Cross Insurance to Sponsor “Fare Free Saturday” on COAST March 22

New program offers businesses opportunity to encourage use of public transit around Seacoast

DOVER, NH: Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, is partnering with Cross Insurance to kick off its new “Fare Free Saturday” initiative. The “Fare Free Saturday” sponsorship program is designed to give local businesses a way to support the nonprofit transit operator while encouraging Seacoast residents to take advantage of the services COAST provides.

“As household costs continue to rise, often because affordable housing is harder to find, we want to remind people that COAST is a resource that everyone can use to get where they need to go,” said Rad Nichols, Executive Director. “Our new ‘Fare Free Saturday’ program offers businesses, who understand the value that COAST brings to the people and communities we serve, to make an investment in public transportation in the region. We know that every dollar invested in COAST generates more than $4.00 in spending in the local economy. When people can get to work, shopping, or social activities—reliably and affordably—it’s a win for everyone.”

Since 1982, COAST has provided over 16.7 million rides to people in the Greater Seacoast region, linking them to work, school, doctor appointments, shopping, and social events. COAST connects people and communities in two primary ways: with fixed route buses that serve ten communities in the Greater Seacoast area; and by providing demand response and paratransit services to 13 communities in New Hampshire and Maine. The sponsored Fare Free Saturday will apply to both the fixed route and demand response services.

Cross Insurance is the first business to join the program, and their sponsored fare-free day will take place on March 22.

“We recognize the vital role that COAST plays in connecting affordable housing, jobs, social supports and medical services that are dispersed broadly across the Seacoast region,” said Talitha Franggos, Commercial Lines Account Executive at Cross Insurance. “Cross Insurance believes in the power of connection and community, and we’re excited to be the first business to sponsor a ‘Fare Free Saturday’ aboard all of COAST’s buses and vans.”

In their recently released annual impact report for FY24, COAST reported 373,940 riders on their fixed and demand response services combined, a 28.5% increase over the previous fiscal year. COAST was named 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as the 2023 Champion of the Year by the Community Action Partnership of Strafford County.

Additional “Fare Free Saturdays” will be announced as sponsors are secured. Businesses interested in being part of this initiative can learn more at www.coastbus.org.

About COAST

The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, more commonly known as COAST, is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit charitable organization and an innovative leader in providing a broad range of public transportation services, connecting and coordinating a robust network of options for everyone. COAST’s mission is to champion and provide customer-focused public transportation with a commitment to excellence in safety and service. COAST’s annual operating budget ranges between $7.5 and $8.5M. As a nonprofit, COAST’s budget is funded through a blend of sources including federal, state, and local sources. Federal funding is generally required to be matched with state or local funds, most of which COAST secures through the municipalities we provide service within, charitable contributions from businesses, individuals, and foundations as well as through specific service agreements, and advertising on the buses and in the bus shelters. To learn more visit www.coastbus.org.

About Cross Insurance

Cross Insurance is a family-owned insurance agency with over 40 branches throughout the Northeast and beyond. Established at the kitchen table of Woodrow Cross in 1954, today Cross Insurance is one of New England’s largest independent insurance intermediaries. In 2022, 2023, and 2024 they were named the 2nd Largest Insurance Broker in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal. Since their founding, Cross Insurance has successfully acquired over 150 operations, increasing their footprint in the Northeast. With over 1,100 employees and counting, their experienced team is ready to provide insurance options for the community. To learn more, visit www.CrossAgency.com.