Randolph — Stagecoach Transportation soon will expand commuter bus service to several White River Valley towns after receiving a three-year grant from the Vermont Agency of Transportation.

Residents in Chelsea, Tunbridge, Rochester and Stockbridge will be offered bus service to Lebanon and White River Junction as part of Stagecoach’s 89er South Commuter route, the company said in a news release.

The new service is expected to start in late August, and is aimed at reducing congestion on Interstate 89. Fares for the weekday service now cost $3.50 for a one-way trip and $30 to 10 rides.

”With gas prices rising above $3 a gallon, taking the bus saves every rider money,” Jim Moulton, executive director of Stagecoach parent company Tri-Valley Transit, said in the release. “Some commuters may even be able to reduce the number of vehicles in the family, saving more than any government subsidy of tax cut can provide.”

Stagecoach will hold two public hearings on the expansion, beginning with a 6 p.m. forum on July 31 at the Rochester town office.

A second hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Aug. 1 at the Chelsea town office.