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. “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.

From April 22-25, the County is partnering with NASA for a week of events geared at helping local small businesses
 
Charleston County Government’s Contracts and Procurement Department and NASA are teaming up to host several events to celebrate Small Business Week from April 22-25. Workshops include information on funding your business, getting access to capital and grants, and doing business with government and marketing strategies. The goal is to help businesses discover opportunities and connect with local resources to grow and develop their business. The week is sponsored by NASA’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.
 
Small Business Week Schedule:
 
Monday, April 22
            6 p.m. Access, Opportunities and Resources Panel Discussion
            7 p.m. Resource Networking and Reception
 
Tuesday, April 23
            12 p.m. Lunch & Learn – Funding your Business
            6 p.m. Access to Capital and Pathways to Grants
 
Wednesday, April 24
            6 p.m. Doing Business with Government
            7 p.m. Adding Google to your Marketing Strategy
 
Thursday, April 25
            6 p.m. Charting the Course – Lean Canvas
 
All events will be held at:
Lonnie Hamilton, III, Public Services Building
4045 Bridge View Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405
 
“Small business week is important for entrepreneurs and small businesses of all sizes,” said Contracts and Procurement Director Barrett Tolbert. “Additionally we wanted to provide another event where we can highlight some of the great services our partners such as the Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), Local Development Corporation (LDC), and SCORE provide”
 
 
All events are free but registration is required. Businesses interested in participating can register here: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/procurement/workshops.php. For questions, contact JoTavia McPherson at jmcpherson@charlestoncounty.org.