North Charleston Celebrates Milestone for Mass Transit System
North Charleston, S.C. – The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments hosted a significant event on Tuesday, marking progress on South Carolina’s first-ever mass transit system. City leaders and transit officials gathered at the future site of the Shipwatch Square Transit Center, located at 3621 Rivers Avenue, to share updates and celebrate the project’s achievements.
What is the Project?
The event served as a progress report for the Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) system, which is poised to revolutionize transportation in the region. Already halfway complete since planning started in 2019, the project is projected to open to the public in 2029. Officials reported that they are currently about 60% through the final design phase.
What Will the Transit System Include?
The LCRT will feature a modern bus rapid transit system spanning 21.3 miles, connecting various communities from Ladson to downtown Charleston. The proposed route includes around 20 stations and aims to provide approximately 7,600 daily trips with a wide-ranging weekday service available for 21 hours. The transit line will operate in dedicated lanes along busy roads such as Rivers Avenue, enhancing workflow for both commuters and residents.
Key Features of the Transit System
Each station along the transit line will incorporate several modern amenities, including real-time signage, Wi-Fi, proper lighting, and off-board fare payment systems. Additionally, the project aims to improve road safety, addressing the concerning statistic that Rivers Avenue has a crash rate 200% higher than the state average. To enhance pedestrian safety, the project is set to introduce 34 pedestrian crosswalks.
Why is This Project Important?
Mayor Reggie Burgess emphasized the project’s potential to uplift families and boost economic conditions. “When they provide better for their families, their mindsets are higher and they can invest,” he stated. “This system builds generational wealth.” The initiative is expected to generate a 30% job growth and a 50% increase in households along the corridor over the next two decades.
Funding and Community Impact
The funding for the transit system comes from various sources, including $250 million from the 2016 transportation sales tax referendum and a portion of the total $648 million allocated in the 2024 referendum. Additionally, $5 million from the federal government will support the construction costs.
Officials believe the transit system will foster connectivity between essential services, including over 60 healthcare facilities, five colleges and universities, multiple neighborhoods, job centers, entertainment venues, and grocery stores. This approach has been designed to enhance existing communities rather than disrupt them.
Conclusion
The celebration on Tuesday underscored a pivotal moment for North Charleston and the surrounding areas, reflecting a commitment to improved public transit and community growth. As plans continue to unfold, residents can look forward to being part of a transformative transportation system that promises to enhance accessibility and safety across the Lowcountry region.
