CARTA RELAUNCH
It connects us all

July 19, 2005 – Chairman Patterson Smith, and Howard Chapman, Director of Transportation, presented a very thoughtful program that will help us understand the history, the challenges, and the vision for CARTA. It has just completed a successful re-launch of mass-transit throughout Greater Charleston.

“Mass-transit of Charleston goes back to the horse-drawn carriages,” member Patterson Smith stated. South Carolina Electric & Gas replaced the horse-drawn carriages with electric buses that were later transition to diesel.

In 1997, the utility company got out of the transportation business; creating a need for mass-transit in Charleston and that need was met by CARTA. Like all public owned utilities, it requires a subsidy to operate. In 2000, the referendum failed to get the vote necessary and in 2002 was passed, but overturned in the South Carolina Supreme Court. During this challenging period, CARTA adapted to its reduced income by cutting back or cutting out some expenses. In November 2004, the referendum was successful and today the challenge to CARTA is to meet the needs of the Charleston Area.

According to Chapman, the organization has done significant research and is now re-launching to better meet the needs in Charleston’s environment. Wilber Smith & Associates have done a survey that considered population density, changes in employment density, median income, and transportation needs. The result is a new plan with express routes, Dial-a-Ride service, and neighborhood services.

After the study was completed, phase one implemented public hearings. Fortunately, Charleston County in the intern advanced money to CARTA so they could roll out the services. On June 27, 2005 the new service was re-launched; a week ahead of its schedule. Challenges continue and the organization is addressing operational issues, leadership clarity, as well as, branding and marketing in the community.

CARTA is now using every opportunity to get the message out, including new systems overview maps, road maps (which are now available in Spanish), new bus stop signs, CVB Kiosk, an enhanced website, and brochures designed to reach everyone including those who are sight impaired. The initial “free ride day” boosted ridership from 1,200 per day to 6,500 to reintroduce CARTA. This was an indication of the need.

The 18 board members from 8 different municipalities are working with the staff of CARTA to provide transit for the future. Not only is bus service being reintroduced, but they will also be looking at the addition of light rail transit in the future.

By Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee