More and more people in the Upper Valley are finding ways to get around and get what they need while driving less. Reliable, responsive bus service has blossomed! And all the bus companies have services to meet special needs. Cyclists’ numbers continue to grow – as have planners’ and drivers’ awareness of cyclists, which means greater safety. Great apps exist for carpooling. Use these links and resources to start exercising your options!
The Upper Valley enjoys one of the best rural transit systems in the country — and it’s getting better by the month! Explore taking the bus for work, school, shopping, or appointments!
Are you a senior, veteran, person with disability, or Medicaid recipient? Scroll down to “Special Services.”
Four companies collaborate to move people in and around the greater Upper Valley:
Three companies link the Upper Valley to other regions:
Find your route on Google Transit, or the Go! Vermont Trip Planner.
Several services exist for residents looking to meet people who can carpool with them:
When you register a carpool with one of these services, you become eligible for EMERGENCY RIDE HOME (see below), which covers the cost of a cab or rental vehicle if an emergency arises and you don’t have a car.
Zipcars are another local resource. If you need a car during the day, you can rent cars on an hourly or daily basis in certain Upper Valley locations through this link.
Need a meeting spot? Find Park & Ride lots in New Hampshire and Vermont.
Find good routes for walking and riding, brush up on your biking skills, try an e-bike, and pick up safety tips!
If you can’t or don’t want to walk or ride all the way to work, try a hybrid commute that combines walking or biking with taking a carpool or bus! Many buses serving the Upper Valley are equipped with easy-to-use bike racks. This video shows how to place your bike on a bus bike rack. Note: This is for regular bikes only; the racks are not yet able to accommodate the additional weight of e-bikes.
Telecommuting or working from home is a good option for many people. It saves money, time, and fuel, and of course became the new daily reality for many during the coronavirus pandemic. Click on the resources sheets below for tips on how to make telecommuting work for you and your colleagues.
If you carpool, vanpool, take the bus, bike, or walk to work, EMERGENCY RIDE HOME reimburses the cost of a cab or rental vehicle if an emergency arises and you need to get home, to the park & ride, to the hospital, or to your child’s school or daycare.
Zipcars are another local resource. If you need a car during the day, you can rent cars on an hourly or daily basis in certain Upper Valley locations through this link.
Volunteer driver programs connect volunteer drivers with seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and Medicaid recipients who need rides to get essential services. Get to know your community better!
Many people in our community have no transportation of their own, cannot use the bus and yet need to access healthcare and other critical services. Interested in becoming a volunteer driver? Contact your senior center, faith group, or health or community center to find out how you can help neighbors get where they need to go. You’ll find it a rewarding experience!
Join the Tri-Valley Transit Volunteer Driver team
Tri-Valley Transit (formerly Stagecoach) coordinates many of the volunteer drivers here in the Upper Valley. Download Tri-Valley Transit’s Volunteer Application Packet and call 802-728-3773 or e-mail info@trivalleytransit.org to get started as a Volunteer Driver. Volunteers are reimbursed for mileage and play a crucial role in the organization.
Join Volunteers in Action!
Are you able to drive a senior to a medical appointment, hairdresser, bank, or be willing to take a neighbor along with you when you do your grocery shopping? A small amount of your time will help our elders remain healthy and independent. We will work within your schedule. Please call us at 802-674-5971.
Become a volunteer driver for Southeast VT MOOver (formerly The Current)
The MOOver works with volunteer drivers to provide rides for those in need. Volunteers can drive as little or as much as they wish, and they are reimbursed at the current GSA mileage rate which is not considered taxable income. Volunteer drivers must have a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and a good driving record. Most trips are for medical appointments for those without transportation, so our volunteers derive the satisfaction of knowing they make a difference in people’s lives. Download the MOOver Volunteer Driver Packet.
Become a volunteer driver for Sullivan County Transit (Southwestern Community Services)
Call 603-542-9609 or email Terri Curtis at tcurtis@scshelps.org. You can also download the Application Packet here. (Note that it’s the same application as is used for paid bus drivers, which is why it’s titled “application for employment.”)