Nashua Transit System Rolls Out New Bus Service Pilot

NASHUA, NH —Starting Aug. 24, the Nashua Transit System will roll out a pilot program aimed at providing a service better suited to meeting residents' needs.

In a news release, the transit system announced its pilot program comes alongside Phase 3 of its return to service plan. Upon launch, the redesigned bus service model will put more focus on Nashua residents and where they need to go.

City of Nashua Transportation Manager Camille Pattison said the pilot program aims to reduce travel times and move riders from point A to point B more efficiently.

“During the pandemic, NTS has reevaluated the performance of our bus routes and redesigned the lowest performing routes to provide improved service with reduced travel times and greater efficiency," Pattison said. "After a successful completion of the pilot process, the goal is to move forward with a new set of routes and schedules that enhance the user experience."

Throughout the pilot, the release states, transit officials will seek input from locals and stakeholders through a variety of measures including surveys, online comments and in-person and virtual public hearings.

Community members are also encouraged to engage through Facebook, Twitter or by emailing comments to ntsfeedback@nashuanh.gov.

Lastly, officials say comments will be accepted through by mail sent to 11 Riverside St. Nashua, NH 03062.

The Phase 3 service plan offers 10 daytime routes, which will leave the transit center on the hour or half hour, and three night routes, which will depart every 45 minutes.

The transit also offers an on-demand service at night that takes passengers from origin to destination for a $5 fee. Reservations can be made by calling (603)880-0100, ext. 1 .

Visit the Nashua Transit Website to see Phase 3 routes, some of which have changed from what they were before the pandemic.

The release states NTS will continue offering only reduced-capacity rides so passengers can remain physically distant from one another while on the bus. Passengers are also required to wear face masks — they'll be available for use on buses — and hand sanitizer stations have been stationed on all vehicles.

Editor's note: an earlier version of this story suggested the pilot launches Monday, Aug. 17. The program does not launch until Aug. 24.