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	<title>East Cooper CARTA Riders</title>
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	<description>We&#039;re Going Somewhere Together</description>
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		<title>Wando High Bus Stop Improved</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/wando-high-bus-stop-improved/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/wando-high-bus-stop-improved/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:42:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[riders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bus stop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CARTA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mount Pleasant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public transit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SC]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=967</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After a year of long effort by Linda Page, the Town of Mt. Pleasant and Wando High School, our community&#8217;s most important institution has an improved bus stop.  It&#8217;s getting plenty of use.  As the Eastern most stop on the CARTA system, it serves both students and people in the area who are often dropped [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_968" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Wando-HS-Bus-Stop-Bench.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-968 " title="Wando HS Bus Stop Bench" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Wando-HS-Bus-Stop-Bench-300x169.jpg" alt="New Bench at Wando High School Bus Stop" width="300" height="169" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Improved Bus Stop at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, SC has slab, bench.</p></div>
<p>After a year of long effort by Linda Page, the Town of Mt. Pleasant and Wando High School, our community&#8217;s most important institution has an improved bus stop.  It&#8217;s getting plenty of use.  As the Eastern most stop on the CARTA system, it serves both students and people in the area who are often dropped off by family to catch the bus to downtown.  The improved stop has a comfortable bench and  slab to keep everyone out of the dirt, mud weeds and ants.  Seven riders boarded during a stop there yesterday.  The students said the school is actively promoting the use of CARTA.  These students had been able to stay after school for sports, tutoring and club activities instead of immediately boarding the school bus after the last bell for a ride home.</p>
<p>Full information about the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="#40 Trans Mt. Pleasant" href="http://busec.org/routes/trans-mt-pleasant-route-40/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">#40 Trans Mount Pleasant route</span></a></span>, running between Wando HS and the Mary Street Transit Center in Downtown Charleston.  This route connects to the <a title="#401 – 05/17/11" href="http://busec.org/performance/riding-carta-401-051711/">#401 East Cooper Connector</a> for trips to other parts of Mt. Pleasant and the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="#402 Beach Island Flex" href="http://busec.org/routes/ride-the-402/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">#402 Island Flex</span></a></span> for trips to the Isle of Palms and Sullivan&#8217;s Island..</p>
<h3>Online Trip Planning Now Functional</h3>
<p>Transit trip planning can now be done online, automatically on Google Transit.   This can be accessed through the mapping functions of most Android Phones, I phones, the Ipad mapping and navigation ap, the <a title="Carta Website" href="http://www.ridecarta.com">www.ridecarta.com</a> website and through <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="Google Transit" href="http://maps.google.com/help/maps/transit/index.html"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Google Transit</span></a></span>.  Note that the <a title="#402 – 5/17/2011" href="http://busec.org/performance/island-flex-progress-report-may-17-2011/">#402 Island Flex</a> bus has not yet been included into the system but that service is still running.  We&#8217;ve contacted both CARTA and our board members about that issue.</p>
<p>The system has huge advantages even for experienced riders.  If you have a smart phone or internet access, you really don&#8217;t need paper maps and schedules any longer.  they system provides walking directions to the nearest stop and multiple options for your trip.  In areas like North Charleston and Downtown where there are several routes, much faster trips may be possible than someone would plan using paper maps utilizing transfers and connections the rider might not be aware exist.  Even if you have been riding the system for years, you should check out some possible trips.  If you don&#8217;t ride the bus, this system can be of great use when friends or family need a ride since you can find a bus trip for them which brings them close to your location, then go pick them up.  In areas where this system has been deployed, ridership has increased by as much as 20%.  In addition to being a sought product online, Google offers transit directions to anywhere located in Google Places as an option.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Mt. Pleasant Middle Schools Compete in Bus Bowl</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/mt-pleasant-middle-schools-compete-in-bus-bowl/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/mt-pleasant-middle-schools-compete-in-bus-bowl/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:38:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[press releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[videos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#CARTA401]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CARTA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[middle school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mount Pleasant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public transit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[south Carolina]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sullivan's island]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=960</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Middle Schools in Mount Pleasant, SC can compete in January 2012 to see which can put the most riders on the 401 East Cooper Connector CARTA Bus in a promotion called Bus Bowl being presented by East Cooper CARTA Riders (www.eastccrider.com). Starting On January 7th and ending February 2nd , Students and supporters of each [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Middle Schools in Mount Pleasant, SC can compete in January 2012 to see which can put the most riders on the 401 East Cooper Connector CARTA Bus in a promotion called Bus Bowl being presented by East Cooper CARTA Riders (<span style="color: #3366ff;"><a title="East Cooper CARTA Riders" href="www.eastccrider.com"><span style="color: #3366ff;">www.eastccrider.com</span></a></span>).</p>
