CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - In an effort to encourage more people to use public transportation, the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority will offer free rides for the month of May.
CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings announced the program at a Thursday morning news conference in North Charleston. He called it an opportunity to “give back” to those who have been using the service for a long time. But he said it is also an opportunity to make accessibility even easier.
“We’ve been working really hard over the course of the last few years to make our system more accessible and what better way to do it than for the month of May to allow people to come up, get on, ride the system and it doesn’t cost them a dime?” Seekings said. “If you’ve never been with us before, please come and try it.”
The “No Pay May” Initiative was approved by the CARTA board on Wednesday.
Seekings said riders can open the Transit app, available in the Apple Store and Google Play, see the bus routes and pickup times, and determine the best options for their needs.
Seekings touted the service and the #NoPayMay program as gas prices remain high.
“When you have an option between public transit and your car and your car is getting more expensive, and the bus is getting less expensive, both get you there conveniently and safely. The bus is a great option so come try us out,” he said.
He said CARTA would not scale anything back, that all routes and the full schedule would continue to operate during the month of May.
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