Bill > HB1680

This bill directs the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to improve Boston Express bus service, focusing on increased frequency of buses connecting Nashua, Manchester, and Londonderry to Boston, Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill requires the department to expand bus options during peak commuting hours and late-night periods on Fridays and Saturdays, advocate for consistent funding from federal and state public transportation programs, and support regional economic development and environmental sustainability. The department must allocate a portion of its federal intercity bus program funding to expand the service and prepare a comprehensive report by November 1st that details bus service frequency, ridership data, and the impact on workforce mobility and regional economic development. The report will be submitted to key state government officials including the speaker of the house, senate president, governor, and state library. While the bill does not provide direct funding, it aims to leverage existing federal transit funding (specifically FTA Section 5307) to enhance public transportation connectivity between southern New Hampshire and Boston. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and the fiscal note indicates that the exact cost of implementation is indeterminable but could range around $1,058,500 annually for additional routes and services.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2305&inflect=2