<p>Starting On January 7<sup>th</sup> and ending February 2<sup>nd </sup>, Students and supporters of each Middle School choosing to participate will be able to tell the bus driver which school they’re riding for.  The <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a title="#401 – 05/17/11" href="http://busec.org/performance/riding-carta-401-051711/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">#401 East Cooper Connector Route</span></a></span> stops near five East Cooper public and private Middle Schools Moultrie, the University School of the Lowcountry, Laing, Palmetto Christian Academy and Blessed Sacrament.</p>
<p>Scores and Rankings will be posted here as they become available.</p>
<p>Rides taken in the first week of the competition (January 7 – 14) will receive double points.  There will be an announcement of the weekly winner each Tuesday and a trophy will be awarded to the winning Middle School in February.  Outreach programs to help build Middle School CARTA ridership are planned throughout the month.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2QJYa3CAI-w" frameborder="0" align="right" width="560" height="315"></iframe></p>
<p>Schools can also book group field trips and after school outings for their students on the #401 and other routes on the CARTA system for discounted group rate by calling (843) 724-7420.  The University School of the Lowcountry has been using the #401 for this purpose with great success and even created a YouTube video of one of their trips.</p>
<p>A promotional<span style="color: #3366ff;"> <a title="Bus Bowl Promotional Flyer" href="https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByXEuvB49CMSMWYyN2M2MjAtMDliOS00NTlmLWJkMDQtOWZhNTM4MjBjZTE1"><span style="color: #3366ff;">flyer for the Bus Bowl competition</span></a></span> can be downloaded in PDF format</p>
<p>Updates on the competition will be posted on this website as well at the Route&#8217;s <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a title="Twitter Feed for #CARTA401" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/realtime/%23CARTA401" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">#CARTA401 Twitter Feed</span></a></span> and East Cooper CARTA Rider&#8217;s <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a title="ECCR Facebook Group" href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/eastccroder/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Facebook Page</span></a></span>.</p>
<p>The <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a title="#401 – 05/17/11" href="http://busec.org/performance/riding-carta-401-051711/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">CARTA #401 East Cooper Connector</span></a></span> is a wonderful resource for Middle School aged students in the East Cooper Area.  It serves both movie theaters, seven shopping centers, the Coleman Blvd. business district and Old Village, Waterfront Park, and the new Shem Creek park.  It serves over 500 business locations and five major community recreation facilities.  The #401 connects with CARTA services running to the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, downtown Charleston and Tri County Link services to Awendaw, McClellenville and Moncks Corner.</p>
<p>Started April 17, 2011, the #401 carried 1301 riders in November.  The new East Cooper route system has attracted over 3000 more riders per month in the past year.  It’s a safe transportation resource for young people and students.  The #401 is perfect for younger riders, running on a circular route once an hour with over 25 stops along the route.  Combined with the new <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a title="#40 Trans Mt. Pleasant" href="http://busec.org/routes/trans-mt-pleasant-route-40/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">#40 Trans Mount Pleasant</span></a></span>  service now running to Wando High School, where a bus stop shelter will soon be constructed, East Cooper students now have safe, reliable public transit access to their entire community.</p>
<p>Efforts to raise community awareness of the #401 will continue in February with a Black History on the #401 Bus event highlighting the historical locations found along the route.</p>
<p>For more information contact William Hamilton through <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.eastccrider.com/"><span style="color: #3366ff;">www.eastccrider.com</span></a></span>, at <a href="mailto:wjhamilton29464@gmail.com">wjhamilton29464@gmail.com</a> or by calling (843) 870-5299.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Pulling out into 2012 on East Cooper Transit</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/pulling-out-into-2012-on-east-cooper-transit/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/pulling-out-into-2012-on-east-cooper-transit/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:51:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=948</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ridership East of the Cooper Continues to climb thanks to the efforts of volunteers in our schools, churches, and other community organizations as well as support of local Government.  People are ready to ride East of the Cooper, which surprises even those of us committed to the project after decades of people assuming there was [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ridership East of the Cooper Continues to climb thanks to the efforts of volunteers in our schools, churches, and other community organizations as well as support of local Government.  People are ready to ride East of the Cooper, which surprises even those of us committed to the project after decades of people assuming there was no interest.  Hanging a bag full of bus schedules on a doorknob really works.  Here is what we working on for the next six months.  More details will be posted on our calender.</p>
<div id="attachment_693" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 281px"><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ECRiders-Blessing-of-the-fleet.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-693" title="The East Cooper CARTA Riders were in full effect for the Blessing of the Fleet in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ECRiders-Blessing-of-the-fleet.jpg" alt="An image of the East Cooper CARTA Riders advocating at the Blessing of the Fleet in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina" width="271" height="203" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Outreach at Blessing of the Fleet Festival</p></div>
<p><strong>December- </strong>We&#8217;ll support CARTA&#8217;s Presence in the Mount Pleasant Christmas Parade, getting people to ride to Second Sunday on King and promoting Dinner and a Show with Pure Theater&#8217;s Sunday Matinee downtown.</p>
<p><strong>January- </strong>Help develop improved plan for under performing <a title="#402 – 5/17/2011" href="http://busec.org/performance/island-flex-progress-report-may-17-2011/">#402 Island Flex bus</a>, CARTA&#8217;s only service to any beach, which currently connects the area around Town Center to the Isle of Palms and Sullivan&#8217;s Island.</p>
