Join us tomorrow for a hiring event from 9am-1pm at the CARTA facilities located at 3664 Leeds Ave.
NORTH CHARLESTON (May 17, 2022) – The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) today announced that the Beach Reach Shuttle, a free seasonal park-and-ride shuttle providing a connection between Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms, will return to service on Saturday, May 28, 2022.
How to ride: Beach Reach riders can board the shuttle at stop No. 715, located behind the Belk Mens store in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, and disembark at 14th Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, adjacent to the Isle of Palms beach access.
Parking will be available along Market Center Boulevard in Mount Pleasant Towne Centre. Connections to Route 40 Mount Pleasant and Route 42 Wando Circulator will also be available.
Full route details and bus tracking can be found in the Transit App, which is available for download in the Apple and Google Play stores. Riders can also view traffic conditions and municipal information for all area beaches via the Beach Reach app, which is also available for Apple and Google smartphones.
When to ride: Beach Reach will operate on Saturdays and Sundays from May 28 through Sept. 5, 2022, as well as on Memorial, Independence and Labor Days.
Each Saturday, the shuttle will run every hour from 9:15 a.m. (first departure from Towne Centre) to 5:30 p.m. (final departure from Isle of Palms). On Sundays, in order to improve efficiency and ease necessary transfers, the shuttle will run every hour from 9:40 a.m. to 5:55 p.m.
Riders should plan to arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Word on the beach is …
“We work hard at CARTA to make sure we’re providing a cost-effective and efficient way of getting people where they need to go – and, in the summer months, that includes the beach,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “Thanks to our Isle of Palms, Mount Pleasant and Towne Centre partners, we’re able to once again make that happen, and we look forward to re-introducing our riders to the Beach Reach Shuttle.”
“Now in its second year, we’re proud to announce the highly anticipated return of the Beach Reach Shuttle,” said City of Isle of Palms Mayor Philip Pounds. “This has been a team effort in the truest sense of the term, and we’re glad to be working alongside our remarkable partners to increase beach access and share the beauty of the Isle of Palms shoreline this summer.”
“The Town of Mount Pleasant is proud to stand alongside CARTA, Isle of Palms and our very own Towne Centre to bring the Beach Reach Shuttle back into service,” said Town of Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie. “I hope folks throughout our community and beyond will join us in taking advantage of this exciting opportunity to make the most of this summer.”
“On behalf of everyone at Mount Pleasant Towne Centre, we’re happy to be back on board as Beach Reach partners this summer,” said Mount Pleasant Towne Centre Marketing Director Kathleen Herrmann. “We look forward to not only providing convenient and affordable beach access but also to welcoming riders to explore our wide variety of shops, delicious restaurants, and summer-long events.”
Rules of the ride: In order to maintain the safety of all riders and provide adequate space for those on board, Beach Reach passengers must adhere to policies outlined below.
Riders found to be in violation of any of the aforementioned policies may not be permitted on board the shuttle.
ABOUT CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit service and express commuter routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app.
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NORTH CHARLESTON (April 28, 2022) – During a press conference this morning, Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) leaders announced a new “No Pay May” initiative, which aims to encourage new ridership by offering all CARTA services at no cost for the month of May.
The initiative, which is a first in system history, will begin on Sunday, May 1, 2022 and run through Tuesday, May 31, 2022.
“With mask mandates lifting and our world increasingly getting back to normal, we’re making it easier than ever for folks throughout the region to come check out everything that CARTA has to offer,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “Don’t just take our word for it – get on board and see for yourself.”
The “No Pay May” initiative excludes CARTA OnDemand rides, which are contracted separately.
ABOUT CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit service and express commuter routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Daniel Brock, Regional Strategist
BCDCOG
(919) 820-2612
Chloe Field, Account Manager
BGRM
(412) 477-5358
Ride CARTA for FREE th
REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL MASK MANDATE
MASK REQUIREMENT SUSPENDED EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
NORTH CHARLESTON (April 19, 2022) — Today, Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority and TriCounty Link Executive Director Ron Mitchum released the following statement regarding the Federal mask mandate:
ABOUT CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston, S.C., community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit, and express commuter service. For the latest on CARTA, visit ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app.
