CARTA offers free rides to polling stations on election day

CHARLESTON, SC (WCIV) — The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority announced Tuesday that it will offer free rides to all polling places throughout Charleston County for the upcoming election.

The initiative is being conducted in partnership with the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections and aims to remove “transportation barriers” to civic engagement, officials said.

“We are thrilled to partner with CARTA to provide this important service to our community,” said Isaac Cramer, executive director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. “It is important that every eligible voter has the opportunity to reach their polling place to ensure a fair and inclusive election process.”

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In addition to transporting voters to polling places throughout Charleston County, CARTA also provides transportation to the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Election headquarters.

During early voting from October 21 to November 2, voters can reach polling places via two routes: CARTA Route 2010 and CARTA Route 103.

CARTA Route 210 is served by the DASH shuttle, which stops at the Charleston Library. CARTA Route 103 will be extended to provide a stop at the headquarters during the entire early voting period. Regular fares will apply for those who vote early at the headquarters on the 103 bus. In addition, early voting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“Public transit is a public service and CARTA is pleased to partner with BVRE to provide this important connection to voter services,” said CARTA Chairman Michael Seekings.

The parliamentary elections will take place on November 5.