<p>Outreach focused on Public and Private Middle Schools along 401 Route, including Laing, Moultrie, Palmetto Christian, Stella Marris and continued work with the University School of the Lowcountry.  Outreach efforts to CARTA Riders and business owners/employers regarding <a title="Tri County Link C203" href="http://busec.org/routes/tri-county-link-c203-mcclellanville-awendaw/">Tri County Link</a>.</p>
<p><strong>February- </strong>Black History on the <a title="#401 – 05/17/11" href="http://busec.org/performance/riding-carta-401-051711/">#401 East Cooper Connector  Bus</a>, Saturday event highlighting black history sites and activities along East Cooper Connector Route.  Events at stops at Sweet Grass Pavilion, Charleston Pinckney History Site, Snowden Community Center and Coleman Blvd. location TBD.  GPS beacon and interpreters on the bus.  Site events coordinated with bus arrival and departure times. Need to avoid SEWE weekend for this event.</p>
<p>Start on the Stops effort to promote bus stop improvements in East Cooper area including ADA compliance.</p>
<p><strong>March- </strong>Renew Door to Door effort along <a title="#401 – 05/17/11" href="http://busec.org/performance/riding-carta-401-051711/">401 East Cooper Connector</a>  route emphasizing route section between Sea Island Shopping Center and Long Point Road.</p>
<p>Outreach to East Cooper Hotels promoting guests using CARTA services in anticipation of Spring and Summer tourism season.</p>
<p><strong>April- </strong>Blessing of the Fleet Information Booth</p>
<p><strong>May- </strong>Promote <a title="#402 – 5/17/2011" href="http://busec.org/performance/island-flex-progress-report-may-17-2011/">CARTA services to the Beach</a>.</p>
<p><em>Spoleto Sans Auto</em>- Work with Spoleto and City to encourage using tranist to enjoy the festival, emphasizing connection to downtown DASH services.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>East Cooper Connector Black Friday and Small Business Saturday on the #CARTA401 Bus</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/east-cooper-connector-black-friday-and-small-business-saturday-on-the-bus/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/east-cooper-connector-black-friday-and-small-business-saturday-on-the-bus/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:32:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[#CARTA401]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Black Friday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mount Pleasant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public transit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business saturday]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=932</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For two days following Thanksgiving the Town of Mount Pleasant and East Cooper CARTA Riders will cooperate to bring prosperity to businesses along the new CARTA 401 East Cooper Connector Bus route and to push the route over its 10 rider an hour goal. On Friday, Nov. 25, there will be an informal breakfast at [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For two days following Thanksgiving the Town of Mount Pleasant and East Cooper CARTA Riders will cooperate to bring prosperity to businesses along the new CARTA 401 East Cooper Connector Bus route and to push the route over its 10 rider an hour goal.</p>
<div id="attachment_159" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 210px"><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Linda-Page-East-Cooper-CARTA-Riders.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-159" title="Linda-Page-East-Cooper-CARTA-Riders" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Linda-Page-East-Cooper-CARTA-Riders.jpg" alt="Linda Page, whom is a member of the Mt. Pleasant Town Council" width="200" height="195" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Linda Page, Mt. Pleasant Town Council, stands next to the door of a CARTA bus.</p></div>
<p>On Friday, Nov. 25, there will be an informal breakfast at Page’s Okra Grill 794 Coleman Boulevard, in Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 at 8 am, followed by four hours of volunteers maintaining a rider assistance presence on the #401 bus route from 9 am to 1 pm, tweeting out location and arrival time information to potential riders as @eastccrider with hashtag #CARTA401.  A facebook page and web page on the event will also be updated from the bus.  Friday will be a great time to try out our new community bus route while keeping tabs on the bus online. If all that internet technology isn’t comfortable just call (843) 870-5299 that day from 9 to 1 and East Cooper CARTA bus Riders will tell you where the #401 Bus is.</p>
<p>Businesses along the route can participate Saturday and Sunday by tweeting out specials and announcements with the #CARTA401 hashtag or by posting updates on the Facebook event page, both of which will be linked the www.eastccrider.com website.  Members of East Cooper CARTA Riders will be getting off the bus from time to time, to visit participating business to collect and transmit internet content.  Businesses can start helping out today by tweeting out location reports when they see the #CARTA401 bus in their area and are always welcome to promote their business using the hashtag.</p>
<ul>
<li><a title="Location Beacon for #CARTA401 Bus" href="http://www.greenalp.com/RealtimeTracker/index.php?guestmode=1&amp;viewuser=eastccrider&amp;guestpassword=eastccrider">Location Beacon for #CARTA401 East Cooper Connector Bus</a>, Updated during operation every 10 seconds.  If the marker on the map isn&#8217;t moving, it may not be working.</li>
<li>Detailed Web page with schedules and maps for the <a title="#CARTA401 East Cooper Connector" href="http://busec.org/routes/east-cooper-connector-route-401/">#CARTA401 East Cooper Connector</a></li>
<li><a title="East Cooper Bus Stop Map" href="http://busec.org/bus-stops/">East Cooper Bus Stop Map</a> Showing most of the known stops for the #CARTA401 and other routes</li>
<li>Facebook event page for <a title="Black Friday on the Bus Small Bus Saturday #CARTA401" href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=266320190076969">Black Friday on the Bus / Small Business Saturday #CARTA401</a></li>
<li><a title="Twitter Feed CARTA #401" href="http://twitter.com/#!/search/realtime/%23CARTA401">Twitter feed for #CARTA401</a> (Includes third party tweets with #CARTA401 hashtag.)</li>
<li>Town of Mt.  Pleasant <a title="Town of Mt. Pleasant Press Release" href="http://www.townofmountpleasant.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=84">Press Release on the Event,  Nov. 14</a></li>
<li> <a title="Mount Pleasant Patch Article" href="http://mountpleasant-sc.patch.com/articles/carta-pushes-black-friday-option">CARTA, Twitter and Volunteers Team to Promote Black Friday Bus-Riding</a> on Mount Pleasant Patch</li>
</ul>
<p>The effort will continue through <a title="Small Business Saturday- Video" href="http://youtu.be/wBJJUWt47rk" target="_blank">Small Business Saturday</a>, a global event sponsored by American Express which is bringing together over two million people to promote shopping at small, local businesses Saturday, Nov. 26.  Merchants and shoppers will continue to have access  to the effort’s online resources and our wonderful new community bus route until Saturday evening at 7 pm.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wBJJUWt47rk" frameborder="0" align="right" width="560" height="315"></iframe></p>
