KEENE, NH – The City Express will offer free rides next week as it rolls out its new route and schedule.

According to a news release for Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services, the route changes are in response to a rider survey, requests from the community, input from the Transportation Passenger Advisory Committee, and a public hearing.

Several new stops have been added, including Cheshire Medical Center’s new Primary Care facility on Maple Avenue, the new location of the Keene Senior Center on Marlboro Street, the Monadnock Food Coop, and the Kohl’s Plaza. The stop at the Kohl’s plaza will exit via Avon Street to give riders easier access to Monadnock Family Services’ new facility as well. There will also be stops at Market Basket every hour. All of this is in lieu of the stop at the Monadnock Marketplace which is being discontinued due to underutilization.

Stops including the main campus of Cheshire Medical Center on Court Street, Riverside Plaza, West Street Plaza, and several residential areas will have service every half hour.

The City Express runs Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Fares are one dollar per ride but will be free January 2nd-5th to encourage folks to try out the new routes. Otherwise, multiple ride discount tickets are available, and Veterans and children 12 and under always ride free, along with seniors 60 and over with a Senior Pass.

For more information on the schedule and any transportation program, visit hcsservices.org/transportation, or call City Express at 603-352-8494.