Meeting Our Customers’ Travel Needs
Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc. (CAPBMCI) has a long history of providing transit service in Belknap and Merrimack Counties.
Concord Area Transit (CAT) is one of the programs and transportation systems operated by CAPBMCI. CAT has provided public transportation service in Concord since 1989. It operates an accessible fixed-route service and two demand-response services.
CAT is committed to providing transportation services that can be used by all of our customers. All CAT fixed-route buses have lifts or are low-floor with a kneeling feature to better serve customers who use wheelchairs or have difficulty getting up and down the bus steps.
For everyone’s benefit, CAT fixed-route drivers are required to announce major stops and transfer points to help customers recognize their bus stop or point of transfer. There are seats at the front of the fixed-route buses designated for persons who have difficulty standing while the bus is moving. There are two spaces reserved on each fixed-route bus for customers using wheelchairs or mobility devices. CAT drivers are required to secure wheelchairs and mobility devices for a safe ride. They will also help customers use the available seat belt if assistance is requested.
CAT fixed-route bus service offers free service to everyone. We encourage senior customers and customers with disabilities to take advantage of the independence that CAT fixed-route bus service provides. For route and schedule information, or any questions you may have about using the CAT fixed-route bus services, call 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964. Top
Travel training is free and available to anyone who is interested in using public transportation in Concord (CAT). Many individuals can benefit from this training. With travel training, people can gain the skills necessary to independently, comfortably and safely access public transportation in their community. Travel training is a self-paced process and is available for individuals or small groups. Travel Training is completed in the real environment with structured steps to allow everyone the necessary amount of time to complete training.
To watch the Travel Training video on YouTube click here. For more information about Travel Training Program services, please call the Travel Trainer at 603-225-3295, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964. Top
For customers who have a disability that prevents them from making some or all of their trips on the accessible fixed-route buses, CAT offers a shared-ride, origin-to-destination service called ADA paratransit service. ADA paratransit service operates up to ¾ of a mile on either side of CAT’s fixed-route bus service during the same days and hours as the fixed-route bus service. Customers with disabilities who cannot access the accessible fixed-route system must complete an eligibility application used to determine their eligibility status for the service.
If a customer is found eligible for the ADA paratransit service they need to make a reservation for a ride by calling the CAT office at 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964 at least 24 hours prior to the requested ride.
For more information about CAT ADA paratransit service or to request an ADA paratransit service application, please call the Concord Area Transit Director at 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964. Top
CAT Senior Transit Service (CST)
CST is a shared-ride, origin-to-destination bus service for seniors 60 years old and older in the Concord area. The vehicles are ADA accessible wheelchair lift equipped buses. Seniors make a reservation for a ride by calling the CAT office at 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964 at least 24 hours prior to the requested ride. CST operates Monday through Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm. Top
CAT Fixed-Route Service Area and Service Hours
Accessible Fixed-Route
CAT provides accessible fixed-route transportation to the City of Concord. There are three fixed-routes with transfer points at the State House and Eagle Square bus stops on Main Street. All Vehicles are ADA accessible.
#1 Penacook Route (Blue) runs from Washington Street in Penacook via Fisherville Road through downtown Concord up Pleasant Street to Concord Hospital.
#2 Heights Route (Green) runs from Walmart along Loudon Road through downtown Concord to Storrs Street. This route connects major retail centers to residential neighborhoods.
#3 Crosstown Route (Orange) runs from Industrial Park Drive along Regional Drive, Airport Road, Ft. Eddy Road, through the NHTI Campus via Main Street through downtown Concord to South Fruit Street via State Street and Clinton Street, it returns from South Fruit Street via Pleasant Street to Main Street. Top
Hours of Service
Fixed Route ………………………………………. Monday – Friday 6:00 am to 6:30 pm*
ADA Paratransit Service ……………………… Monday – Friday 6:00 am to 6:30 pm*
Concord Senior Transit (CST)………………. Monday – Friday 8 am to 3 pm
Holidays
Transit services are not provided on the following Agency recognized holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day
- MLK Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Fares
THERE IS NO FEE TO USE ANY CAT SERVICES
Note: CAT drivers are not permitted to accept tips or gifts. If you would like to commend a CAT driver for services provided, call the CAT Director at (603) 225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964. To donate to the program, please call the Transportation Director at 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964. Top
If requested, CAT drivers will assist you as you enter and exit the vehicle. CAT drivers will not operate power wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility aids. CAT drivers will assist with the seat belts and stowing of collapsing grocery carts and strollers on request. CAT drivers are not allowed to leave sight of the vehicle that they are operating. If you need assistance getting to the bus or to your destination, please arrange to have someone other than the CAT driver assist you. Top
Need Help Planning Your Ride or Riding the Bus?