<p>The East Cooper Connector began running on April 17, 2011 with the goal of reaching a ridership standard of 10 passengers per hour by September 30, 2011.  Road construction in Mount Pleasant and uneven on time performance have hampered the community route development effort.  The Connector reached nine riders per hour in October 2011.  November’s effort, supported by schools, churches, businesses, government and volunteers from throughout the Town of Mount Pleasant is expected to bring that final rider per hour on board so the town can move forward with plans for bus stop and route improvements to make riding more comfortable and efficient.  The #40 and Express Routes in Mount Pleasant have had huge ridership increases this year despite the road construction.  Over 2000 more riders a month are on CARTA and Tri County Links Buses East of the Cooper than were a year ago.</p>
<p>Anyone with experience and the proper equipment necessary to do real time GPS beaconing of the #401 bus for those two days is asked to contact East Cooper CARTA riders.</p>
<p>Full information on all of these routes can be found at www.eastccrider.com and official CARTA information can be found at <a href="http://www.ridecarta.com">www.ridercarta.com</a></p>
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		<title>Ride, Shop &amp; Organize on the Bus</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/vote-ride-shop-organize-on-the-bus/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/vote-ride-shop-organize-on-the-bus/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:33:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[advocate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[videos]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=914</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Route Status November is an important month for the East Cooper CARTA effort.  Both local routes, the #401 East Cooper Connector and the #402 Island Flex have not met ridership standards.  Everyone seems to recognize that more time is needed for the #401 to reach its goals considering the negative impact of road construction in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Route Status</h2>
<p>November is an important month for the East Cooper CARTA effort.  Both local routes, the <a title="#401 – 05/17/11" href="http://busec.org/performance/riding-carta-401-051711/">#401 East Cooper Connector</a> and the <a title="#402 – 5/17/2011" href="http://busec.org/performance/island-flex-progress-report-may-17-2011/">#402 Island Flex</a> have not met ridership standards.  Everyone seems to recognize that more time is needed for the #401 to reach its goals considering the negative impact of road construction in Mount Pleasant on operations.  The bus simply can&#8217;t keep a reliable schedule with the roads its operating on being snarled in traffic and construction barriers.  Lots of improvements and effort is needed on the 401 but its utility and ultimate success seems to have everyone&#8217;s confidence.  It also has the backing of a community wide effort supported by neighborhoods, schools, churches and business.</p>
<p>The <a title="#402 – 5/17/2011" href="http://busec.org/performance/island-flex-progress-report-may-17-2011/">#402 Island Flex</a> is a much different story.  It has continued to struggle with the issues which have plagued it since June.  It never really performed like most people thought it would.  There are some great new drivers on the route and major improvements in the operation of CARTA&#8217;s telephone reservation and dispatch system, but they&#8217;ve come after the busy summer season is over.  Something different is going to need to be tried, possibly a bus connecting the front beach with a limited stop route connecting N. Charleston and Mt. Pleasant to the beach.</p>
<p>The CARTA board voted to put both routes before the Route Review Committee, the committee which adjusts, cancels and approves routes as their own rules require them to.  There will be a hearing.  We&#8217;re going to need to be ready.</p>
<h2>Later, Lets Have Some Fun</h2>
<p><strong>Nov 13- Park Pleasantly, Play Downtown with the CARTA #40</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_683" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 273px"><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bus-driver-at-stop.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-683" title="Now that's one proud bus driver." src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bus-driver-at-stop.jpg" alt="A bus driver proudly stands next to a bus stop sign on a beautiful day in sunny Charleston, South Carolina." width="263" height="200" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">CARTA #40 stopped at Mount Pleasant Hospital</p></div>
<p>East Cooper CARTA Riders will provide a guided tour to Second Sunday Festival on King Street on Sunday, November 13.  Those interested can board the <a title="#40 Trans Mt. Pleasant" href="http://busec.org/routes/trans-mt-pleasant-route-40/">CARTA #40 bus</a> anywhere along its route on the run beginning at Wando High School at 11:38 and arriving downtown at 12:38 or later runs.  Riders can return home on either the 2:38, 4:38 or 6:38 runs from the Visitor’s Center Downtown to any point along the #40 route.  Full information on the #40 CARTA Trans Mt. Pleasant bus route can be found at www.eastccrider.com.</p>
<p>In order to assist riders that day, updates from the #40 CARTA bus will be tweeted by @wjhamilton29464 or they can call 843 870-5299 for a telephone report on where the bus is between 11 am and 12:38.  Activities the entire afternoon will be tweeted with hash code #CARTA40.</p>
<p><a title="Second Sunday on King Street" href="http://susanlucas.typepad.com/secondsundayonkingstreet/">Second Sunday on King</a> transforms King Street into a walkable, car free environment from Queen Street to Calhoun with outdoor dining, shopping specials and street entertainment.  Since the event burdens the surrounding streets and parking facilities, the bus is an excellent way to access it from Mt. Pleasant.  Those who made the trip in October said it was a delightful way to go downtown, parking pleasantly in lots along the route in Mt. Pleasant and playing downtown.</p>
<p>Then, Let&#8217;s Make some Money and have More Fun</p>
<p><strong>Nov. 25- Black Friday on the Bus CARTA #401</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_720" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bus-Stop-Six-Mile-Goodwill.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-720" title="Bus stop:  Six Mile at Goodwill" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bus-Stop-Six-Mile-Goodwill-300x222.jpg" alt="An image of the bus stopped in front of Goodwill at Six Mile" width="300" height="222" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">If everyone in Mount Pleasant has so much money, why is this store so busy. Where else can you find BMWs parked at Goodwill?</p></div>
