News & Announcements

Happy Holidays!

Ride FREE system-ride on CARTA on Christmas Day, December 25

Holiday Schedule-December 24-December 26

• All CARTA Routes Follow Sunday Schedules
• No DASH service on Christmas Day
• No Express service on December 26

Happy Holidays! All riders ride for free on 12/19/25. Visit ridecarta.com for more info.

Thanksgiving Day 11/27/25

• Routes will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, 11/27/25.  If the route does not run on Sundays, it will not operate on Thanksgiving Day. Please plan accordingly. 
• DASH DOES NOT operate on Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving, Friday, 11/28/25

• Routes will return to regular schedule on Friday, 11/28/25
• Express service DOES NOT operate on Friday, 11/28/25

All United States armed services veterans and current military personnel can ride CARTA for free on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11. A military ID, service photo, or a memento – such as a veteran’s cap or other similar items – will be enough to get veterans and active military members on board at no cost.

CARTA will offer free rides to those making trips to the voting polls on Election Day, November 4, to help citizens easily and efficiently reach their polling locations.

To receive fare-free service, riders are asked to communicate with their driver that they are traveling to or from their polling location.

Riders can find their designated polling location at scvotes.gov. The CARTA system map is available at ridecarta.com.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) and TriCounty Link (TCL) will offer free rides to seniors ages 55 and older on Thursday, August 21st  in recognition of National Senior Citizen Day.  Wednesday’s free fare promotion is one in a series free days aimed at celebrating, assisting and encouraging seniors throughout the area to maintain their independence, health and mobility. This free ride day is the third of several such days offered in 2025, the final remaining date is listed below:

• Friday, December 19, 2025 – Thank you to our riders and Happy Holidays

Riders are asked to present a valid photo ID when boarding.

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 X 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

EFFECTIVE 7.31.25 (Thu) – 8.1.25 (Fri)

Due to railroad crossing closures on Ashley Phosphate, Rt. 12 will be split and operating as 2 segments in order to continue to provide service and connectivity along the entire route.

• 12A – Travels from Superstop to Cross County Rd. (Pepperdam Ave. temporary transfer point stop)
• 12B – Travels from Otranto to Cross County via Palmetto Commerce (Pepperdam Ave. temporary transfer point stop)

There will be 4 temporary stops for riders to use, including the transfer point at Pepperdam Ave.  Review the maps below for the segments and stop locations.

Temporary Bus Stops

Rt. 12 07.31.25 Deviation Sat.MAP   – Bus stops

Be advised expect delays and disruptions to service – With the expected traffic pattern disruption we expect very high traffic volumes as everyone traveling in the area will be detouring.

• All routes traveling in the North Charleston area may experience some delays due to the detours and traffic patterns, especially connecting routes including routes 10, 11 and Express 1, please plan accordingly.

Schedule – The route will start at its regular scheduled time on both ends; and it is our goal to run hourly service on both segments; however, it will be difficult to maintain a regular time schedule due to the major anticipated disruptions.  Riders should anticipate delays and plan to add additional time into travel plans.

Download the transit app for notifications and updates regarding service.  Tracking features may be impacted due to major detours and delays expected in the area.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (JUNE 16, 2025) –  The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is encouraging Lowcountry residents to try public transit for free.

Nationally, Dump the Pump Day aims to bring awareness to numerous transportation options that help reduce traffic congestion, save money on gas, reduce wear and tear on vehicles and help the environment.

Those who want to dump the pump can plan ahead by getting details on CARTA routes and services at RideCARTA.com or track CARTA buses in real time by downloading the Transit App in the Apple Store or Google Play.

CARTA provides many amenities to riders including free Wi-Fi and bike racks on buses. Dozens of new solar-powered shelters are being installed throughout the system. Regular fares are just $2 one way. Express rates are $3.50. Both the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) and Hospitality on Peninsula (HOP) shuttle are free.

MEDIA ADVISORY-CARTA & TriCounty Link Offering Free Rides Tomorrow-National Dump the Pump Day-Fixed Route Service