Maintaining, as a core public policy that our transit system is, and will remain a publicly owned and controlled community asset in the Lowcountry and that it, with the road system on which it operates, will not be sold, leased to any private owner, or in any way transformed to a system where any private interest shall have the power or opportunity to control access to use of the transit system or road network or any infrastructure, network or subscription system essential to their use.

The act should provide shielding, personal protective gear and on board access to hand sanitizer to all local transit system drivers/operators. Encourage the wearing of masks by riders when they become widely available. Continue to sanitize the vehicles on a regular basis. Inform riders of the system’s status for essential travel during the epidemic and restoring full operation as soon as safely possible.

Our representatives should seek, and the U.S. Government should provide the necessary funding from the Infrastructure Bill to complete the Lowcountry Rapid Transit system at the earliest time practicable, with operations on dedicated rights of way for as much of the busway as possible, and to operate on the frequency and with the capacity proposed in the 2015 “I-26 Alt” study in its preferred alternative section. This would include out of traffic operation on Highway 78 from Rivers Ave. to the Charleston County Line.

Completely planning, constructing and beginning regular operation of the Rapid Transit system as quickly as possible (no later than August 2023) while preserving the capacity for public input, maintaining full transparency in decision making and having major decisions approved by a public vote of Charleston County Council for all features and infrastructure within Charleston County.
Designing the system as a “green initiative” with electric vehicles if practical, sustainable materials and infrastructure designed to reflect local communities and be well adapted to the local climate and extreme weather events.

Requesting that the Federal Infrastructure Bill provide funding for the shortfall expected from a loss of local half penny sales tax funding, with the possibility that the Charleston County Share might be paid back in the future.

Implementing the proposed frequency improvements requested by the Charleston Area Justice Ministry for the #11 Dorchester Airport, #12 Upper Dorchester, Ashely Phosphate & #32 Northbridge Bus lines and maintaining the existing Senior Citizen full time bus fare, free student service and free transfers already approved and implemented.

Implementing the additional transit services and bus lines proposed and promised to Charleston County voters in the I26 Alt study, or their functional equivalent. Bus service and stop infrastructure should be upgraded in Dorchester and Berkeley County.