<p><a title="#401 – 05/17/11" href="http://busec.org/performance/riding-carta-401-051711/">Mount Pleasant’s East Cooper Connector #401</a> bus is a fun way to enjoy the busy Black Friday shopping day after Thanksgiving while sampling the Town’s surprising array of local and second hand shopping, as well as it’s major shopping areas.  Members of East Cooper CARTA Riders will be on Board from 9 to 1 pm, sending out updates on Twitter and Facebook.  Merchants can facebook and tweet specials and sales that day using hash code #CARTA401.</p>
<p>The East Cooper Connector links shoppers to five major shopping centers including Belle Hall, Town Centre, Sea Island Shopping Center, Patriot’s Plaza and all of Coleman Blvd.  Over 25 antique and second hand shops can be found along the route from two Goodwills to high end purveyors of treasures from centuries ago.  You’ll find plenty of your neighbors at both.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll also find ECCO on the route serving the needy of our community and many small, local shops with unique gifts grown and made right here in the lowcountry.  The Sweetgrass basket pavillion at Waterfront Park offers Mount Pleasant&#8217;s signature craft, our world famous baskets made by your neighbors, an heirloom gift that returns every penny spent on it back to your community.</p>
<p>To shop on Black Friday or any day, get full route information at www.eastccrider.com.  The East Cooper Connector is an easy bus to use 12 hours a day, Monday through Saturday, following a lollypop shaped route around Mt. Pleasant.  Merchants can post specials on the East Cooper CARTA Riders Facebook Event Page or tweet with hashcode #CARTA401</p>
<p>If you want your business to be involved email <a title="Feedback" href="http://busec.org/feedback/">wjhamilton29464@gmail.com</a> with details on any special offers or sales your business located along the #401 route might like to offer that day and we&#8217;ll put them online here, tweet them out and let people know.  A downloadable PDF guide will be available.  Deadline for to submit offers will be Nov. 18.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Rolling Forward in October</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/rolling-forward-in-october/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/rolling-forward-in-october/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:26:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[advocate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=901</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Four more events in October to make East Cooper Transit more useful and efficient.  Click the &#8220;Calendar&#8221; tab at the top of our page for access to fully interactive Google Calendar entries on all our activities,  including transit access information. Night Service Returns, Online Trip Planning CARTA at Night returns thanks to improved retail sales [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Four more events in October to make East Cooper Transit more useful and efficient.  <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="Calendar for East Cooper CARTA Riders" href="http://busec.org/calendar/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Click the &#8220;Calendar&#8221; tab</span></a></span> at the top of our page for access to fully interactive Google Calendar entries on all our activities,  including transit access information.</p>
<h2>Night Service Returns, Online Trip Planning</h2>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">CARTA at Night returns thanks to improved retail sales in our community generating additional transit support revenue, providing door to door transit opportunities from, to and across a downtown hub after regular bus service ends at night.  <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="Google Transit" href="http://maps.google.com/help/maps/transit/index.html"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Google Transit</span></a></span> goes online with a new CARTA website, enabling automated door to door transit trip planning with detailed maps and Google context content on your computer or smart phone.</span></p>
<h2><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Tricount-Link-Mascott.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-904" title="Tricount Link Mascott" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Tricount-Link-Mascott-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>Sun. Oct. 16, 12 noon—5 pm<br />
Children’s Festival Transit Outreach</h2>
<p><em>Image, Right &#8220;Linky&#8221; Tri County Link&#8217;s Bus mascot, will join us at the Children&#8217;s Festival</em></p>
<p>Students from the University School of the Lowcountry, CARTA, Trident Links (and their frog mascot Linky) join a  fun afternoon of outreach and children’s activities at the 24<sup>th</sup> Annual Town of Mount Pleasant Children’s Day Festival presented by BI-LO at the Park West Recreation Center. Learn how CARTA and the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="Tri County Link C203" href="http://busec.org/routes/tri-county-link-c203-mcclellanville-awendaw/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">rural Trident Links bus syste</span></a></span>m connect here enabling transit all the way to Moncks Corner and McCellenville.</p>
<h2>Wed, Oct.  19,  2 pm – 4pm<br />
CARTA Board Meeting</h2>
<p>The CARTA board will hear public comment and make decisions about the future of routes East of the Cooper based on data from the April to September service period.  Location and full agenda TBA.  East Cooper CARTA Riders encourages everyone who can to attend.</p>
<h2>Tue, Oct. 25,  7 pm – 9pm<br />
Mt. Pleasant Town Election Forum</h2>
<p>Waterworks Bld., 1619 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC.  Present questions on transit related issues and learn about the candidates for Mt. Pleasant Town Council.</p>
<h2>Thu, Oct. 27,  7 pm – 8:30pm<br />
IOP City Election Forum</h2>
<p>IOP Recreation Center, #24, 29th. Ave., Isle of Palms, SC.  Question Candidates about transit related issues, including efforts to make the endangered <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="#402 – 5/17/2011" href="http://busec.org/performance/island-flex-progress-report-may-17-2011/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">#402 Island Flex</span></a></span> more effective.  Both forums sponsored by the League of Women Voters and several other organizations.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Park Pleasantly, Play Downtown Sun. Oct. 9</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/park-pleasantly-play-downtown-sun-oct-9/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/park-pleasantly-play-downtown-sun-oct-9/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:16:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[press releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CARTA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charleston]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[DASH]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[King Street]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mount Plesant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[public transit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SC]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=885</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mount Pleasant, SC- East Cooper Residents will join their neighbors for a convenient, CARTA Transit enabled trip downtown on Sunday, October 9th. to enjoy the Second Sunday on King Street Festival, which will include a photo op and online elements for folks making the trip. Download printable flyer on October Transit improvement events E. of the Cooper The event will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bus-driver-at-stop.