After proposing a new fare structure earlier this year, hosting eight public input sessions throughout the region, and accepting written and oral comments through May 29, the COAST Board of Directors has approved new fares that will take effect on September 1, 2026.
The new fares reflect rising operating costs and are consistent with fare increases implemented by public transit systems across New England and the country. Beginning September 1, COAST’s $2.00 base cash fare will align with fares currently charged by systems including Manchester Transit Authority (MTA), Nashua Transit System (NTS), Portland Metro, Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit, Green Mountain Transit, and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA).
“This is the first time since 2008 that COAST has implemented a systemwide fare increase,” said Rad Nichols, Executive Director of COAST. “For nearly two decades, we’ve worked hard to keep fares as affordable as possible to encourage people to use public transportation. While affordability remains a priority, we also have a responsibility to ensure our fare structure is fair and sustainable for our riders, our funding partners, and the communities that support COAST service.”
COAST last adjusted its fare structure in 2008, when the base cash fare increased from $1.00 to $1.50.
Public Input Process
COAST received six individual public comments during the public comment period.
Overall, commenters expressed an understanding that COAST must generate additional fare revenue after maintaining the same fares for 18 years. Some raised concerns that higher fares could discourage ridership and offset the additional revenue generated. One commenter provided feedback on ticket bundle pricing and structure.
COAST also consulted with public transit agencies that have recently implemented similar fare increases. Those agencies have not reported a measurable decline in ridership attributable to the fare changes. COAST will continue offering ticket bundles at the $20 price point, which remains convenient for customers and aligns with the most common ATM cash withdrawal denomination.
New Fare Structure
Beginning September 1, the one-way base cash fare will increase from $1.50 to $2.00. Discounted fares for older adults and individuals with disabilities, which are set at half the base fare, will increase from $0.75 to $1.00.
Additional fare information, including ticket options and monthly pass pricing, is provided in the accompanying fare table.
Unused Tickets
All unused tickets will remain valid after the fare change takes effect on September 1. There will be no surcharge on tickets purchased before September 1 when they are redeemed.
ADA Fare Simplification Pilot
COAST will also launch a one-year pilot program to simplify fares for ADA paratransit service.
Currently, ADA fares are based on the number of fixed-route transfers that would be required to complete the same trip. Under the pilot program, all one-way ADA paratransit trips will be offered at a flat fare of $4.
Based on last year’s ridership data, COAST estimates this change will reduce annual ADA fare revenue by less than $650. In return, COAST expects the simplified fare structure to reduce confusion for customers, drivers, and TripLink staff, improve data accuracy, and streamline the reservation process.
About COAST
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) has provided public transportation throughout the New Hampshire Seacoast region since 1982. As a public, nonprofit transit system, COAST relies primarily on federal, state, and local funding to operate. Increasingly, the organization also depends on partnerships with businesses, foundations, and individual donors to help sustain and expand its services. COAST is governed by a Board of Directors representing its member communities, two regional planning commissions, and numerous local and state agencies.