ABOUT TRICOUNTY LINK
The TriCounty Link system is composed of nine regular fixed routes and six commuter routes providing services to rural residents of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. The current fleet consists of 60 vehicles seating from 14 to 32 passengers. All TriCounty Link vehicles are ADA compliant and include wheelchair lifts, and on average, two wheelchair tie-down positions per vehicle. For the latest on TriCounty Link, visit www.ridetricountylink.com and like us on Facebook.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Daniel Brock, Regional Strategist
BCDCOG
(919) 820-2612
Chloe Field, Account Manager
BGRM
(412) 477-5358
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) and TriCounty Link (TCL) today announced their partnership with Token Transit, a free mobile ticketing application that gives riders a new, cashless payment option and eliminates the need for a paper pass.
Effective immediately, CARTA and TCL riders will have the ability to purchase digital bus passes using credit or debit cards via the Token Transit app on their iOS or Android smartphones. Fares paid for through the app can be used at the time of purchase or stored for later use and activation. Cash payments and paper passes will continue to be accepted.
After purchasing tickets, CARTA riders will hold their phones near Token Transit validators now onboard system buses. TriCounty Link riders will be able to board after presenting an in-app ticket to their driver.
“The new partnership between our local transit providers, CARTA and TriCounty Link, and Token Transit serves as yet another example of the strides we continue to take to provide convenient and efficient transportation for our riders,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “For years, smartphones have made it easy for users to stay connected in the digital space, and now, with the help of the Token Transit app, connecting our riders to destinations throughout the region will be as easy as the click of a button.”
To download the Token Transit app, please visit www.tokentransit.com or search “Token Transit” in the Apple or Google Play stores.
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ABOUT TOKEN TRANSIT
Token Transit is a mobile app to pay for public transportation. Using the Token Transit app, riders can purchase transit passes on their smartphones and board the bus by showing the driver a pass on their phone. Transit agencies are choosing Token Transit as a rapidly deployable alternative to smartcards in order to boost ridership, decrease costs, and improve service. Founded in San Francisco with the mission to increase access to public transportation across the United States, the company is helping transit agencies of all sizes provide an easy and convenient rider experience. For more information visit: www.tokentransit.com or download ‘Token Transit’ on your iPhone or Android.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Daniel Brock, Regional Strategist
BCDCOG
(919) 820-2612
danielb@bcdcog.com
Chloe Field, Account Manager
BGRM
(412) 477-5358
cfield@rawlemurdy.com
Expect some route delays this week due to higher traffic volumes throughout the area related to the Cooper River Bridge Run on Saturday 04.02.22
On Saturday, April 2nd all routes that travel into the downtown area will be affected by road closures, detours and high volumes of traffic, expect possible delays.
Mt. Pleasant Service:
In order to be as efficient as possible to transport our passengers around Mt. Pleasant and to Downtown while the bridge is closed during the Bridge Run, Routes 40 and 41 will run as follows on Saturday morning 4/02/22:
Expect some delays on these routes until the bridge has reopened and service returns to normal.
Riders are encouraged to use the transit app and/or the Text or Call for Next Bus (843-202-4410) features for real time route information. Customer service representatives can be reached at 843-724-7420 and will be available through the chat feature located here at ridecarta.com.
Click CARTA 2022 Bridge Run route detours to view detours that will occur the day of the bridge run – Saturday, April 2, 2022.
Lanes have reopened on the Ravenel Bridge and routes are returning to regular schedules. Riders should check back periodically for updates on potential route disruptions if ice issues occur as temperatures rise during the day on Sunday (1.23.22).
All Northbound lanes of the Ravenel Bridge and the 2 inside Southbound lanes are currently closed to traffic due to falling ice from the suspension cables. In order to be as efficient as possible to transport our passengers around Mt. Pleasant and to Downtown while the bridge is closed routes 30/40 and 41 will run as follows:
Expect some delays on these routes until the bridge has reopened and service returns to normal.
As inclement weather conditions progress, service may start late, end early, or be suspended if roads and/or bridges close and it becomes unsafe to continue operations.
Current service impacts:
Staff continues to closely monitor weather and road conditions on Friday and Saturday. Conditions could change very rapidly and riders are encouraged to take any necessary trips earlier today before condition deteriorate and check RideCARTA.com periodically for service updates.
All Express service and Route 203 will start 1 hour earlier tomorrow due to early closures and inclement weather.
At this time, all other CARTA fixed- route services are scheduled to run as regularly scheduled on Friday and Saturday. However, conditions could change very rapidly and riders should be prepared to check RideCARTA.com periodically for service updates.
As inclement weather conditions progress, service may start late, end early, or be suspended if roads and/or bridges close and it becomes unsafe to continue operations.
Service delays, detours or suspension notifications will be sent via the following channels:
Staff will continue to closely monitor reports and conditions on Friday and Saturday to determine if additional service modifications are required.
