Sen. Marlon Kimpson and Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority officials today announced $500,000 in funding from the S.C. Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism for public transit in the Lowcountry.
Sen. Kimpson worked in the Senate to secure the funds, which will be used to tangibly improve the transit experience for hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors beginning early next year.
“A large portion of our local economy is built on the hospitality and tourism industry,” Sen. Kimpson said. “Many who go to work in that field use public transportation each day and they deserve a comfortable and dignified experience. At the same time, the Charleston area should offer its visitors first-class mass transit service and amenities. Today we’re announcing an exciting step forward in both regards.”In total, riders will see approximately 20 brand-new bus shelters and three new buses on the road thanks to the PRT resources and more than $900,000 in additional matching federal funds they will unlock. Those items will be dispersed throughout District 42, which Sen. Kimpson represents.
“This incredible effort underscores Sen. Kimpson’s commitment to public transit and to augmenting services and offerings in the Charleston region, which is a major strategic goal for CARTA,” said CARTA Board of Director’s Chairman Mike Seekings. “CARTA staff has also worked again to efficiently maximize available resources and the agency thanks Sen. Kimpson for his work to improve public transit.”