CAT is committed to making our public transportation services accessible and available to all individuals. If you need some help with planning a trip on our fixed-route system, or if this is the first time you are thinking about using the fixed-route bus and would like some assistance, than our Travel Training program might work for you. We can work with you individually to plan a trip on the fixed-route system and then ride the bus with you for your first trip to make sure that you get to your destination safely. Call our travel trainer at 603-225-3295, ext. 1203 (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964, to learn more about the program and to arrange to meet our travel trainer.
Unexpected delays can happen due to road construction or traffic conditions. To check on the status of CAT fixed-route service check our website at https://www.concordareatransit.com or call the Transportation Call Center at 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964. Top
Customers with disabilities can bring a personal care attendant (PCA) with them on all CAT vehicles. A PCA is someone you may bring with you to assist you as you go about your daily activities. A PCA must get on and off the bus at the same places and times as you do to ride for no additional charge on ADA paratransit service and the fixed-route system. If you have a disability and want to bring a PCA with you on a CAT fixed-route bus, you just need to inform the driver on boarding that you have a disability and are bringing a PCA with you for assistance. Introduce the PCA to the driver and pay your regular fare. Your PCA will ride for no charge. Top
Some of the CAT fixed-route service vehicles are equipped with power lifts which deploy out of the rear of the vehicle. These lifts are calibrated to meet ADA specifications and regulations.
The ADA definition of a wheelchair is: Wheelchair means a mobility aid belonging to any class of three- or more- wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed or modified for and used by individuals with mobility impairment, whether operated manually or powered.
However, the ADA does not require transportation providers to accommodate devices that are not primarily designed or intended to assist persons with mobility disabilities (e.g., skateboards, bicycles, shopping carts), apart from general policies applicable to all passengers who might seek to bring such devices into a vehicle.
The ADA states that a transportation provider may decline to carry a wheelchair/occupant if the combined weight exceeds that of the lift specifications set by the manufacturer or if carriage of the wheelchair is demonstrated to be inconsistent with legitimate safety requirements.
It is the customer’s responsibility to work with CAT to determine the dimensions and combined weight of their mobility device and whether it exceeds the lift specifications.
The lift can be used for any mobility device that meets the above definition and does not exceed the lift specifications.
The lift can also be used by customers upon request who use a walker, cane, or other mobility aid or by anyone who finds climbing the steps at the main entrance of the vehicle to be too difficult or dangerous. CAT drivers are all trained on how to use the power lift and will instruct you on how the lift works and how to ride the lift to ensure your safe transport.
It is recommended, but not mandatory, that all customers using wheelchairs back onto the lift. After a power wheelchair or mobility device has been positioned correctly on the lift and the brakes are locked, the customer will be asked to power off the motor before the CAT driver will move the lift up or down.
If requested, the CAT driver will place a sturdy folding chair on the lift so that a customer not using a wheelchair can sit securely, instead of standing while the lift is moving up or down.
Some multi-wheeled mobility devices like scooters are difficult to secure in the mobility device securement stations. Some of these mobility devices also come with a warning from the manufacturer that they should not be used as seats on moving vehicles. Thus, the CAT driver may recommend you transfer to a bus seat if you can do so. While the CAT driver will not require you to transfer, we strongly recommend you do, so we can provide you and other passengers with the safest ride possible. Top
Mobility Device Securement and Seat Belt Policy
It is the CAT driver’s responsibility to ensure that mobility devices are properly secured. Wheelchairs/mobility devices are required to be secured into the multi-point tie-down system at all times during the ride. CAT encourages all customers to use available seat belts while the vehicle is in motion. Combination shoulder and lap belts are available at each securement station and most CAT fixed-route vehicle seats have lap belts. CAT drivers are trained on the proper way to secure seat belts for all customers and will secure seat belts for anyone upon request. Top
Respirators and Portable Oxygen Equipment
Portable oxygen equipment and portable respirators are permitted on CAT fixed-route service. The CAT driver will assist you in securing this equipment on the vehicle. CAT drivers are not permitted, however, to assist you in using this equipment. If you need assistance with portable life support equipment, please arrange to bring a qualified attendant or PCA along with you.Top
Customers may travel with a service animal. Service animals include guide animals, signal animals and other animals trained to work or perform tasks for persons with disabilities. Be sure to inform Transportation Call Center staff when you are scheduling a ride if you will be traveling with a service animal. Top
Animals that are not service animals may ride on CAT fixed-route service if they are secured safe and sound in a pet carrier, cage or kennel. For safety reasons, CAT drivers are not permitted to carry pet carriers, cages or kennels on or off CAT fixed-route vehicles. If you need assistance with a pet, please arrange to travel with someone who can help you. Top
You may bring a limited amount of grocery bags, luggage or other packages or personal items with you on CAT fixed-route service. To ensure adequate room and safe travel for all customers, you are allowed to bring what you can carry onto the bus in one trip. Cargo must be stowed under the seat, on the floor in front of your seat or in your lap, must remain out of the bus aisle and cannot take up a seat if the seat is needed for a customer.