At this time, all CARTA fixed- route services are scheduled to run as regularly scheduled on Friday and Saturday.
However, conditions could change very rapidly and riders should be prepared to check RideCARTA.com periodically for service updates.
As inclement weather conditions progress, service may start late, end early, or be suspended if roads and/or bridges close and it becomes unsafe to continue operations.
Service delays, detours or suspension notifications will be sent via the following channels:
Staff will be closely monitoring reports throughout the day as well as conditions on Friday and Saturday. Transit operations are essential and any suspended service will be as brief as possible.
A Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments Program
CARTA TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND FREE CONNECTION ACROSS THE NORTH BRIDGE FOR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS
ROUTE 32 SERVICE ACROSS BRIDGE WILL DOUBLE IN FREQUENCY
NORTH CHARLESTON (September 22, 2021) – The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) received unanimous board approval for enhancements to Route 32 aimed at bridging the gap for cyclists and pedestrians seeking to cross the North Bridge.
The new initiative will begin October 3, 2021, and will provide free transportation between bus stops on either side of the bridge for both cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, the policy change will allow bicycles on the bus from one side of the bridge to the other for free. In the event that bicycle racks are full, this change allows bicycles to be brought on board the bus in-between stops.
“CARTA is committed to connecting the region by providing safe and reliable transportation to anyone who needs it,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “This new offering will help bridge the safety gap that currently exists so that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic ability will be able to safely cross the North Bridge.”
As part of the effort, the service frequency for Route 32 will be doubled, cutting wait times in half. The enhanced service will begin on October 3, 2021, to align with the new accommodations for cyclists and pedestrians, and will occur every half-hour Monday through Saturday, and every hour on Sunday.
Route 32 provides hourly connections between North Charleston and West Ashley via North Bridge, with major stops being the North Charleston Superstop, Ashley Landing Mall, and Citadel Mall. Currently, North Bridge has no pedestrian or cycling amenities.
Data from the South Carolina Department of Transportation from 2014-2017 identified nine pedestrian/bicycle – motor vehicle collisions on the bridge. A further three pedestrian/bicycle – motor vehicle fatalities have occurred since 2018.
“Increasing the frequency of Route 32 and allowing bikes on the 32 bus as needed are important and appreciated steps toward a better, more accessible North Bridge crossing for all,” said Charleston Moves Executive Director Katie Zimmerman. “These improvements will offer more safe crossing opportunities to work, appointments, and visiting family.”
Efforts are underway to bring about needed structural changes to the bridge via the Better North Bridge project. The project is a collaborative effort between Charleston County, Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, and Charleston Moves with the goal to bring about a permanent, standalone bike and pedestrian crossing to provide a safe and equitable connection between North Charleston and West Ashley. The project is currently in the study phase.
Full route details and bus tracking will be available in the Transit App, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. Riders can also view traffic conditions and municipal information for all area beaches via the Beach Reach app, also available for Apple and Google.
ABOUT CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit service and express commuter routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Daniel Monroe, Account Supervisor
Rawle Murdy Associates
(843) 422-0682
dmonroe@rawlemurdy.com
Starting Sunday, October 3rd the route will operate:
• Every 30 minutes Monday – Saturday
• Every hour on Sunday
Click Route 32 North Bridge 10.03.21 to view the new schedule times.
• Bicyclist and pedestrians ride CARTA FREE to cross the North Bridge/Cosgrove Bridge.
• Bicyclists: Bikes are allowed on the bus if bike racks are full and as space permits.
• To utilize, passengers will board the bus and exit at the stops listed below ONLY:
o Stop ID 173: Cosgrove/Mott Ave.
o Stop ID 174: Cosgrove/Mott Ave.
o Stop ID 695: Sam Rittenburg Blvd/Poston Rd.
o Stop ID 696: Sam Rittenburg Blvd/Poston Rd.
Download “Transit” and travel like a true Charlestonian.
Bus Route: See vehicle locations in real time, find nearby stops, and receive stop announcements.
Service Alerts: Keep on top of schedule changes, stop relocations and other unexpected surprises.
Favorites: Always take the same bus? Move it to the top of the list by adding it to your favorites.
Timetables: View the full schedule for a route and set alarms to remind you to leave.
Countdowns: Get real-time predictions based on data from the transit agency.
“Go”: Get step-by-step transit directions and notifications about when to leave for your trip and when to get off the bus.
Plan a trip!: Compare trips side by side with your preferred transport modes selected.
