As Charleston’s mass transit system governed by eight member governments and by regulations of the Federal Transportation Authority, CARTA has a responsibility to consider any media requests and handle them as the system deems appropriate, on a case by case basis.
CARTA asks that all media outlets respect the rights of bus system users, drivers and other staff to wait for and ride the bus system without disturbance.
The following policy and guidelines have been set in order for CARTA to effectively and quickly handle any media requests from documented media outlets and contact:
- Requests to board any CARTA bus should be submitted more than 48 business hours in advance of need.
- Media must provide assignment details in writing or over the phone, including timing, focus of the story, interview needs (CARTA spokesperson, driver and/or passenger), if bringing a video or traditional camera, etc.
- If a media contact first contacts the CARTA office, a CARTA employee will record all necessary details (name, media outlet, request, timing, etc.). The CARTA employee then will send the information to Rawle Murdy and also ask the media contact to contact Rawle Murdy directly.
- All media requests will be relayed to Rawle Murdy, on behalf of CARTA. Media outlets are welcome to contact Erin Watson with Rawle Murdy directly with any requests (contact info below).
- CARTA requests the opportunity to comment on any story that is filmed on or about CARTA buses or the transit system.
- When the request is to board a CARTA bus, a CARTA representative must be present. This is to aid in coordination of any interview and access needs in a timely and smooth manner.
- The CARTA executive director will serve as the official spokesperson unless otherwise indicated. Depending on the specific circumstances, the executive director may designate another CARTA staff person to serve as spokesperson on a particular issue.
- CARTA and CARTA representatives, including drivers and staff employed by Veolia Transportation, have the right to refuse boarding for any reason.
- If at any time, media representatives are deemed unwelcome by riders for any reason, CARTA drivers and staff have the right to ask them to deboard the bus.
Contact Information:
All media requests should be directed to Erin Watson through the following:
Office: (843) 577-7327
Cell: (843) 513-9059
Email: ewatson@rawlemurdy.com