Contact: Barbara Riley
Monday, September 11, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH) announced today (9/11) that Advance Transit, which provides public bus service in the Upper Valley area, is set to receive $2.9 million through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The non-profit organization will use the funds to expand its operations and maintenance facility, and to acquire buses – helping to meet increased ridership demands.

“Advance Transit provides the Upper Valley’s primary fixed route bus service, making it a critical mode of transportation for many commuters, elderly and disabled individuals, and students. As more residents use Advance Transit to move around the area, the non-profit group has recognized the need to keep pace with demand,” said Sununu. “These resources will support Advance Transit’s aim to remain a reliable local public transit provider, helping to reduce traffic congestion in the Upper Valley.”

The organization has been selected to receive a $1.4 million FTA grant to renovate and expand its operations and maintenance facility. Advance Transit’s current facility was designed to support a fleet of 14 buses and 20 employees; at present, the group operates 26 buses and has 37 employees. The proposed facility will accommodate 40 buses and 55 employees. This grant also includes support for the acquisition of one new small bus.

Additionally, as part of another FTA grant that will support rural bus transportation in New Hampshire, Advance Transit is slated to receive $1.5 million to help the organization acquire nine replacement buses and one bus for service expansion. These resources will also enable the organization to procure equipment that will support its implementation of Americans with Disabilities Act complementary paratransit service.

Van Chesnut, Advance Transit’s Executive Director, said: “This project will help Advance Transit develop greater capacity to meet the Upper Valley’s growing demand for public transportation. Advance Transit’s passenger volume is nearly 8 times what it was in 1994, when the existing facilities were built. Ridership continues to grow as people look for alternatives to higher gas prices, longer commutes, and parking shortages. An important element of the project is improved fueling facilities. Advance Transit will have the capacity to take delivery of full transport loads of diesel fuel, which will reduce cost and make it possible to purchase bulk loads of blended bio-diesel. Advance Transit will also be receiving funds to replace older buses with new, cleaner burning diesel buses.”

For more information, contact Van Chesnut at (802) 295-1824.