Programs & Services
Why Transportation?
Reliable transportation is more than just a way to get from place to place – it’s about connecting people to jobs, healthcare, education, and each other. In Washington County, limited transportation options make it hard for many people to get where they need to go, especially in our rural communities.
Consider this - In Hopkinton, a retired veteran who no longer drives must rely on friends, family, or costly ride services just to get to the grocery store and pharmacy. In Richmond, a single parent without a car wakes up at 4 AM to catch multiple buses just to get their child to daycare and themselves to work. In Exeter, a recent college graduate turns down a well-paying job because there’s no public transportation to get them there.
Transportation has consistently been identified by residents as one of the main barriers to accessing essential services in Washington County. These transportation challenges have far-reaching impacts on our communities, including:
- Social Isolation: Rural populations and those without transportation often struggle to stay connected to their communities.
- Economic Disadvantages: Getting to jobs becomes a struggle, which limits financial stability and creates a ripple effect for things like childcare, housing, and mental health
- Health Inequities: Reduced access to healthcare and other critical resources worsens health outcomes
Our Action Plan
While there’s no quick fix to these challenges, we are committed to building a more accessible and equitable transportation system for Washington County. Through collaboration, awareness, and exploration, we strive to address the unique transportation challenges in our area with innovative, community-driven solutions focused on:
- Collaboration: We work with transit authorities, government agencies, community organizations, and residents to identify transportation gaps and explore creative solutions tailored to Washington County’s unique needs.
- Advocacy & Awareness: We highlight how transportation affects people’s everyday lives – like getting to a doctor’s appointment or a job interview – and make sure those stories are heard by policy makers and community leaders.
- Statewide Solutions: We are proud to be part of state-level discussions on transportation solutions, making sure Washington County residents have a voice in shaping policies and plans that impact the entire state.
Whether it’s discussing new public transit options or finding creative ways to serve rural areas, we’re working to make transportation a priority for everyone. By working together, we can create transportation solutions that help every resident stay connected, access opportunities, and improve their quality of life.