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-683" title="Now that's one proud bus driver." src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Bus-driver-at-stop.jpg" alt="A bus driver proudly stands next to a bus stop sign on a beautiful day in sunny Charleston, South Carolina." width="263" height="200" /></a>Mount Pleasant, SC-</em> East Cooper Residents will join their neighbors for a convenient, CARTA Transit enabled trip downtown on Sunday, October 9th. to enjoy the Second Sunday on King Street Festival, which will include a photo op and online elements for folks making the trip.</p>
<p>Download <a title="October 2011 Events Flyer for East Cooper CARTA Riders" href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&amp;pid=explorer&amp;chrome=true&amp;srcid=0ByXEuvB49CMSYTEzNWRjZTQtNDk1NS00MzQxLTk0ZjctZWQ5MWQwMmZjODc5&amp;hl=en">printable flyer on October Transit improvement events</a> E. of the Cooper</p>
<p>The event will be tweeted with hashcode #CARTA40 online.  There will be a brief get together and photo op at 3:15 pm at King &amp; Wentworth Streets.  King Street will be closed and full of activity, outdoor dining, street entertainers and special sales all afternoon.  Updated information on the planned activities and entertianment can be found at <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a href="http://susanlucas.typepad.com/secondsundayonkingstreet/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Susan&#8217;s Second Sunday on King Blog</span></a>.</span></p>
<p>Riders can access the King Street Event (which stresses the downtown traffic and parking system) by using the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="#40 Trans Mt. Pleasant" href="http://busec.org/routes/trans-mt-pleasant-route-40/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">CARTA #40 bus</span></a>. <span style="color: #000000;">Bus fare is $1.75 each way, cheaper with a prepaid pass and free for College of Charleston Students using their ID as a bus pass.</span></span></p>
<p>Sunday runs into the City by the #40 include 11:35 and 1:35 starting at Wando HS, with parking available stops at Oakland Market Super Walmart, BI-LO Town Center (on Hungryneck), BI-LO Shelmore &amp; Harris Teeter Houston Northcutt.  The #40 runs every two hours on Sundays.  See the <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="Official Schedule for the CARTA #40 Bus" href="https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&amp;pid=explorer&amp;chrome=true&amp;srcid=0ByXEuvB49CMSNzk3NTk1MDQtNDlmMy00ZjllLWIyY2EtZWQyODUyNjgwZWU3&amp;hl=en&amp;pli=1"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Full Official Schedule for the #40.</span></a></span></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://susanlucas.typepad.com/secondsundayonkingstreet/"><img title="King Street" src="http://susanlucas.typepad.com/.a/6a00e553f2bbde88330154353e6d8a970c-pi" alt="Second Sunday on King Street" width="150" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">People enjoying a car free King Street on Sunday afternoon.</p></div>
<p>Inbound stops to board the #40 for the trip into the City can be found on this <span style="color: #0000ff;"><a title="Selected Stops for the #40" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/albumMap?uname=wjhamilton29464&amp;aid=5614561168348824161#map"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Piccassa Photo Map</span></a></span> with stop times in the captions which can be accessed by clicking on the image.</p>
<p>Parking in Mount Pleasant and taking the bus downtown avoids the cost and hassle of Parking Garages and Meters and allows everyone to enjoy the spectacular trip over the bridge.  The #40 stops at the visitors center, where a two block walk or Free DASH bus ride will take participants to King St.</p>
<p>For more information see <a href="http://www.eastccrider.com/" target="_blank">www.eastccrider.com</a> or call W. J. Hamilton <a href="tel:%28843%29%20870-5299">(843) 870-5299</a>.  Official CARTA Bus Information can be obtained by calling <a href="tel:%28843%29%20747-0922">(843) 747-0922</a>.</p>
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		<title>Moving Planet Bus</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/moving-planet-bus/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/moving-planet-bus/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:40:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=873</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[12 volunteers made a great effort Saturday, Sept. 24th. to get the word out to help save the East Cooper Connector #401 Bus Route.  Over 300 residences got transit information in the Old Village.  Thanks to the faculty and students from the University School of the Lowcountry for the muscle they brought to this effort, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>12 volunteers made a great effort Saturday, Sept. 24th. to get the word out to help save the East Cooper Connector #401 Bus Route.  Over 300 residences got transit information in the Old Village.  Thanks to the faculty and students from the <a title="University School of the Lowcountry" href="http://www.uslowcountry.org/">University School of the Lowcountry</a> for the muscle they brought to this effort, including stuffing hundreds of bags. Many people were delighted to learn about the new route and we now know there are a lot of people, living quite near the route who still don&#8217;t know about it.  Linda Page and Ann Owens also operated an information table at nearby Royall Hardware where they talked to many other people.</p>
<table style="width: 194px;" align="right">
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<td style="height: 194px; background: url('https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/transparent_album_background.gif') no-repeat left;" align="center"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/wjhamilton29464/BusIsUpToUs?authuser=0&amp;authkey=Gv1sRgCNrl2cjeosrIuQE&amp;feat=embedwebsite"><img style="margin: 1px 0 0 4px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9UHQwyKk_6U/Tn4pkPpfi_E/AAAAAAAADxg/4KpwK4mZVnE/s160-c/BusIsUpToUs.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="160" /></a></td>
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<td style="text-align: center; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><a style="color: #4d4d4d; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;" href="https://picasaweb.google.com/wjhamilton29464/BusIsUpToUs?authuser=0&amp;authkey=Gv1sRgCNrl2cjeosrIuQE&amp;feat=embedwebsite">Bus is Up to us</a></td>
