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Safety & Security

What we do to ensure the safety and security of our riders, prohibited activities and what you can do to help

Plan Your Trip

Bus Operations

Safety and security are a top priority at CARTA. We work hard every day to ensure your ride is trouble-free. We constantly upgrade and improve our security measures while still delivering the fast, efficient service you expect.

CARTA bus operations are handled by Transdev, a world-class leader in the transit industry. Bus operators are trained in safety and security programs which include hours of classroom and behind the wheel training, along with performance standards and skills that must consistently be met. Bus operators are trained to call in medical emergencies, incidents, traffic accidents and house fires to the CARTA dispatch radio room immediately. Bus operators will also report suspicious individuals on the bus or individuals loitering at bus stops or at Park and Rides. In addition, CARTA works with many outside agencies on security drills and the latest detection devices for various chemical or biological agents.


Other CARTA Security Measures

CARTA also protects you by:

  • Announcing AMBER alerts to bus operators as they happen
  • All buses are equipped with a two-way radio which directly connects the driver to CARTA Dispatch and has the ability to be in direct contact with municipal police departments
  • All buses are equipped with surveillance cameras
  • Providing free bus service to the community during weather emergencies


CARTA Transit Etiquette Guide

A Little Courtesy Goes a Long Way, Be a Courteous CARTA Rider
Our goal is simple. A little courtesy on a crowded bus goes a long way, and can improve the ride for everyone!

CARTA Common Courtesy is a transit etiquette campaign highlighting various behaviors that are discouraged, as well as how passengers should properly conduct themselves on the bus. The goal is to improve the experience and efficiency throughout the system.

CARTA is moving in the right direction. Let’s improve the ride for everyone.

See Something that Doesn’t Belong?
See Something… Say Something
Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Report unattended bags and unusual behavior to police or transit personnel.

On a Crowded Bus Courtesy Matters, Don’t Light Up
No Smoking or Vaping – On Board the Bus or at Stops and Shelters.
Smoking or vaping is not allowed on any bus or within 20 feet of bus shelters and transit centers (SuperStop). For help with quitting, contact MUSC Tobacco Treatment Program at: (843) 792-9101

Our Buses are G-Rated, Keep It That Way
Profanity – Not Allowed
Remember this is a shared ride, use G-rated words only! Using profanity or derogatory statements is not tolerated on buses. Use of this language can get you removed from the bus and interfere with your riding privileges.

Shoulder to Shoulder – Hygiene Matters
Practice some southern charm and good hygiene
Bathe and clean your clothes regularly, and wear deodorant. Remember this is a shared ride where you will often be in close quarters with other riders, and smells intensify in small spaces. Be respectful of others and do not wear very strong odors.

This Looks Better on your Lap
People in seats, not Bags and Packages
Do not take more than one seat, especially on a crowded bus. Please keep your bags and other belongings on your lap, in overhead storage when available or under your seat. Items should not block the aisle at any time.

No More Than 4!
How many bags are allowed? No more than 4!
CARTA allows four bags to be carried on the bus at one time. Only carry those packages and belongings that can be carried onto the bus in ONE trip. All packages should be stored safely, out of the aisles and within your control at all times.

Don’t Scream, Don’t Shout, Don’t Let It All Out
Noise on the Bus – Don’t Scream, Don’t Shout, Don’t Let It All Out
When talking to other passengers, keep your voices down, no loud talking or shouting. When using your digital devices, use audio or video with headphones only. Reduce the volume on your device – other passengers should not be able to hear your music or videos. Cell phones may be used, but do not use the speaker function – everyone does not want to hear your conversations.

Take a Stand! For Those Who Need a Seat
Priority/Courtesy Seating – Take a Stand, For Those Who Need a Seat
Please vacate reserved seating located in the front of the bus when seniors and people with disabilities board. Be attentive and courteous with those who need a seat.

Keep Your Coffee to Yourself
Drinks on the Bus – Spill Proof Cups Only
If your cup lid does not lock or screw on, it is not allowed on the bus. Paper or plastic cups with pop on lids are not allowed. Spills cause delays to service and damages to other riders.

Be Ready to Pay
Be Ready to Pay! Have your Money or Pass Ready Before the Bus Arrives.
Searching for your pass or fare once the bus arrives causes delays that will cause the bus to run late. Help keep us moving and reduce delays by being ready to pay.

Don’t Litter
No Littering on the Bus or at the Stops – Keep CARTA Clean!
We have a beautiful city, let’s keep it that way! Don’t leave papers or trash on the bus or at the bus stop. Many stops have trash receptacles, please use them. Help us keep our buses and communities clean.


Help Us Keep CARTA Safe

If you ride CARTA, you are probably more familiar with your particular stops, routes and fellow commuters than anyone else. We are asking you to help keep CARTA safe for everyone by reporting unattended packages or suspicious behavior.

Prohibited activities include but are not limited to:

  • Harassment of any kind
  • Playing any type of audio device loudly
  • Carrying weapons and flammable or explosive materials
  • Consumption of drugs and alcohol
  • Smoking

Illegal acts such as:

  • Assaults
  • Panhandling
  • Soliciting
  • Gambling
  • Selling
  • Graffiti
  • Etching

If you observe something out of the ordinary, report it to a bus operator, or call CARTA Customer Service at (843) 724-7420.


Plan Your Trip
Transit App

Download “Transit” and travel like a true Charlestonian.

Available in the App Store and on Google Play, “Transit” offers numerous features to help you easily navigate around Charleston.

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.

View Transit 101

Download TransitApp from Google Play Store
Download TransitApp from Apple Store
TransitApp