News & Announcements

The public is hereby advised that The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) will hold a public meeting to provide information regarding the elimination of Route 204 in early March due to underperformance/low ridership over an extended period of time. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information and to receive public comments. 

A new pilot on-demand program will be launched in February 2021 that will provide service to the area currently served by Rt. 204.   

Visit RideCARTA.COM FOR MORE INFO OR PLEASE CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE — 724-7420 MENU OPTION 1

As CARTA moves toward an all-electric fleet, there is an outstanding need for comprehensive planning that improves the overall performance of the network. These efforts include a need for research and development of plans to transition to an all-electric fleet. As such, CARTA is seeking qualified firms to lead the development of an Electric Bus Master Plan to support CARTA’s Fleet Modernization Project.

Download the RFQ document here.

Have safe and happy holidays!

For more information click: Holiday Service

For additional questions, contact customer service at 843-724-7420

Route 11 will be detouring due to road closures on Spruill Avenue between Burton Avenue and Meeting Street on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday December 13th. The following stops may be missed during the detour: 269, 270, 271,272, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313.

Individuals over the age of 55 will be able to access Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) and TriCounty Link services for free on Saturday, December 12,2020.  The perk is part of both systems’ quarterly Senior Series, which encourages seniors to ride transit free of charge. This is the final free ride of 2020 for seniors, 2021 dates will be announced soon.

CARTA will provide complimentary transportation within its service area to the Arthur W. Christopher Recreation Center warming shelter located at 265 Fishburne Street on Monday, Nov. 30 and Tuesday, Dec. 1.

• When boarding, riders should inform drivers they would like to go to the warming shelter.
• Riders will be taken to the Mary Street transit hub (if boarding a route that services Mary Street) or to a connection point with a route that services Mary Street.
• From Mary Street, Route 213 Lockwood/Calhoun will transport riders to the shelter.
• The last departure from Mary Street will occur at 9:20 p.m. each night.

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority will offer fare-free service on all of its routes on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. The authority’s board approved the measure at its monthly board meeting on Tuesday.

The HOP shuttle now features extended service hours! Enjoy your peninsula travel to work, school and fun now from 6 a.m. to 10:26 p.m. daily.

Find HOP route information and more on the HOP Shuttle route information page.

September 16, 2020

New Beach Shuttle to Initially Run Through Oct. 18

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) Board of Directors voted today to approve shuttle service to the Isle of Palms.

The pilot CARTA Beach Shuttle will be free of charge to riders and run on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Service will begin this Saturday and end Sunday, Oct. 18. 

“The CARTA Beach Shuttle is an opportunity to provide an additional connection to our region’s beaches,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “Over the next month, we’ll observe how the route functions and use what we learn to map out a long-term strategy that will provide benefit to residents throughout the region.”

The CARTA Beach Shuttle will depart hourly from the Charleston County East Cooper Service Center in Mount Pleasant at 1189 Sweetgrass Basket Parkway, then stop at 14th Ave. at Ocean Blvd. and Palm Blvd at 28th Ave. on the Isle of Palms before making its way back to Mount Pleasant.

Route information and bus tracking will be available in the Transit App, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.

“By partnering with the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments and CARTA, the City of Isle of Palms is leveraging organizations that have already begun collaborating with multiple entities to put in place a quality transportation solution in a timely manner,” said Isle of Palms City Councilman Phillip Pounds. “Our hope is to bring a solution to the Lowcountry that allows all to enjoy the beaches without creating the parking and congestion issues on the island that we have seen in the past.”

Shuttle Policies

• Masks or face coverings required at all times while on board.
• Riders are allowed to bring a maximum of four regular shopping bags or small packages or parcels. Riders must be able to carry items on and off the vehicle safely and be able to control all items during the operation of the vehicle.
• Items must not obstruct the aisle, interfere with the operation of the vehicle or prevent seats from being used by other passengers.  
• Packages must be able to be held by riders or stowed safely under the seat.
• Large items (umbrellas, surfboards, beach wagons, etc.) are not permitted at this time. Umbrellas and chairs are available to rent on the beach. Chairs are allowed as long as they adhere to regulations listed above.