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<p>This Picassa photo album (0n right) has a few images from the effort.  If there are any other images available please email them to wjhamilton29464@gmail.com to be included here.</p>
<p>The Transit outreach effort continued Sunday when an additional 4oo people recieved transit information from CARTA staff and volunteers at the Green Fair.  Meaning at least 900 housholds and groups of people got information about transit this weekend.</p>
<p><strong>Discount Bus Passes Now Available at Kmart</strong></p>
<p>We also learned this weekend that the Kmart at Bowman Road and Highway 17, where the <a title="Express Commuter" href="http://busec.org/routes/express-commuter-to-work/">Express Bus to Charleston</a>. <a title="Tri County Link C203" href="http://busec.org/routes/tri-county-link-c203-mcclellanville-awendaw/">Tri County Links bus C203 to Awendaw</a> &amp; McClellenville and <a title="#401 – 05/17/11" href="http://busec.org/performance/riding-carta-401-051711/">401 East Cooper Connector</a> have stops is now selling discount CARTA Bus Passes, joining the Sea Island Shopping Center Piggly Wiggly and Visitors Center at Waterfront Park in that important effort.  Kmart reports good sales.  They&#8217;re also passing out bus information.</p>
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		<title>The Bus is Up To Us Sat. Sept. 24</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/bus-is-up-to-us/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/bus-is-up-to-us/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:32:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[advocate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CARTA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[transit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=853</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[9/23/2011- Friday Update has been added at the bottom of this post with new information. Mount Pleasant, SC, USA- East Cooper's effort to build a better CARTA transit system joins a global event on Saturday, September 24th when the East Cooper CARTA Riders will take transit information into Mount Pleasant's Old Village after a breakfast [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<pre><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; white-space: normal;"><em>9/23/2011- Friday Update has been added at the bottom of this post with new information.</em></span></pre>
<pre><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; white-space: normal;"><em>Mount Pleasant, SC, USA</em>- East Cooper's effort to build a better CARTA transit system joins a global event on Saturday, September 24th when the East Cooper CARTA Riders will take transit information into Mount Pleasant's Old Village after a breakfast meeting, knocking on doors with the message that success for the new East Cooper Connector #401 Route means "the bus up to us."</span></pre>
<div id="attachment_693" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 281px"><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ECRiders-Blessing-of-the-fleet.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-693" title="The East Cooper CARTA Riders were in full effect for the Blessing of the Fleet in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ECRiders-Blessing-of-the-fleet.jpg" alt="An image of the East Cooper CARTA Riders advocating at the Blessing of the Fleet in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina" width="271" height="203" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Community Outreach Effort at Blessing of the Fleet, April 2011</p></div>
<p>Volunteers will enjoy a Dutch treat breakfast at Page&#8217;s Okra Grill at its new location at 302 Coleman Boulevard at 8 am, then move out about 9 am on foot, by bike and on the <a title="#401 – 05/17/11" href="http://busec.org/performance/riding-carta-401-051711/">CARTA #401 East Cooper Connector</a> Bus for a morning of transit awareness development and outreach focused on Coleman Blvd. and the walkable, transit accessible community and shopping district being redeveloped along Mount Pleasant&#8217;s Main Street and nearby areas. Most of the effort will be hanging bags with transit literature on door knobs and talking to people about the new routes.</p>
<p>Such efforts have already proven successful here, <a title="16.17% More Riders on the CARTA 40 Trans Mt. Pleasant Bus" href="http://busec.org/16-17-more-riders-on-the-carta-40-trans-mt-pleasant-bus/">raising ridership on the #40 Trans Mount Pleasant bus route by 16%</a>.</p>
<p>University School of the Lowcountry Students have already been at work in this effort earlier this month. This wonderful video gives you an idea of what we&#8217;ll be doing Saturday after breakfast.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2QJYa3CAI-w" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315"></iframe></p>
<p>This event marks the beginning of the last full week in the probationary evaluation period for the new route, which will be rated by the CARTA staff and board based on its performance for the period ending September 30, 2011. Based on ridership and farebox revenue figures to that date the bus may be continued, modified or terminated.</p>
<p>For full information or to volunteer that day see <a title="www.eastccrider.com" href="http://www.eastccrider.com">www.eastccrider.com</a> or call (843) 870=5299.  You can sign up for this event and updates on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263793286979655">The Bus is Up To Us Event Page on Facebook</a></p>
<p>This is part of the Moving Planet Global event focused on reducing carbon emissions <a title="www.moving-planet.org" href="http://www.moving-planet.org">www.moving-planet.org</a> with thousands of activities around the world that day.  We&#8217;ll connect with that Global effort online during our activities here in Mount Pleasant.</p>
<p><strong>Friday Update to this Post</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/TriCounty-link-Charleston.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-710" title="TriCounty Link Charleston | Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/TriCounty-link-Charleston.jpg" alt="Logo for the TriCounty Link Charleston" width="154" height="153" /></a>Rhonda Weichsel facilitated a very productive survey of the Old Village / Coleman Blvd. area this morning in preparation for tomorrow’s door to door transit outreach canvass with community volunteers and students from the University School of the Lowcountry.</p>
<p>Rhonda’s detailed knowledge of her neighborhood showed me areas which would need transit information I didn’t know existed.  We highlighted a map which will be refined today for handing out to the volunteers during the breakfast at Page’s Okra Grill.  Our target is 600 residences and an information table at Royall Hardware.  We expect to reach over 1000 potential transit riders.</p>
<p>I’ll lead the Old Village area door to door effort.  Linda Page will lead the effort along Whipple Road, which will start with the Anchorage Apartments.  Thomasina Stokes Marshall, also of the CARTA board and Mt. Pleasant Town Council will also be working with us.</p>
