Transportation Planning

In 1962, Congress passed a bill requiring all urban areas containing more than 50,000 people to begin conducting "continuing, comprehensive, cooperative" transportation planning processes.  A detailed study of the region's transportation needs was conducted between 1965 and 1968 and a plan was developed.  It is this plan on which the Charleston Area Transportation Study (CHATS) is based.

In 1977, Governor James Edwards appointed the BCD Council of Governments to perform the planning and programming functions of CHATS, in cooperation with the State Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

CHATS currently serves 800 square miles comprised of the tri-county region's most urbanized areas.  Generally, the study area contains of all the land expected to be urbanized within the next 20 years.  It now consists of portions of all three counties in the BCD Region. Click here to download the CHATS Study Area map. This includes:

  • Summerville & surrounding areas

  • Goose Creek

  • Hanahan

  • Daniel Island

  • North Charleston

  • Charleston

  • All land between Mt. Pleasant & Wadmalaw Island

The SCDOT oversees all road improvements for the remainder of the region.  CHATS is governed by a 47-member board representing governmental and transportation-related organizations from throughout its coverage area.  For a complete list of the organizations represented on the CHATS Policy Committee, click here.  To download the CHATS Brochure, BCDCOG Transportation Planning and you...click here.

What does CHATS do?

  • Provides a forum in which local representatives can cooperatively decide the future of regional transportation issues.

  • Chooses the specific road and intersection projects, transit facilities and services, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities that will be funded through the Federal ISTEA Program.

  • Analyzes existing transportation needs and evaluates them using prescribed formulas.

  • Establishes long-range goals for overall transportation development.

  • Coordinates transportation improvements for modes other than automobiles, such as bicycle, transit and pedestrian facilities.

  • Recruits public participation in the programming and planning process through advertisements, news releases and public hearings.

Citizens are encouraged to take part in the regional transportation planning process.  One of the most direct ways to do so is by participating in any of the CHATS Policy Committee's several standing advisory committees.

  • Enhancement Advisory

  • Study Team

Public Information Concerning Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended

The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its transit services on the basis of race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination under Title VI, you may file a written complaint with the BCDCOG, 1362 McMillan Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405, or by phone at 843.529.0400, TTY 1-800-735-8583, or by e-mail on this website under Contact Us.

 

   Department Staff


Alec Brebner

Interim Planning Director

 

Jeff Burns

Senior Planner

 

     

 

   Important Resources

     

FY 2007-2012 TIP Document

 

FY 2009 UPWP

 

CHATS Public Participation Plan

 

CHATS Annual List of Obligated Project 2007

 

Click here to have your name added to the CHATS Policy Committee Mailing list

 

Air Quality in the BCD Region

 

2007-2012 CHATS Transportation Improvement Program

 

Historic Traffic Count Data (97-07)

 

CHATS Project Status Report - June 2008

 

Transportation Enhancements

 

CHATS Long Range Transportation Program

 

CHATS FY 09 Planning Work Program

 

Traffic count data is now available.   

 This data is in Adobe Acrobat format and tracks data from 1997-2007.  click a link below to download the data:

 

Transit Routes

 

Looking for the best way to get there? The CARTA Route finder will show you the way. It's fast and easy. Where are you now? Where do you want to go? Use the pull down menu to find a bus stop or point of interest closest to your place of departure or destination. In no time, your route will appear along with scheduled times and transfer points.

 
 

Approved Transportation Enhancement Projects

 

The Transportation Enhancement Program began in the early 1990's with the passage of ISTEA, and was continued under the replacement of Federal Legislation called TEA-21.  We have compiled the Enhancement Projects from 1994 to 2002 and are now available online.  Click on a link below by year to view the list:

 
 
1362 McMillan Avenue, Suite 100  :  Charleston, SC 29405  (843) 529-0400  (843) 529-0305 Fax
 
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