Grocery store carts are not permitted on vehicles, but you may bring packages on board in personal collapsible two-wheeled carts as long as there is room to secure full carts in the back of the bus. Top
In the event of an accident or emergency, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the CAT driver. All CAT fixed-route vehicles have clearly marked emergency exit doors or windows, make note of where these emergency exits are located so that you can find them easily if you are instructed to use them.
If you become ill or notice another customer who may be ill, immediately inform the CAT driver. Top
CAT reserves the right to suspend, modify or cancel service during times of hazardous weather conditions that may jeopardize the safety of our customers, CAT drivers or employees. On bad weather days, listen to the reports on the radio, on WMUR or go to the CAT website https://www.concordareatransit.com to find out if CAT fixed-route service is running. You can also call the Transportation Call Center at 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964.
If your trip is for dialysis, chemotherapy or another life sustaining purpose, call the Transportation Call Center at 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964 to make sure you can get where you need to go. Every effort will be made to deliver life-sustaining and essential trips using ADA paratransit service or by arranging other emergency assistance.
If you are planning to travel at times when inclement weather is predicted, take into consideration problems you may have getting a return ride should service have to be suspended. Also, if you are traveling during inclement weather, be sure to be prepared for longer ride times. For example, bring any medication you may need; if you use oxygen, bring an adequate supply; if you are diabetic or hypoglycemic, bring a small snack with you in case the trip is longer than expected due to the weather. Top
Community Disaster Emergency Procedures
During a community disaster, CAT will make every attempt to transport our customers as scheduled. Due to the nature of the disaster, it may be necessary to establish pick-up points that either require us to walk into the area to get you, or to have you get assistance from someone at your location to bring you to us. Through coordination with the local Disaster Control Center, we will make every attempt to establish these locations to minimize your travel to reach them. If it is unsafe for CAT to travel into a disaster area, CAT reserves the right to suspend, modify or cancel service. Top
To allow us to follow-up on your comments or suggestions, please be specific and provide us with the following information so that we can respond to you:
- Your name, address and phone number.
- The date, time and location of the occurrence.
- The vehicle number or driver’s name.
- If you have a compliment, suggestion, comment, or report concerning a CAT staff member, we need the time of your conversation with them and the name of the employee.
- A detailed explanation of the occurrence or suggestion.
We will follow up each comment received and will contact you by phone or in writing to confirm we have received your comments.
CAT has a list of common-sense rules to ensure the safety of all customers, CAT drivers and employees. We ask that customers, their personal care attendant and any companion(s) traveling with customers observe the following Rules of Conduct:
- No smoking on the vehicles.
- Riders shall maintain appropriate, reasonable personal hygiene.
- No eating or drinking on board.
- No abusive, threatening or obscene language or actions.
- No physical abuse of another rider or the driver.
- No petting guide dogs or other service animals without the permission of the owner.
- No playing of radios, cassette tape players or compact disk players (without headphones), or other noise equipment while on board.
- No operation or tampering with any vehicle’s equipment.
- Littering is prohibited.
- Shirts and shoes or other footwear must be worn.
- Baby strollers must be folded and stowed away so as to not block the aisle or cause injury to any person on the bus.
- Head, arms and other body parts must be kept inside the bus.
- Objects must not be thrown from the bus window.
- Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Parents must control children.
- Federal regulations prohibit the transportation of flammable or explosive materials on transit vehicles.
- Weapons of any kind are prohibited on CAT buses.
- No excretion of any bodily fluid upon or at another person or object while on the bus.
Customers or their PCAs who violate rules of rider courtesy and conduct, may be subject to penalties, up to and including suspension of service. Customers or their PCAs who engage in physical abuse or other illegal activities, or cause physical injury to another customer, a CAT driver or employee, may be subject to immediate and permanent suspension from CAT fixed-route service. They may also be subject to criminal prosecution which may include fines. Customers or their PCAs who engage in an activity that seriously disrupts the safe or effective operation of CAT fixed-route service may also be subject to a suspension of service. If a customer is seriously disruptive to the transportation service, we reserve the right to require that a PCA or guardian travel with the customer as an option instead of service suspension. Top
Service Suspension/Termination Appeal Process
Any customer or PCA who is suspended from service will be notified in writing and will be given an opportunity to appeal the suspension.
A customer who disputes the basis for their eligibility, or a suspension or termination of service may request an appeal hearing by writing. Send your written appeal to:
Concord Area Transit Director
Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc.
