Find Your Route
Where can I find CARTA bus routes and times?
- Check out System Map on RideCarta.com.
- When using System Maps, simply find your location on the map and look for the nearest route. Then follow it to see if it goes to your destination!
- If it does not go to your destination, look for connecting routes where you can transfer to complete your trip.
- Use Route Maps on RideCarta.com.
- Find the stop closest to you using the map controls in the top left corner of the map, then click the map pin for your chosen bus stop.
- After finding the appropriate route(s) to take for your trip, follow the stop closest to your destination by clicking its name underneath Today’s Primary Bus Stops to the right of the route map.
- View Bus Route Schedule underneath the route map for route schedules, primary stops, and stop times.
- Download “Transit” on the App Store and Google Play.
- Travel like a true Charlestonian with real-time information in the palm of your hand.
- Find nearby stops, get updated timetables & service alerts, create favorites lists, and more!
- Get everything you need to plan your trip in one easy-to-use app.
How can I locate bus stops?
How do I identify my bus?
What guidance to you provide riders for boarding, riding and exiting a CARTA regular route bus?
- Boarding and riding the bus
- Arrive at your stop at least five (5) minutes before the bus is scheduled.
- Have your fare ready when the bus approaches. Make sure you have the correct fare or pass ready as you board the bus (Please note: Drivers cannot make change).
- If you need to transfer to another route to complete your trip, you will need to purchase a transfer pass which is $.50. Please have this ready when you first board the bus and pay along with your fare. The driver will then issue you a transfer pass to board your next bus to complete your trip, or the driver will specify a certain place to obtain a transfer.
- Once you board the bus
- Take your seat as soon as possible and please do not change seats unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep aisles and exits clear. Blocking aisles or exits can slow down the bus. Try to keep bags or other items out of the aisles. If you have items with you, please keep them on you, under your seat or in above storage racks when available.
- Please be mindful that the seats are for passengers, especially when there is a high volume of passengers on your bus.
- Exiting the bus
- Notify the bus driver when you wish to exit the bus. As your destination approaches, simply pull the stop request cord that runs along the upper part of the window, or push a yellow stop request strip located on the side panels near the windows on.
- Use the rear or center door to exit when available. By exiting at the rear door, people waiting to board the bus can enter immediately through the front doors–this helps to keep the bus on schedule.
Tips for Riders
Regular Route Tips
- Boarding the bus:
- Arrive at your stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled.
- Have your fare ready when the bus approaches. Make sure you have the correct fare or pass ready as you board the bus (Please note: Drivers cannot make change).
- If you need to transfer to another route to complete your trip, you will need to purchase a transfer pass for $.50. Please have this ready when you first board the bus and pay the driver along with your fare. The driver will then issue you a transfer pass to board your next bus to complete your trip, or the driver will specify a certain place to obtain a transfer.
- After boarding the bus
- Take your seat as soon as possible and please do not change seats unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep aisles and exits clear. Blocking aisles or exits can slow down the bus. Try to keep bags or other items out of the aisles. If you have items with you, please keep them on you, under your seat or in above storage racks when available.
- Please be mindful that the seats are for passengers, not bags, especially when there is a high volume of passengers on your bus.
- Exiting the bus
- Notify the bus driver when you wish to exit the bus. As your destination approaches, simply pull the stop request cord that runs along the upper part of the window, or push a yellow stop request strip located on the side panels near the windows.
- Use the rear or center door to exit when available. By exiting at the rear door, people waiting to board the bus can enter immediately through the front doors, helping to keep the bus on schedule.
Express Route Tips
- Boarding the bus
- Please try to arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before scheduled pick-up times.
- Please be prepared to board CARTA Express quickly and find your seat. The cost to ride Express is only $3.50 per ride. Please have exact change; bus drivers can’t make change.
- Express gold passes are available to purchase online and at participating vendor locations.
- Employees and students at participating partners, please be prepared to show your ID as you board the bus.
- After boarding the bus
- If all seats are occupied, you may stand behind the yellow line that is located in the front near the driver as long as there is standing room where you can grasp a handle, pole or overhead poles.
- Exiting the bus
- Each express route features just a handful of convenient route stops, so please be prepared to exit the bus as your stop approaches.
- Signal the driver that you need to exit at the approaching stop by pressing the yellow signal strip located on the side panels near the window.
- Check to make sure you have all your items and stay seated until the bus comes to a complete stop.
DASH Services
What is DASH?
How is DASH different from regular CARTA buses?
DASH shuttles also have what is called a “low floor”, or no steps to enter the vehicle, which makes it easier for everyone to board. This helps speed up the boarding process, which keeps the shuttle on schedule. In addition, the shuttles have cushioned seats and panoramic windows for fantastic visibility of the downtown area, so passengers can ride in style.
How much does it cost to ride DASH?
What is the seating capacity?
Fares and Passes
Route Costs
How much does it cost to ride a regular route?
How much does it cost to ride the Airport Express?
Discounts
Does CARTA offer discount fares?
Patrons with a valid Tel-A-Ride I.D. card can ride fixed route service at no charge.
Disabled patrons and Seniors 55+ are eligible for a discount. See details in Accessibility below.
Pass Types and Purchase Locations
What passes are available and how much do they cost?
One Trip Pass: $3.50
One Day Pass: $7.00
Three Day Pass: $14.00
Seven Day Weekly: $15.00
Seven Day Weekly Express: $25.00
Ten Trips Pass: $16.00
Forty Trips Pass: $56.00
Thirty-One Day Pass: $57.00
Thirty-One Days Express Pass: $99.00
Where can I purchase a pass?
