CHARLESTON, S.C.  – Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) announced modifications to the Mount Pleasant routes in order to increase efficiency for service in the area, effective Sunday, February 24.  CARTA conducted intensive studies of the current routes to determine ridership and needs in the Mount Pleasant area.  Following the study, recommendations were presented during the monthly Board meeting, and explained at a public hearing in Mount Pleasant.  With these changes, the transit study identified a stronger need in certain areas and stops on current routes that were not being used by riders.  Riders have been notified of these upcoming changes over the past several weeks with signage on the buses, as well as letters sent to current users of the Tel-A-Ride service.

“CARTA regularly monitors each route in the system to ensure that they are the most efficient routes and offering service in the areas with the most need and use,” said CARTA Board Chairman Elliott Summey. “Extensive studies of the current Mount Pleasant routes were conducted to make sure the recommended changes were in the best interest of the riders we serve, as well as overall efficiency of the system.  CARTA understands the sensitivity of these changes and is communicating with riders to ensure they are aware of all transit options.”

Additional equipment has been added to Route 40 to decrease wait times at each stop.  Route 401 and 402 will be consolidated into Route 41, serving Patriot’s Point, Waterfront Park, and Coleman Blvd to Rifle Range Rd.  The service will travel into Downtown Charleston and will provide service back to Coleman Blvd.  CARTA’s Tel-A-Ride service will continue in the area with changes consistent with the boundaries set by Route 40 and the new Route 41.  Tel-A-Ride service boundaries are set within 3/4 mile on either side of the new transit routes, with added service extended to the municipal boundaries of the Town of Sullivan’s Island and the City of Isle of Palms.  Eligible residents who live outside the service area are still able to ride the Tel-A-Ride service when within the service area.

To learn more about CARTA events, bus passes and routes, visit RideCARTA.com.  For questions about the route changes or more information on additional transit options, please contact CARTA at 843-724-7420.