PO Box 1016
Concord, NH 03302
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
CAT transportation call center…………..603-225-1989
CAT Director.…………………..603-225-3295 Ext. 1229
TTY …………………………………………1-800-735-2964
APPENDIX
Concord Area Transit
Riding the Bus
What You Will Need, Its easy as 1-2-3:
- A destination – where you want to go.
- Concord Area Transit (CAT) bus schedule and route map.
- An open mind and willingness to try something new.
How To Do It:
- Determine your destination.
- Know where you want to go and when you want to arrive.
- Obtain CAT bus schedule and route map from one of the following:
- Website – www.concordareatransit.com
- CAT bus drivers
- Go to our website or call the Transportation Call Center at 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964 for a Map and Schedule listing of locations where you can find CAT Bus Schedules and Maps.
- Familiarize yourself with the bus schedule and routes.
- Determine which bus route or routes you will need to use to get you where you want to go. You may need to transfer between buses downtown. (See How to Transfer Between Routes in the appendix.)
- Make note of the scheduled bus stop locations for each route and find the scheduled departure times listed below each stop.
- Read across from left to right.
- Plan your route.
- Find the CAT bus stop location nearest to where you will catch the CAT bus and the CAT bus stop nearest to where you are going.
- Read appropriate schedule across from left to right for departure times at each stop you are considering to find the best pick-up time in order for you to get where you want to go at the time you want to be there, or
- Call CAT for help in planning your trip.
- 603-225-1989, (TTY Relay 7-1-1) or for TTY 1-800-735-2964.
- Locate the CAT bus stop sign at your starting scheduled bus stop location prior to your trip, so you will know where to wait for the bus.
- Catch and ride the bus.
- Plan to be at your scheduled bus stop 10 minutes prior to arrival/departure time of the CAT bus.
- Dress appropriately for changing weather conditions as you will be outside.
- When the CAT bus arrives and stops, allow other riders to exit the bus before you board.
- Board the bus and greet the CAT driver.
- Be prepared to tell the CAT driver where you are going or provide the name and address of your destination in writing if you have difficulty with English.
- Find an empty seat.
- Allow seniors and persons with disabilities to sit nearest the front.
- Note – wheelchairs and scooters are required to be secured by the CAT driver.
- Reach your destination.
- Notify the CAT driver when you are nearing your scheduled bus stop.
- Be aware of where the bus is on the route so you do not miss your stop.
- Listen for CAT driver announcements of upcoming stops.
- Pull the cord located above or next to you to let the CAT driver know you will be getting off at the next scheduled bus stop.
- Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before exiting the bus.
- Check where you were sitting to make sure you have not left anything behind.
- Note where you got off the CAT bus and where you will need to catch the CAT bus for your return trip if needed.
APPENDIX
Concord Area Transit
How to Transfer Between Routes
Sometimes getting to your destination using a Concord Area Transit (CAT) fixed-route bus may require you to transfer from one route to another. All transfers are made downtown at the State House bus stop or Eagle Square bus stop.
Here is a quick lesson on how to transfer between routes.
What You Will Need:
- A destination – where you want to go.
- Concord Area Transit (CAT) Bus Schedule and Route Map.
- All transfers are made downtown at the State House bus stop or Eagle Square bus stop.
How To Do It:
Plan your trip using the CAT How to Ride Guide. If, after you have planned your trip, you discover that you need to transfer from one route to another route:
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- Ride CAT from your origin to downtown.
- Depending on the direction you’re going, you will get off at the State House or Eagle Square bus stop and again, depending on the direction your going, you may have to cross the street to the other stop (State House or Eagle Square) to wait for your bus to arrive.
- Once the bus arrives, tell the CAT driver what your final destination is to ensure that you are getting on the correct bus.
- Find a seat and follow the rest of the ride instructions in the CAT How to Ride Guide.
- You’ve done it!
- Need help with planning a trip, or making a transfer?
- Call the CAT Transportation Call Center for help in planning your trip
- 603-225-1989 (TTY Relay 7-1-1)
- Ask to speak to the Travel Trainer if you need more help with planning your trip or transferring between routes.
Multi-Route Transfer Point Bus Stops
State House Bus Stop downtown Concord
#3 Crosstown Route from Industrial Park Drive to #1 Penacook Route out to Briar Pipe.
#2 Heights Route from Walmart to #1 Penacook Route and #3 Crosstown Route
#1 Penacook Route from Briar Pipe to #2 Heights Route and #3 Crosstown Route.
Eagle Square Bus Stop downtown Concord
#1 Penacook Route from Concord Hospital to #2 Heights Route to Walmart.
#3 Crosstown Route from South Fruit Street to #2 Heights Route to Walmart.
#2 Heights Route from St. John’s Church (Christ the King Parish) to #1 Penacook Route or #3 Crosstown Route.