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 a disability, or Medicaid recipient? Scroll down to “Volunteer Drivers.”
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.
Don’t be embarrassed! Many Upper Valley residents are new to public transit — or are at least new to the public transit serving this region. Pick up the following print brochures at AT’s Van Chesnut Transit Operations Center, inside AT buses, and at various organizations that serve the Upper Valley community, such as healthcare centers, senior centers, and libraries:
Also, check out these “How to Ride” videos co-created by Advance Transit and Junction Arts & Media!
Find good routes for walking and riding, brush up on your biking skills, try an e-bike, and pick up safety tips!
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.
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.”)