Partners Working to Expand Public Transportation in Monadnock Region 

• June 28, 2024
• SWRPC, Transportation

The Keene Sentinel recently published an informative editorial about the lack of public transportation options in our state and region, particularly in rural areas. The editorial made the case for more state investment in public transportation. Increased investment will improve access to transportation for our citizens and sustain our environment through reduction of transportation emissions. The editorial stated that lack of reliable transportation is a significant need in the Monadnock Region and that community partners have taken important steps to address the need over many years. 

In 2022, Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) published the results of a study that provides a blueprint for expanding transit service in the region. Keene and surrounding towns, the eastern Monadnock Region, and high-need areas such as the town of Winchester are target areas for expansion. The study spawned a follow up project to build a “Next Generation” transit system with the capacity to fund and implement the transit study blueprint. During the first of a series of public meetings held on June 19^th, citizens and concerned stakeholders weighed-in on priority goals for the transit system managing entity. Among the top priorities identified were:

• Establish a transit system governance and operating model that is representative of the people being served.
• Ensure a regional perspective to expanding transit services in the greater Keene area, eastern Monadnock area, and other areas where public transportation is most needed.
• Make sure elected officials are engaged with the process and oversight of the service.
• Maximize flexibility to adapt to changing needs and travel patterns​.
• Maximize the ability to obtain sustainable funding and ensure that local funding is fair and equitable​.

Now that priority goals have been established for identifying a transit system managing entity, next steps include:

• Identify a single transit system model that best meets the region’s needs through conducting an analysis of the preferred options.
• Engage potential local champions to take responsibility for managing expanded transit services. Local champions could come from municipalities, a county, a non-profit organization, or multiple entities interested in being involved in managing the transit system.
• Develop a plan for implementing the blueprint for expanding transit services in the region. This includes securing funding to launch and sustain expanded services, purchasing new vehicles, hiring staff, and establishing ride booking services that enable customers to easily find the transportation they need.

Future meetings will be scheduled to give the public an opportunity to weigh-in on the above activities. Individuals interested in learning more about the Monadnock Region Transit System Design Project or participating in future public meetings can contact Terry Johnson of SWRPC staff at [email protected].