The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) has launched a new Free Student Fare pilot program that allows students (ages 6 and older) in the system's service area 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,” CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings, said. “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 on a pilot basis through August 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.
