School Students Can Now Ride CARTA for Free

SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN NOW RIDE CARTA FOR FREE
FREE FARE PROGRAM INTRODUCES LOWCOUNTRY YOUTH TO TRANSIT

CHARLESTON, S.C. (April 9, 2019) – The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) has launched a new Free Student Fare pilot program that allows students in the system’s service area ages 6 and older to ride CARTA for free. The new program is available to both public and private school students and applies to all CARTA services.

“The Free Student Fare pilot program is a win-win and accomplishes several important things,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “First, it familiarizes a new generation with transit in the Lowcountry. Second, it reduces barriers to mobility for students who may otherwise have no transportation. After-school jobs, the public library and opportunities for recreation are all now within reach at no cost. Finally, riding the bus is a safer option than putting teens behind the wheel on our congested highways.”

The program is currently slated to run through August on a pilot basis and will be monitored for possible extension. Students will not be required to show ID in order to board at this time.

CARTA buses can be tracked in real time by downloading the Transit App. Trips can be planned and details on CARTA routes and services can be found at RideCARTA.com. Questions regarding the program should be directed to CARTA marketing and communications manager Michelle Emerson, who can be reached at memerson@bcdcog.com or (843) 529-0333.

ABOUT CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit in the Charleston community through local fixed routes, on-demand paratransit service, and express commuter routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit www.ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to plan rides and track buses with the CARTA-endorsed Transit app.