COAST bus service to be canceled till noon due to storm

While sewer service is temporarily unavailable, residents will be asked to limit water use and avoid activities such as using washing machines or dishwashers, city officials said.

Due to the winter storm predicted to continue through this morning and the potentially hazardous road conditions, the decision has been made to delay the start of all services. "The prediction of up to 0.3 inches of ice and freezing rain makes it likely travel will be very challenging Wednesday morning. We feel this is the safest approach we could take for our staff and customers based on the predicted conditions," stated Rad Nichols, Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) Executive Director.

Based on the current forecast, COAST plans to open at noon on Wednesday. The following outlines COAST's opening plan:

• Portsmouth-based routes will begin at 12:00 p.m. (Routes 40, 41, and 43/44).

• Dover-based routes will begin at 12:30 p.m. (Routes 1, 33, 12 North, 12 South, and 33 Outbound).

• Route 14 North will begin at the Rochester Park & Ride at 12:44 p.m.

• Route 6 will begin service at 3:25 p.m.

• All COAST-operated demand response services will operate beginning at 12:00 p.m. No pick-ups will be performed prior to that time.

When COAST resumes service, riders should expect delays as storm cleanup may still be affecting roads and walkways.

Nichols commented further, "As always, when traveling after the storm, please be safe on your way to and from bus stops. Please do not wait for the bus on top of snowbanks. Find the nearest driveway opening; make sure you are visible to the bus operator and wave as the bus approaches. In low light conditions, wave a lit cell phone or flashlight to make you more visible to the bus operator." COAST also recommends wearing bright clothing, using reflectors, and carrying a flashlight.

For updated information on COAST services, please tune in to area radio and television news outlets. COAST will also provide updates through its website at www.coastbus.org and its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/COASTbus.