President George Benson is promoting CARTA public transportation as an
affordable and beneficial alternative for members of the College community
to travel to and from campus. And he is urging local businesses to encourage
use of public transportation within their own organizations.

Benson spoke on January 10 at a press conference in North Charleston as part
of CARTA’s new “Get on the Bus” Business Challenge. As part of the campaign,
which calls on area businesses to support public transportation by
encouraging their employees to ride the bus to work, CARTA is highlighting
its strong ridership at the College and MUSC.

In 2011, the College accounted for more than 177,000 rides on CARTA buses
and shuttles. The College’s Office of Parking Services pays for CARTA
services through revenues from parking fees and fines, enabling students and
employees to ride for free by showing their College IDs.

“Public transportation is a practical and cost-effective resource for many
of our students, faculty, and staff. It helps reduce demand for parking and
eases traffic congestion on the downtown peninsula,” Benson said. “We are
pleased to join with CARTA, MUSC, Charleston, and North Charleston in
encouraging local businesses and their employees to promote and use public
transportation within their own organizations.”

The College has partnered with CARTA since 2003 when it began a program that
allows College students and employees to ride for free on the DASH shuttle
between campus and the South Carolina Aquarium parking garage. The DASH
service enabled the College to relocate about 20% of campus parking permit
holders to the perimeter of the downtown peninsula.

In 2007, the College expanded its partnership with CARTA through CARTA
Express, a bus service designed to serve commuters from West Ashley, James
Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, and other areas.

In 2011, the campus community accounted for 66,087 rides on the Express
service, roughly 127 riders per day. Use of the Express service by the
College community also has helped reduce demand for campus parking permits
by 7%.

More information about CARTA services available to College employees and
students is available at
http://parkingservices.cofc.edu/information-for/carta-bus-service.php