MAST Seeks Volunteers

The Monadnock Alliance for Sustainable Transportation (MAST) seeks interested individuals and organizations from around the region to join the coalition in promoting transportation solutions that enhance the environmental, economic and physical health and well-being of citizens in the Monadnock Region.

MAST is a diverse coalition of public and private sector stakeholders interested in a better transportation future for the region. The group recognizes the broad impacts that our transportation system has on us as individuals and as communities – everything from employment to our cost of living to our health. For many households, a lack of affordable transportation options can present a major barrier to accessing jobs and services. In fact, transportation is the second largest expense for most households in United States after housing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spent $9,503 on transportation costs in 2015, not including gasoline/motor oil and new car purchases.

In order to address these challenges, MAST has emerged as a forum and structural framework to build consensus on transportation needs and solutions, foster the development of local and regional partnerships on transportation initiatives, advocate for sustainable transportation solutions, and more.

Volunteers (in yellow T-shirts) help out at ReThink Marlboro Street, an event that was supported by MAST that showcased examples of Complete Streets designs for one day in Keene.

“MAST is a volunteer-driven organization,” says Jen Risley, member of the MAST Steering Committee. “We are looking for people who are passionate about transforming transportation in the Monadnock Region, to see more walking, biking, transit, and other transportation choices. More specifically, we are looking for individuals to serve on the Steering Committee, which meets quarterly, or on one of our subcommittees.” Each MAST subcommittee focuses on a specific project, such as organizing a “Bike to Work Day” event in May.

“I continue to be involved in MAST because I feel that transportation is a crucial issue in our region,” says Peter Hansel, President of Filtrine Manufacturing and a MAST Steering Committee member. “Not only is transportation one of the largest energy hogs but the lack of transportation alternatives has social and economic consequences. While we have made some progress, we can still do better in supporting public transportation, complete street designs and improving inter-city busing, just to name a few. MAST can be a catalyst by collaborating with other organizations to achieve common goals.”

For those who are interested in learning more, the MAST Annual Meeting is a great way to meet the Steering Committee, hear about the projects the group is involved with, and connect with others in the region who are interested in implementing sustainable transportation solutions. The Annual Meeting will take place on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the HCS conference room located at 312 Marlboro Street in Keene. Please RSVP to Mari Brunner at mbrunner@swrpc.org or (603) 357-0557.

About MAST

MAST is a volunteer coalition of partners-organizations and individuals that support the MAST mission and vision. The mission of MAST is to “promote all modes of transportation that enhance the environmental, economic and physical health and well-being of citizens in the Monadnock Region.”