CARTA recommends route elimination, combination & more to better services

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Charleston County leaders met with CARTA officials Wednesday morning to discuss what changes should be made to the transportation system to make it more efficient.

The ideas discussed would save CARTA roughly $500,000 a year.

"CARTA is looking to streamline its system, make sure we have efficient connections for our customers and going to places that customers need to travel," said CARTA Interim Executive Director Jeff Burns. "Last year, CARTA had 5 million passengers and we're very proud of the service. So, today we just looked at some of the small tweaks we can make."

One tweak includes reducing routes on 10 federal holidays.

"Currently, we run a full schedule on most holidays and we're seeing that the ridership is just not there," said Burns.

Another recommendation that was approved would discontinue the 105 bus (NASH route) that goes from the Charleston International Airport to Montague Avenue.

"This route is duplicative and we found that we could use these resources more effectively elsewhere in the community," said Burns.

CARTA is also looking to remove the Sunday route on the 20 bus.

"It was showing too much transportation for the passengers using it," said Burns.

Other mentions included refining the park-and-ride service for Boeing employees and providing one for incoming Volvo employees.

"Our community is growing rapidly. We're very excited to welcome the new businesses," said Burns. "CARTA is here to support them and their transportation need."

These recommendations will be presented to the board June 17.

Burns said the goal is to have the changes in place by Fall, 2015.

There were some schedule adjustments back in May, mainly shortening a few routes by a trip. To see those changes already in place, click here.