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DOT awards federal grant for bus rapid transit project

Steve McDaniel //January 27, 2022//

DOT awards federal grant for bus rapid transit project

Steve McDaniel //January 27, 2022//

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The latest proposed route for the Lowcountry Rapid Transit system shows a 21.5-mile corridor from Ladson to Charleston. (Map/BCD Council of Governments) Click for larger version.

The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments has received an $860,000 federal grant to continue planning for a proposed bus rapid transit line, according to a news release. 

The Lowcountry Rapid Transit system is a planned 21.5-mile route that will connect the Ladson area to downtown Charleston with dedicated bus lanes along existing traffic arteries, running roughly parallel to Interstate 26. Construction could begin in 2023 and be completed in 2026. 

The BCDCOG will use this new round of funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration to create a strategic plan for areas along the route for possible commercial, retail, office and residential development. The goal is to enhance areas around proposed transit stations with increased job, housing and retail opportunities. 

“Transit-oriented development along the LCRT line will enhance community connections to food, jobs, education and health care,” BCDCOG Executive Director Ron Mitchum said in a statement. “Walkable, mixed-used, vibrant and connected communities are the clear vision of this effort.”