Collaborative Aspiration for NextGen Transit Moves to Next Phase
Keene, NH: Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) and the Monadnock Regional Coordinating Council for Community Transportation (MRCC) announce an upcoming Request for Qualifications (RfQ) as they move to the next implementation phase of the Next Generation (NextGen) Transit Project.
The NextGen Transit Project emerged from a five-year process of stakeholder engagement, data collection, and feasibility analysis. This planning initiative, facilitated by SWRPC on behalf of MRCC, is designed to address persistent gaps in regional transit over time. The first phase of the proposed service would involve changes to the current services offered in Keene. Proposed changes include expanded hours, an expanded service area that includes the most populated areas of Swanzey and Marlborough, the use of smaller vehicles, smart phone technology, and a call center to manage on-demand ride requests. In addition to changes in the Keene area, it also proposes a new regionwide backup system to support volunteer driver programs when NextGen services are unable to meet demand for certain critical non-emergency medical trips.
“MRCC has spent years assessing community transportation needs and putting solutions in place to help people who do not use a personal vehicle for transportation to reach medical care, jobs, groceries, education, and other essential needs,” said J. B. Mack, Assistant Director of SWRPC. “Collectively, we’ve made meaningful progress, but significant gaps remain—especially as our population ages and the cost of private transportation continues to rise. The NextGen Transit Project is a high-impact next step, leveraging the Keene area’s population density and regional travel patterns to expand access where demand is highest and where transit works best. A backup system for area volunteer driver programs will strengthen healthcare access across the Monadnock Region.”
SWRPC and MRCC will release a Request for Qualifications on May 1st to seek vendors capable of delivering the envisioned NextGen Transit model for the Greater Keene area with a separate RfQ to be released for the backup medical ride program at a later date. Responses will be vetted by a group of stakeholders representing SWRPC; MRCC; Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services (HCS); and other key stakeholders. This is an integral next step in determining the feasibility of the project. SWRPC, MRCC and HCS are working collaboratively through this process and HCS will remain fully engaged in ensuring the continuity of transportation services in our region.
“We remain dedicated to ongoing collaboration with SWRPC and MRCC. We understand the need to adapt to the changing needs of our community, and we welcome and encourage another company with the resources and expertise to make the investments needed for the NextGen Transit model,” said HCS Senior Director of Operations Katie Hart. “We will remain focused on the healthcare and community support services that we have long provided, including in-home care, wellness, and nutrition. Our employees, community, and mission are at the forefront of all discussions that include HCS.”
“Thirty-five years ago, HCS stepped up to fill a gap, recognizing the vital role public transportation plays not only for their clients but for the community as a whole,” said Frank Dobisky, Chair of MRCC. “We look forward to working with them and other community stakeholders to build on that legacy and help facilitate a seamless transition to a new transit service provider in the Greater Keene area.”
About Southwest Region Planning Commission: Authorized in 1969 by state law, Southwest Region Planning Commission is one of New Hampshire’s nine regional planning agencies. SWRPC is an association of member municipalities in its service area, which covers 34 towns and approximately 1,000 square miles. SWRPC provides technical assistance to help municipalities across a wide range of planning issues and promotes regional coordination.
About Monadnock Regional Coordinating Council for Community Transportation: MRCC is the entity statutorily tasked under RSA 239:B:3-a to facilitate the implementation of coordinated community transportation in their region and encourage the development of improved and expanded regional community transportation services. MRCC members are transportation service providers, local human services agencies, and lived experience individuals who meet monthly.
About Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services: HCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing comprehensive home healthcare, hospice, and community-based services to over 2,000 individuals daily across 52 southwestern New Hampshire communities. HCS is Medicare-certified and licensed by the State of New Hampshire. To learn more about HCS, visit www.HCSservices.org
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