Transportation and commuting in New Hampshire: Limited public transportation options. Key highways: I-93, I-89, I-95. Reliable school bus systems. Popular rideshare services: Uber, Lyft. Central hubs: Concord, Manchester. Seasonal road conditions vary. Park-and-ride facilities available. Commuter rail to Boston, Massachusetts. Bicycle-friendly routes expanding. Road tolls and E-ZPass system.
Limited public transportation options
New Hampshire has limited public transit options, with only 34 communities having regular fixed bus routes. Public transportation funding is notably low, ranking 49th in the nation, which disproportionately affects lower-income populations and those without vehicles. These challenges highlight the critical need for enhanced transportation solutions. For more detailed insights into the state's transportation challenges and other policy matters, visit the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute website.
Key highways: I-93, I-89, I-95
In New Hampshire, key highways include I-93, the principal north-south arterial highway connecting Boston to the Canadian border, passing through major cities like Manchester and Concord. Another significant route is I-89, which intersects I-93 and serves areas like Warner, Lake Sunapee, and Hanover. Additionally, I-95 plays a crucial role as a toll road known as the Blue Star Turnpike, connecting Massachusetts to Maine through the Seacoast Region.
Reliable school bus systems
In New Hampshire, the Pupil Transportation Unit ensures a reliable school bus system by overseeing 100 public school bus companies, conducting background checks on over 4,400 drivers, and inspecting over 2,900 school buses. The unit plays a crucial role by also investigating accidents and complaints related to school buses, maintaining safety and reliability for students across the state. For more detailed information on their operations, visit the New Hampshire DMV website.
Popular rideshare services: Uber, Lyft
In New Hampshire, Uber and Lyft are the prominent rideshare services, with Uber serving nearly 40,000 active riders using several hundred drivers, particularly in areas like Manchester, Nashua, and Portsmouth. Lyft operates in cities such as Concord, Derry, Nashua, and Manchester, offering safe, affordable, and convenient transportation options. As both companies compete for market share, Uber is making strategic preparations to maintain its foothold in the region as Lyft continues to expand its presence.
Central hubs: Concord, Manchester
In Central New Hampshire, the Manchester Transit Authority (MTA) and Concord Area Transit deliver pivotal transportation services. The MTA operates 13 regular bus routes in Manchester, including the free Green DASH downtown circulator, and offers commuter services to Concord, Nashua, and Salem. Meanwhile, Concord Area Transit serves the Concord area with connections to larger regional routes, ensuring seamless transit options for residents and visitors alike. For more details about these services, visit the Manchester Transit Authority.
Seasonal road conditions vary
Seasonal road conditions in New Hampshire vary significantly, particularly during the spring thaw when roads are vulnerable to damage from heavy vehicles. This situation leads to the implementation of weight limits and exemptions for certain essential services like heating oil and milk deliveries. For more detailed information regarding these road weight limitations and the exceptions involved, visit the New Hampshire Department of Transportation website.
Park-and-ride facilities available
Park and Ride facilities in New Hampshire are numerous, with convenient locations spread across various counties such as Belmont, Boscawen, Bow, and many others. These facilities offer free parking for up to 21 consecutive days, making them an ideal choice for facilitating carpooling, vanpooling, and bus transportation. For more detailed information about the Park and Ride facilities and their locations, you can visit the CommuteSmartNH website, which provides comprehensive resources for enhancing your commuting experience.
Commuter rail to Boston, Massachusetts
The proposed Nashua-Manchester Passenger Rail, known as the Capitol Corridor project, aims to extend the MBTA Commuter Rail service from Lowell, Massachusetts, to Manchester, New Hampshire. This ambitious project intends to utilize 10 miles of MBTA railway and 20 miles of Pan Am Railways trackage. By enhancing connectivity and offering a seamless commute, the rail service seeks to bridge Nashua and Manchester to Boston, effectively catering to the needs of regional travelers and promoting economic growth. For more information, visit the Capitol Corridor website.
Bicycle-friendly routes expanding
The Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail (xNHAT) is an 83-mile mostly off-road bicycle route established in 2019 that weaves through 11 towns in New Hampshire and extends into 2 in Maine. As an integral part of the New England cycling network, it connects to the Cross Vermont Trail, enriching the possibilities for mixed terrain cycling enthusiasts. Complementing this initiative, new segments of the East Coast Greenway have been opened, notably including the Salisbury Rail Trail, which helps create an expansive off-road biking and walking corridor from Boston to New Hampshire, reflecting ongoing efforts to complete the expansive route. Additionally, the significance of such trails is underscored by the recent allocation of federal funds to New Hampshire for infrastructure projects. These projects, supported by the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, facilitate the conversion of railway corridors into rail trails and the development of bicycle lanes. For a comprehensive understanding of these pivotal developments, explore more about the Cross New Hampshire Adventure Trail and its connection to the vibrant cycling community. These efforts underscore a broader commitment to sustainable infrastructure and enhanced recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Road tolls and E-ZPass system
In New Hampshire, road tolls are collected on three major turnpikes: the Blue Star Turnpike, Spaulding Turnpike, and F.E. Everett Turnpike, with rates ranging from $0.50 to $2.00 for standard two-axle vehicles. The E-ZPass System facilitates electronic toll collection, allowing drivers to seamlessly pass through toll lanes without the need to stop. It offers options catering to various vehicle types and provides discounts for New Hampshire residents, enhancing convenience for regular commuters.