Myrtle Beach and Conway Public Transit Expansion Plans

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Modern public transit facility in Myrtle Beach

News Summary

Coast RTA plans significant updates to the public transit system in Myrtle Beach and Conway after the approval of the RIDE 4 transportation tax. With a budget of $299 million, the initiative will improve services by building new facilities and introducing additional buses, enhancing the efficiency of daily commutes. The expansion is aimed at addressing community needs while addressing funding uncertainties, with the first RIDE 4 check expected in 2025.

Exciting Developments Ahead for Myrtle Beach and Conway Public Transit!

Myrtle Beach is buzzing with a wave of positive change as Coast RTA gears up for a major expansion and upgrades following the recent approval of the RIDE 4 transportation tax in Horry County. This $299 million initiative is set to usher in a new era of public transportation, enhancing services and facilities for the community.

What’s in Store?

Coast RTA is on a mission to build two brand-new facilities: one in Myrtle Beach and another in Conway. This is a much-anticipated upgrade, especially since the current maintenance facility has been in operation for an astonishing 75 years! The new maintenance hub will be strategically located on Robert Grissom Parkway, sharing land with a new fire station to maximize the use of community resources.

A Game-Changer for Daily Commutes

For regular commuters like Kelly Poe, who travels a mile to her bus stop in Carolina Forest, these improvements can’t come soon enough. Currently, Coast RTA’s bus schedules are not the most convenient, with some routes only seeing service every two hours. With the implementation of new schedules and additional buses, the agency aims to make daily commuting smoother and more accessible for everyone.

Funding and Facilities

So, how is all of this going to be funded? Coast RTA currently enjoys about $17.2 million each year from county road use fees, sales tax, and federal grants. However, with the uncertainties around federal funding due to political changes, there’s been a strong push for local solutions. RIDE 4 is stepping in as a savior, expected to contribute nearly $12 million annually over the next 25 years specifically for transportation improvements, including facility upgrades worth an astounding $25 million.

The Numbers Add Up

To put this into perspective, each new diesel bus will cost around $600,000, along with an ongoing operational cost of about $400,000 each year. While Coast RTA currently operates with 23 full-size buses, the addition of new vehicles is crucial since many of the existing fleet are reaching midlife. With plans to expand options for workforce and senior transportation, smaller vehicles will also be introduced alongside the traditional buses. Right now, Coast RTA is utilizing 13 small vehicles and 3 cutaway buses in its fleet.

Boosting Workforce Transportation

One exciting initiative involves the subsidized rental vans that Coast RTA offers to employers, aiming to boost workforce transportation. With more options for workers, getting to and from their jobs is about to become a lot easier.

Anticipating the Future

As the community looks forward to the first check from RIDE 4 funding arriving after October 15, 2025, residents can expect to see a brighter future for public transit. Although immediate changes aren’t expected, the planning phase is underway. A new transit development plan will be rolled out soon, influenced by community feedback and ridership patterns. Popular routes, like the one connecting Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, could see increased frequencies, making travel even more convenient.

A Rich History in Service

For over 37 years, Coast RTA has been providing an essential service in Horry and Georgetown counties with a network of 10 routes. The current Conway facility, originally a 1950s Ford dealership, has undergone numerous adjustments to meet the needs of modern public transport. Unfortunately, leasing temporary maintenance facilities has strained the agency’s finances, highlighting the urgency for new construction.

Bottom Line

With all these exciting plans in place, Myrtle Beach and Conway residents can look forward to a public transit system that’s not only more efficient but also more responsive to the needs of the community. The transformation is set to bring a brighter future, making commuting a breeze for everyone!