The time for talk is done. On Thursday, June 21 , everyone in the Lowcountry can do something about traffic congestion – even if it's just for one day.
How? The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is leading local efforts to encourage alternative travel methods on National Dump the Pump Day — and the authority will also seek to set a single-day ridership record of more than 20,000.
“CARTA has been steadily improving its efficiency, fleet, amenities and technology,” said CARTA board chairman Mike Seekings. “Dump the Pump Day is the perfect time for residents to give the system a try. We think they'll like what they find, and we think it will lead to sustained ridership increases.”
CARTA National Dump the Pump Day efforts include:
- LowcountryGo: A free, web-based program available to those who want a better way to commute in the Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester region. That could mean bus, carpool, vanpool, biking, walking and more.
Those who want to dump the pump can review routes and schedules at ridecarta.com and download the Transit App in the Apple Store or Google Play to help with planning trips and and tracking buses. The timing for Dump the Pump also couldn't be better: gas prices have increased locally by nearly 30 cents per gallon in three months .
CARTA provides free WiFi and bike racks on buses. Regular fares are just $2 one-way. Express rates are $3.50 and both the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) and Hospitality on Peninsula (HOP) shuttle are free.
“There are really no excuses,” Seekings said. “The Transit app makes it easy, and we're simply asking people to give CARTA a try for one day and see where it goes from there.”
About National Dump the Pump Day
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2018 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and to take them where they need to go, instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a convenient travel option that also helps people save money.
About CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit to the Charleston community through fixed routes, Tel-A-Ride/demand service and express routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit www.ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to download Transit , the CARTA-approved app, in Google Play or the App Store. Next arrivals can be obtained by calling or texting (843) 202-4410.
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Press Release