CARTA and area partners launch NASH route in North Charleston

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) today announced the launch of the North Charleston Area Shuttle (NASH), a new route linking area hotels, restaurants, retail, as well as Charleston International Airport and entertainment venues, in North Charleston. The route will be available free of charge thanks to a partnership with City of North Charleston, Boeing and the Charleston County Aviation Authority. The service, which officially began on Sunday, June 9, will utilize hybrid buses, a first for the transit system.

Check out the route and schedule (pdf)

View CARTA NASH route in a larger map

“We know there is a need for more service in this area and it has been a long-term goal of the Board to bring hybrid buses to the system,” said CARTA Board Chairman Elliott Summey. “We have heard riders’ requests and have found a way to not only bring this service, but offer it for free with hybrid equipment, which is huge for our system. We appreciate the support of Boeing, the City of North Charleston and the Aviation Authority in making this all possible.”

The NASH free shuttle is the newest addition to CARTA’s services, and will run seven days a week. This route will run on International Boulevard with convenient stops at the airport, North Charleston Coliseum, Boeing, hotels, retail shops and restaurants. With 16 stops along the looped route, the shuttle will also service key points of interest including, Performing Arts Center, Tanger Outlets, SCRA Lowcountry Graduate Center, and more.

Photos from the launch event

“The City of North Charleston has some of the highest ridership for several of CARTA’s routes. Residents depend on the service to get them to work, while visitors use it to travel between places to stay, visit, eat and shop – all without leaving North Charleston,” said North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “This new service mutually benefits both groups with a positive work-live lifestyle.”

The NASH shuttle was launched at a morning press conference in North Charleston. CARTA Executive Director Christine Wilkinson led the event, welcoming area leaders, CARTA partners, CARTA Board Members, and neighboring businesses and residents, who were in attendance. Other speakers at the event included CARTA Chairman Elliott Summey, Mayor Keith Summey, Boeing South Carolina Director of Operations Willy Geary, and Aviation Authority Chairman Andrew Savage. Following remarks, speakers joined together to officially cut the ribbon on one of the hybrid buses that will service the new route.

“This shuttle service will provide a more efficient way for visitors and residents to travel in the North Charleston area, and will also provide Boeing South Carolina teammates with an environmentally-friendly way of commuting to and from places of business on the shuttle route, all without adding traffic to the roads,” said Boeing South Carolina Director of Operations Willy Geary.

“Charleston is making national lists every day and we are seeing tourism quickly increase with this exposure. It is important that we accommodate this growth with true southern hospitality,” said Aviation Authority Chairman Andrew Savage. “The NASH free shuttle demonstrates this hospitality with the bonus of hybrid buses, a great addition to our area.”

To learn more about the new NASH route, visit RideCARTA.com. Learn more about CARTA bus passes and all other routes at RideCARTA.com.

About CARTA

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit to the Charleston community through four services – fixed routes, Tel-A-Ride, flex/demand service and express routes. CARTA services Charleston and the surrounding areas including West Ashley, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant. For the latest on CARTA, visit www.RideCARTA.com, follow us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @RideCARTA. CARTA – It connects us all.

North Charleston Intermodal Facility awarded $6 million in grant funding

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) will receive $6,020,126 in grant funding for the North Charleston Intermodal Facility through a new transit initiative called the State of Good Repair Program.  The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday, Oct. 4.

Following Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-South Carolina) announcement, Mayors Summey and Riley, alongside Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor, CARTA Intermodal Center Committee Chairman Kurt Taylor, Councilman Sam Hart and Judge Vic Rawl joined together in a local announcement at the Intermodal Center site.

See images from the press conference here.

Mayor Summey said, “I extend a special thanks to Senator Graham, with support from other members of the Congressional Delegation, for having at heart the well-being of the Lowcountry.  Senator Graham’s diligent work on behalf of the people of South Carolina will impart a new front door onto the Lowcountry and will greatly enhance the traveling experience for our many tourists that visit the Greater Charleston Area.  In a down economy, this is certainly great news that will construct a key piece of our tourism infrastructure and will create job opportunities for our residents.”

As a part of the State of Good Repair program, these funds will help construct the new Intermodal Facility that will serve as a transportation hub for AMTRAK passenger trains, commuter trains, Greyhound buses, CARTA buses, area taxis and shuttles used by the Charleston International Airport and the North Charleston CARTA Express park-and-ride lot.

“The Lowcountry is an international tourist destination, and we deserve a fitting Intermodal Center to welcome those visitors,” said Mayor Riley. “This exciting announcement, following the hard work of many area leaders, is a big step in the right direction.”

CARTA has completed Phase I construction to develop the Intermodal Center site infrastructure, which included demolition of current buildings onsite, clearing and grubbing, excavation work, a storm water pond, and a park and ride lot.

An additional $2 million is needed to move forward with construction. The State of Good Repair Funds will allow preliminary engineering work on the proposed Intermodal Center design to be completed, which is anticipated by the end of 2010. North Charleston, the CARTA Board and staff, along with other area leaders including Amtrak, commuter rail and Greyhound will continue to be involved.

Designed Intermodal Facility

Charleston Union Station, built 1907

In total, the Intermodal Center site encompasses more than 36 acres in North Charleston off of Montague Avenue on the corner of Seiberling Road, which was purchased by CARTA with federal, state and local funds.

The State of Good Repair (SGR) initiative provides funds to public transit providers to finance capital projects to replace, rehabilitate, and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct/rehabilitate bus-related facilities in an effort to bring the nation’s transit infrastructure into the 21st Century.

Existing and new riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Express routes by calling (843) 724-7420, by visiting the CARTA website (www.RideCarta.com), or the CARTA Express micro site at www.WhyDrive.net, or by visiting the CARTA Office at 36 John St. in downtown Charleston. Maps and schedules are also available on all CARTA buses.