- DOWNTOWN
Charleston Visitor Center 375 Meeting Street, Mon-Sun, 8:30am-5pm (843) 724-7174 - MOUNT PLEASANT
Mount Pleasant Visitor Center 99 Harry M. Hallman Blvd, Mon – Sun, 9am-5pm - NORTH CHARLESTON
Main Office 3664 Leeds Ave, Mon-Fri, 8:30am – 5pm (843) 724-7420 - NORTH CHARLESTON
SC Works Career Center 1930 Hanahan Road, Mon – Fri, 8:30am-5pm (843) 574-1800 - NORTH CHARLESTON
Piggly Wiggly 8780 Rivers Ave, Mon-Sun, 7am – 11pm (843) 764-3039 - NORTH CHARLESTON / HANAHAN
Price Wise 1270 Yeamen’s Hall Rd, Mon-Sat, 7am-10pm Sun, 8am-9pm (843) 747-6373
Policies
Rider Etiquette
Does CARTA promote rider etiquette?
- Do not carry open cans or bottles on the bus. They are a safety hazard.
- Do not play radios (without headphones) on the bus. If you do have headphones, please use at a volume that does not disturb other passengers or the driver.
- Do not smoke on the vehicles.
- Do not bring alcoholic beverages on board the buses.
- Do not use profanity aboard the vehicles.
- Animal Policy–Police dogs, guide, signal or service dogs are the ONLY pets permitted on CARTA buses.
- Courtesy Seats–The seats located in the front of each bus and trolley behind the driver are reserved for senior citizens and disabled passengers.
- Lost and Found–Lost items are turned in at the CARTA Operations Center in North Charleston, available by calling (843) 724-7420; the route name, number, time and direction of travel are helpful when calling.
Accessibility
What accessibility services does CARTA provide?
If you have difficulty getting to the bus stop and/or riding fixed-route buses, CARTA also offers para-transit services (Tel-A-Ride) for eligible customers with disabilities and are unable to use regular fixed route services.
All CARTA-sponsored public meetings and events are made accessible to people with disabilities. If you need assistance in participating in this meeting or event due to a disability as defined under the ADA, please call the CARTA ADA Coordinator at (843) 529-0400 Ext. 202 or e-mail JBurns@ridecarta.com at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation.
Additional Accessibility Services
- Audiotape & Braille
When requested we can provide CARTA materials in accessible formats. Please email askcarta@ridecarta.com or call (843) 724-7420 for assistance. - TTY/TTD
Need special assistance by phone? Call our TTY/TTD phone number, (843) 747-1499.
What equipment do CARTA buses have to accommodate riders with disabilities?
- Lifts accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
- Buses lower or “kneel” to the curb to make boarding easy.
- Priority seating is available for customers with disabilities. These seats are conveniently located at the front of the bus. Bus operators will secure wheelchairs and scooters.
- Service animals are welcome.
How much are fares for riders with disabilities?
How to get a CARTA disability ID card?
- Provide the accepted documents:
- Medicare Card (required)
- Social Security Award Letter or Veteran Disability Award Letter (at least 1 is required)
- Apply in person:
- Request an application by mail:
- Call (843) 574-1800 or (843) 574-1810
Do you provide similar services for visitors who need public transportation?
Seniors
Where can CARTA take senior citizens?
What discounts do you offer senior citizens?
What can I do if I want to ride, but I’m not sure how?
Are pets allowed on CARTA vehicles?
Media Inquiries
How does CARTA handle media requests?
The following policy and guidelines have been set for CARTA to effectively and quickly handle any media requests from documented media outlets and contact:
- Request to board any CARTA bus should be submitted no less 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.
- When media 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 BGRM and also ask the media contact to contact Rawle Murdy directly.
- All media requests will be relayed to BGRM, on behalf of CARTA. Media outlets are welcome to contact Chloe Field with Rawle Murdy directly with any requests.
- CARTA request 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.
Operations
Service Hours
What are CARTA’s service hours?
Monday–Friday, 5:15 a.m.–1:00 a.m.
Saturday, 6:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Sunday, 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
CARTA fixed route riders are advised to check individual route schedules for specific service times.
Holiday Schedule
What are CARTA’s service hours on holidays?
- All routes operate on a Sunday schedule during the following holidays:
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- Day after Christmas
- New Year’s Day
Exceptions
- DASH does not operate during the following holidays:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day
- New Year’s Day
- Express Routes do not operate during the following holidays:
- Day after Thanksgiving
- Day after Christmas
Weather Conditions
What is CARTA’s policy for providing service during inclement weather conditions?
- Continue bus service to major thoroughfares that are passable, but not on impassable neighborhood or side streets that are difficult or dangerous to negotiate during bad weather. (Please note that delays may be expected under these conditions but bus service will be provided to the fullest extent possible.)
- When even the main thoroughfares prove too hazardous for safe bus travel, all bus service will be temporarily discontinued.
- Tel-a-Ride service will be provided on a limited basis to dialysis clients.
- When weather conditions require CARTA to suspend buses, Tel-A-Ride service will also be suspended. However, the Tel-A-Ride Supervisor will ensure that all customers receiving service are returned to their point of origin prior to removing the vehicle from service.
Upon confirmation of service changes from the Executive Director, public information regarding services is to be disseminated by CARTA staff using all of the following methods:
- Information is made available on social media
- TWITTER: @rideCARTA
- FACEBOOK: facebook.com/rideCARTA
