In the region, demand response (dial-a-ride) services, such as volunteer driver networks are more common than fixed route transit services.

Demand Response relies on small buses, vans, or shared vehicles to provide flexible route transit service on-demand. Users can contact the service agency to schedule pick up at a designated time and location.

Dial-A-Ride Bus Service

Regional demand response services include the Friendly Bus, which provides assisted transportation service for individuals age 60 and over. Rides are scheduled by reservation on a first come, first serve basis and should be scheduled one day in advance. The Friendly Bus will pick you up at your home and can take you to the grocery store, medical appointments, errands, etc. around Keene. Home, Healthcare, and Hospice Community Services (HCS) operates this service. To schedule a ride call (603) 352-8494. 

Monadnock Family Services operates the Senior Focus bus, which provides rides to individuals age 60 and over, from Ocean State Job lot in Peterborough, Woodland Heights in Antrim, and Gilmore Court in Jaffrey to Market Basket and Walmart in Rindge.  Pick up days and times vary.  If space allows, the bus is open to the general public.  For more information, call (603) 924-8620.

Regional Volunteer Driver Networks

With the assistance of dedicated volunteer drivers, the American Red Cross NH West Chapter provides thousands of individuals transportation from homes to doctor’s offices free of charge. The Red Cross also operates a rural rides programs in select towns throughout the region. This service provides local rides to appointments, shopping, and other destinations. Long distance rides to medical appointments in locations as far as Boston, White River Junction, VT, Lebanon, NH, Springfield, MA, etc. are also offered by the Red Cross. 

Contoocook Valley Transportation Company (CVTC) is another organization that relies on volunteer drivers to provide transportation services.  It provides rides to residents in the Contoocook Valley (Antrim, Bennington, Dublin, Francestown, Greenfield, Greenville, Hancock, Jaffrey, New Ipswich, Peterborough, Rindge, Sharon, and Temple) for medical related and personal shopping trips.  Like the American Red Cross, CVTC also provides long distance rides.  Reservations must be made in advance.  To arrange a ride call CVTC's toll free #: 1-877-428-2882.

Other Volunteer Programs

Monadnock R.S.V.P's Neighbors In-Deed program responds to the needs of the elderly by providing companionship and assistance. Individuals age 65 or older and adults with disabilities enrolled in the program are paired with a trained and screened volunteer.  The volunteer provides services such as transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, friendly visits, minor household chores, etc.  For more information click here or call (603) 352-2088 or (603) 924-7350.

The Grapevine Center in Antrim, NH houses an interesting program called the People's Service Exchange (PES).  The PES is a 'time bank' service for people to exchange skills and resources without the use of money.  Every one hour of service is equal to an hour of service reqardless of the service.  Transportation is a popular service requested due to the lack of public transit options in the region.  For more information click here.