SYSTEM WANTS TO HELP RIDERS WITH THE FIRST-MILE/LAST-MILE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Many public transit trips begin with a walk or bike ride, and this holiday season the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) wants to help riders overcome what’s been dubbed the first-mile/last-mile problem ? and also spread some Christmas cheer.

CARTA has again partnered with Affordabike to refurbish 15 lost-and-found bicycles and give them away to riders in order to help them navigate walks of more than a quarter mile to their stop or final destination. A quarter-mile is roughly the maximum distance most people find “comfortable” to walk to a stop.

Riders who could use two new wheels ? or individuals who know someone who fits the bill ? can submit requests/nominations through Dec. 17 by:

• Messaging the CARTA Facebook account
• Tagging @RideCARTA on Twitter
• Emailing memerson@ridecarta.com

All CARTA buses, except free DASH shuttles, are equipped with bike racks as part of the systems no-cost and easy-to-use Rack and Ride program.

Recipients of the Christmas bike giveaway will be selected by CARTA staff. Bikes will be available for collection from the CARTA facility at 3664 Leeds Ave. in North Charleston Dec. 17-19.

THE LATEST INSTALLMENT OF THE SYSTEMS SENIOR SERIES

Individuals over the age of 55 will be able to access Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) and TriCounty Link services for free on Sunday, Dec. 9. The perk is part of both systems quarterly Senior Series, which encourages seniors to ride transit free of charge.

Seniors are a vital and growing part of our community, and its important that we help keep them mobile, active and independent, said CARTA board of directors chairman Mike Seekings.

The Senior Series is a great opportunity for seniors to ride the bus at no charge, whether theyre an every-day customer or its their first time, said TriCounty Link board of directors chairwoman Anna Johnson.

Participating riders are asked to bring ID when boarding. Travel training tips are available by emailing cruze@ridecarta.com. Information on CARTA routes and schedules is available at www.ridecarta.com or by calling (843) 724-7420. Information on TriCounty Link routes and schedules is available at www.ridetricountylink.com or by calling (843) 899-4096.

SERIES OF MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR PUBLIC REVIEW

The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG) announced today the availability of three major regional transportation plans for public review: the CHATS 2040 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the BCD Regional Transit Framework Plan and the CHATS Congestion Management Process.

These and associated documents will guide decision making regarding transportation improvements and spending in the region for years to come.

All three documents were prepared through collaboration with stakeholders and the public starting with public symposiums in the summer of 2017. Information gathered at all public meetings and the project websites have guided the priority projects outlined in the plans.?

The BCDCOG will now hold three additional public open houses on the basic elements of these plans for the public to consider and provide feedback on the draft documents prior to final adoption. The agency invites the public to attend one of the following three public open houses or to provide comment via the project websites: www.chats2040.com or www.bcdcog.com/framework