BUS RAPID TRANSIT: Charleston, S.C., in line for major BRT growth

Aug. 9, 2016

More than $600 million could go toward regional transit system expansion and improvement

The Charleston County Council is expected to issue final approval to a half-cent sales tax referendum today, which will set the stage for voters to decide on Nov. 8 whether the increase will go into effect, to the imminent benefit of the region roads and transit network.

The $2.1 billion raised by the tax increase for transportation and greenbelt projects would include $256.4 million for the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority to create its first bus rapid transit line, as well as a further $353 million to improve its existing system.

The bus rapid transit line connecting Summerville to downtown Charleston would use larger buses than CARTA’s standard fleet and would travel primarily on bus-only lanes along Rivers Avenue. Buses also receive signal priority, in effort to mitigate congestion and keep routes flowing on schedule.

This option is intended to ease congestion along the I-26 corridor and Rivers Avenue, according to a study conducted by the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments.

The proposed referendum marks the second time in 12 years county voters have been asked to raise the sales tax to address the problem.

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Powerful Concrete Protection For ANY Application

PoreShield protects concrete surfaces from water, deicing salts, oil and grease stains, and weather extremes. It's just as effective on major interstates as it is on backyard ...

Concrete Protection That’s Easy on the Environment and Tough to Beat

PoreShield's concrete penetration capabilities go just as deep as our American roots. PoreShield is a plant-based, eco-friendly alternative to solvent-based concrete sealers.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.