWPORT Carroll Concrete Co 8 Reeds Mill Road 40 NEWPORT Eric L Chute Inc Page Hill Road 35 NEWPORT Combustion Improvers Co Inc 239 Sunapee Street 5 NEWPORT GEM Tech/K & M Machine Co Inc 462 Sunapee Street 15 NEWPORT Gloenco-Newport Inc 452 Sunapee Street 75 NEWPORT Hartford Eichenauer Inc 292 Sunapee Street 70 NEWPORT Interstate Manufacturing Associate 169 Sunapee Street 7 NEWPORT Latva Machine Inc 744 John Stark Highway 53 NEWPORT Lavalley Building Supply Inc 351 Sunapee Street 100 NEWPORT Terry Moore Woodworking 11 Summer Street 1 NEWPORT Newport Concrete Block Co 187 South Main Street 5 NEWPORT Newport Sand & Gravel Co Inc 8 Reeds Mill Road 35 NEWPORT Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co 939 John Stark Highway 30 NEWPORT Pike Industries Inc Reeds Mill Road 1 NEWPORT Pinetree Castings 411 Sunapee Street 250 NEWPORT Pollution Research & Development 931 John Stark Highway 10 NEWPORT R D S Machine Inc 3 Putnam Road 10 NEWPORT Roymal Inc 475 Sunapee Street 27 NEWPORT Shrinkfast Marketing 452 Sunapee Street 7 NEWPORT Skyline Designs 1090 John Stark Highway 13 NEWPORT Soucy Logging Thurber Road 1 NEWPORT Stone Vault Company 490 John Stark Highway 3 NEWPORT Sturm Ruger & Co Inc 411 Sunapee Street 1242 NEWPORT L E Weed & Son 187 South Main Street 5 NEWPORT Wilton Pressed Metals 488 Oak Street Extension 30 PLAINFIELD Andress Sheet Metal & Welding 232 Methodist Hill Road 1 PLAINFIELD Hot Grips Manufacturing Inc 166 Methodist Hill Road 5 SPRINGFIELD Protectworth Inc 319 Old Grafton Road 20 SUNAPEE American Sand-Banum Co Rte 11 Brown Hill Road 2 SUNAPEE Common Sense Marketing 9 Central Street 5 SUNAPEE Micro-Precision Inc 6 Main Street 40 SUNAPEE P N L Inc 52 Depot Street 3


SUNAPEE W W Trow & Son 134 Lower Main Street 1 UNITY Lost Cloud Forest Management Gilman Pond Road 6 CLAREMONT Aviator Waterproof Footwear, Inc 91C Main Street 20 CLAREMONT Bascom Construction Company, Inc River Road 0 CLAREMONT Basic Machine Co Washington Street 5 NEWPORT Better Made Castings 243 John Stark Highway 0 CHARLESTOWN Better Than Fred's Salsa 24 Forest Street 0 SUNAPEE Bonin's Machine 308 Edgemont Road 5 CLAREMONT Bremco 680 John Stark Highway 25 CLAREMONT Claremont and Concord RR Industrial Blvd 10

CLAREMONT Claremont Chamber of Commerce 18 Tremont Square, Moody Building 0

LANGDON Contractor's Management Systems of NH, Inc Route 12A 0

CLAREMONT CornerStone Technologies, Inc 116 Mulberry Street 12 CLAREMONT Davis Frame Co Route 12A 15 CHARLESTOWN Design Standards Corp 182 Cedar Road 107

CLAREMONT Developmental Services of Sullivan County West Claremont Road 100

NEWPORT Dorr Woolen Company 1 Main Street and Route 11 287 SPRINGFIELD Durgin and Crowell Lumber Co, Inc 231 Fisher Corner Road 107 CLAREMONT Eastern Bridge River Road 63 NEWPORT Frameworks, Inc 169 Sunapee Street 0 NEWPORT Gloucester Engineering-Gloenco 452 Sunapee Street 100 CLAREMONT Go Rin Seiki 91A Main Street 3 NEWPORT HC Gobin, Inc - GDS 264 John Stark Hwy 0 SPRINGFIELD Hemphill Power and Light Company Fisher Corner Road 0 GOSHEN Hooper Racing Washington Road 0 CLAREMONT Jay C. Sportswear Ltd 91 North Main Street 0 LANGDON Johannesen Honing & Engineering Route 123 0 SUNAPEE John Woods Machine Co 291 Nutting Road 0 NEWPORT K & M Machine Co, Inc Guild Road 0 CLAREMONT Knipfing Asphalt Solutions, Inc River Road 11 CLAREMONT Lakeside Forge & Fabrication Lake Road 0 CHARLESTOWN Maple Leaf Technologies, Inc 11 Perry Ave 0 CLAREMONT Marble Works 91 Main Street 0 CLAREMONT Moon Shadow Welding

0

NEWPORT Nagy Brassworks Brighton Road 3 CLAREMONT National Field Representatives, Inc Old Church Road 39 NEWPORT New England Ordinance Corp Whipple Road 30 CHARLESTOWN Noise Reduction Products, Inc 1 Old Cheshire Turnpike 0 NEWPORT PC TV 322 North Main Street 16 LEMPSTER Pine Tree Lumber 1637 US Route 10 7 CHARLESTOWN Precision Assembly Co, Inc 99 CEDA Road 175 CHARLESTOWN RAPCO, Inc 24 Baldwin Court 3

CLAREMONT Reliance Aviation, Inc 24 Tremont Sq, Suite 64, Moody Building 0

CHARLESTOWN Saxonville USA 96 Springfield Road 25 NEWPORT Sierra Photographic Services 25 Main Street 0 CLAREMONT Slypner Athletic Horseshoes 150 Sullivan Street 2 NEWPORT Smith Machine Co, Inc 27 Springfield Road 0


CLAREMONT Stacy Machine Co

0 CLAREMONT Stone House Forge 38 Thrasher Road 0 CLAREMONT Tatras, Inc. 19 Sullivan Street 0 CHARLESTOWN The Plastics Group, Inc CEDA Industrial Park 360 NEWPORT The Wicked Good Calendar 355 Chandlers Mills Road 0 CHARLESTOWN Wakeman Industries, Inc 806 River Road 0 CHARLESTOWN Waters Edge Distributors, Inc 239 Cedar Road 17 CLAREMONT Westaff 131 Broad Street 0 CLAREMONT Wheelabrator

0

CORNISH Yankee Windows, Inc Harrington Road 0 NEWPORT Z & W Machine & Tool Co 501 Sunapee Street 0 CLAREMONT Zap Plasmatherm 19 Sullivan Street 35 CLAREMONT Cornerstone Tooling Inc 183 Elm Street 0 CLAREMONT Valley Regional Health Care 243 Elm Street 508 CORNISH Cornish Elementary School Townhouse Road 30 CORNISH Cornish Highway Department

4

GOSHEN Mill Stream Structures

3 SPRINGFIELD GH Evarts & Co, Inc 2377 Route 4A 0 WASHINGTON Washington Highway Department 963 South Main Street 5 WASHINGTON Washington General Store 29 N Main Street 3

Source: City of Claremont Planning and Development Office.


Appendix D

Survey Responses and Public Comment

An electronic survey of community needs was distributed using links to the Sullivan County RCC website, distributed to a stakeholder list of consumers and employers of 75 individuals representing various organizations and using the UVLSRPC monthly E-Bulletin which is distributed to nearly 500 and includes key officials in local and regional government, business leaders, as well as members of the general public and news media. The survey link was also advertised in a widely read Sullivan County publication, E-Ticker, with an audience of over 1,000 members of the general public Respondents were from the Sullivan County Towns of Claremont, Croydon, Meriden, Springfield, Sunapee and Unity; and from Lebanon in Grafton County. Respondents were all currently employed and worked either in Claremont or Lebanon; 62.5% worked Monday – Friday; 37.5% worked other times and days. Those that commuted to work, 87.5%, were in a single occupant auto; 12.5 % walked to work; 12.5% of respondents required the use of the auto during the work day to attend meetings. All respondents indicated they would use public transportation if it were available; although respondents that indicated the need to use a car said they would use it when possible. In response to questions about gas mileage of their vehicles, 37% of respondents got 21-25 miles per gallon 37% reported they got between 25 and 40 miles per gallon. The remainder did not respond. When asked about carpooling 71.4% said the need to use their vehicle for errands at the beginning and end of the day prevented them from carpooling; 42% did not know anyone they could carpool with; 28.5% cited an inflexible schedule or that it took too much effort to organize a carpool and 14% said they needed to drop off or pick up children. More than 57% of respondents suggested a central website linking carpoolers confirming the need to promote Upper Valley/NH Rideshare in Sullivan County. A majority of respondents were aware of some of the transportation available in the region… Half were familiar with the bus services of Advance Transit and Community Alliance, but 63% were not familiar with Upper Valley/New Hampshire Rideshare. Three quarters of respondents were unaware of the Connecticut River Transit bus operating along I-91 and one quarter of respondents were not aware of any of the services available. When asked whether they had ever used any of the public transit services, 43% reported they had not. One third of respondents indicated they did not use public transportation because the


schedules were not convenient and had long wait times or that the bus stop was not near their home. Another third indicated the buses did not run during the hours they needed to get to work. Half of respondents said they needed to use public transit on the weekends. When asked if they would be willing to pay for public transportation services, 100% said yes; half said from $1-$3 per trip, 50% said it would depend on the length of the trip. None of the respondents said they needed public transportation to access medical or dental care, but 71.4% said that the costs of owning and operating a vehicle and rising fuel prices might make them more likely to use public transportation in the foreseeable future. Interestingly, none of the respondents envisioned a future need for public transportation due to a physical limitation. Comments from respondents had a consistent theme, that more service, evening and weekend service, and more frequent services would make using public transportation more appealing approximately 60% of respondents indicated they would like to see bus services added between Claremont and Lebanon along Route 120. Public Workshop Meeting Comments May 31, 2012 – Public Meeting on Final Plan Helen Burke of Claremont reported that she has used the CATS bus since late 1980. She recalled being able to take her grand children on the bus to lake Sunapee and was sorry that the service was no longer operating. During her working years at the Homestead and Tambrands she used the $8.00 per week bus past. She currently uses the bus for shopping, to visit VRH, attend meetings and to exercise at the Claremont Senior Center. She purchases a $20.00 ticket book and that covers all her needs. Mrs. Burke said she has never been stranded and that although more frequent service would be more convenient, it has been worth the wait. She could not live without the transportation service provided by CATS. City of Claremont Director of Planning and Economic Development Nancy Merrill participated in the meeting. She noted that the bus was an asset to the community and provided access to commercial activity by many residents. Having the bus stop at the new community center will be very important. She voiced support for the addition of service between the City of Claremont and City of Lebanon to provide increase access to employment in both communities. Attendees: Helen Burke, Claremont Nancy Merrill, Lebanon Barbara Brill, Unity Carla Skinder, Cornish Pam Joslin, Sunapee