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CARTA offers free shuttle to IOP beaches

Staff Report //September 18, 2020//

CARTA offers free shuttle to IOP beaches

Staff Report //September 18, 2020//

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Click map to enlarge.Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority will be offering a free shuttle from Mount Pleasant to the Isle of Palms from Saturday through Oct. 18, the organization said in a news release.

Isle of Palms City Councilman Phillip Pounds said the pilot program could provide a potential solution to the island’s parking and congestion problems while still allowing everyone to access the beaches.

The shuttle will depart hourly from the Charleston County East Cooper Service Center at 1189 Sweetgrass Basket Parkway in Mount Pleasant and will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It will make stops at 14th Avenue at Ocean Boulevard and Palm Boulevard at 28th Avenue on the Isle of Palms.

“Over the next month, we’ll observe how the route functions and use what we learn to map out a long-term strategy that will provide benefit to residents throughout the region,” CARTA Chairman Mike Seekings said.

Route information and bus tracking can be found in the Transit App in the Apple App Store and in the Google Play Store.

“By partnering with the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments and CARTA, the city of Isle of Palms is leveraging organizations that have already begun collaborating with multiple entities to put in place a quality transportation solution in a timely manner,” Pounds said.

Shuttle policies include:

  • Masks or face coverings required at all times while on board.
  • Riders are allowed to bring up to four regular shopping bags or small packages or parcels. Riders must be able to carry items on and off the vehicle safely and not interfere with other passengers.
  • Packages must be able to be held by riders or stowed under the seat.
  • Large items, such as umbrellas, surfboards and beach wagons, are not permitted. Umbrellas and chairs are available to rent on the beach. Chairs are allowed as long as they adhere to the guidelines above.

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