<p>We also visited Mt. Pleasant Academy, Sullivan’s Island Elementary (currently at the old Whitesides Campus on the #401 Route) and Stella Marris Schools where we began the process of involving them in our<br />
effort this morning.</p>
<p>Tri County  Link is joining our effort for the first time tomorrow.  They run the bus services in rural areas, including the route which connects McClellenville &amp; Awendaw to Mount Pleasant.  They’re bringing their costumed Mascot to assist us Saturday.  One of their vehicles will be visiting the University School to drop off printed materials today.</p>
<div id="attachment_159" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 210px"><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Linda-Page-East-Cooper-CARTA-Riders.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-159" title="Linda-Page-East-Cooper-CARTA-Riders" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Linda-Page-East-Cooper-CARTA-Riders.jpg" alt="Linda Page, whom is a member of the Mt. Pleasant Town Council" width="200" height="195" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Linda Page, Mt. Pleasant Town Council, stands next to the door of a CARTA bus.</p></div>
<p>Everyone planning to work tomorrow should wear good walking shoes, bring a reusable bottle of water and an empty backpack if they have<br />
one.  We&#8217;l go rain or shine, so dress appropriately.</p>
<p>It was clear from this morning’s survey that there is a lot of need for transit here.  We saw people waiting for the #401 East Cooper Connector in several places.  Frankly I saw mobile home parks and low income areas likely to need transit that I, a 20 year resident of Mount Pleasant, didn’t know existed.  If we can connect that need to the resources CARTA has operating, we can keep these routes and build this transit system beyond the 2000 additional riders per month we’ve already put on the buses.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.uslowcountry.org/">University School of the Lowcountry</a>  is stuffing 600 bags with transit material today and for the first time, we’ll be including material from Trident Links as well as CARTA.  The students have also been making posters.  Our<br />
efforts would be impossible without the help of our school volunteers, including the massive Wando effort last Spring.</p>
<p>Tomorrow our effort will be one of thousands in 176 countries which are part of the Moving Planet event.  We’ll be sending out images and video of our efforts here to that global effort.  Your efforts Saturday open a weekend of working for a more sustainable, greener world that continues on Sunday with the Charleston Green Fair, at which CARTA and Trident Links will both operate information booths.</p>
<p>Our East Cooper effort will continue with a promotion to ride CARTA downtown for the Second Sunday on King Street event in October, a<br />
major student lead outreach effort at the Mount Pleasant Children’s Festival, support of the restart of CARTA at Night in our area and Black Friday on the Bus, the day after Thanksgiving.  We’re in contact with transit activists in N. Charleston and James Island who are beginning work similar to ours at East Cooper CARTA Riders.</p>
<p>It has been a long, hot summer but now that the community is back together and schools, churches and other organizations are active again, the network we began last Spring is working.  Thanks for helping us begin the journey we take together for public transit East of the Cooper.</p>
<p>William Hamilton, Coordinator<br />
<a href="mailto:Wjhamilton29464@gmail.com">Wjhamilton29464@gmail.com</a><br />
<a href="tel:%28843%29%20870-5299">(843) 870-5299</a></p>
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		<title>Free Bus to the Beach C of C Student Guide</title>
		<link>http://busec.org/free-bus-to-the-beach-students-guide/</link>
		<comments>http://busec.org/free-bus-to-the-beach-students-guide/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:03:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>William Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busec.org/?p=838</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[CARTA offers an free and simple way for Students at the College of Charleston to get to the Beach at the Isle of Palms of Sullivan’s Island.   The #402 Island Flex Bus is nearing the end of its initial evaluation period on September 30, so it’s use it or lose it.  Fortunately doing something good [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_400" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/busec-featured.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-400" title="The 401 is just one of our routes that displays historic Charleston, South Carolina" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/busec-featured-300x224.jpg" alt="An image of a light house, directly behind a bus stop in historic Charleston, South Carolina." width="300" height="224" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sullivan&#39;s Island Light House</p></div>
<p>CARTA offers an free and simple way for Students at the College of Charleston to get to the Beach at the Isle of Palms of Sullivan’s Island.   The #402 Island Flex Bus is nearing the end of its initial evaluation period on September 30, so it’s use it or lose it.  Fortunately doing something good for the community and environment on this occasion is a day at the beach.  With your C of C Id functioning as a bus pass, it is FREE.</p>
<p>Begin your trip downtown at the Mary Street Transit Center, between King and Meeting Streets, one block North of the Visitor’s Center.  This is an easy walk from the College or you can take the DASH bus there for free.</p>
<p><strong>Take the #40 Bus to Mount Pleasant Towne Centre</strong></p>
<p>Board the <a title="#40 Trans Mt. Pleasant" href="http://busec.org/routes/trans-mt-pleasant-route-40/" target="_blank">#40 Mt. Pleasant Bus</a>, which leaves Mary Street at 38 minutes after the hour.  This will take you over the Cooper River Bridges, past Trader Joes, Kmart, Wal-Mart/Wando Crossing Shopping Center (All of which have bus stops) to Towne Centre.   Get off the #40 in front of Verizon Cellular at Town Centre.</p>
<p><strong>Take the #402 Island Flex to the Beaches</strong></p>
<p>From here you have two options, the <a title="#402 Beach Island Flex" href="http://busec.org/routes/ride-the-402/" target="_blank">#402 Island Flex bus</a> makes scheduled pickups every two hours at Town Center.  If you want to get to the beach faster, call CARTA at 843-724-7420, ask for Tel-A-Ride dispatch at least two hours in advance and ask for an advanced reservation to pick you and your friends up at Verizon right after the #40 drops you off.  There is no extra charge for this service.</p>
<p>The scheduled pickups will drop you off right at the entrance of Isle of Palms County Park, where you’ll find showers and changing rooms, as well as the shops, bars and beach front restaurants nearby.  The City of IOP also has showers, bathrooms and changing rooms at a facility next to the Hot Dog Stand and Flag poles nearby.  However with an advanced request for a reserved pickup and drop off, the <a title="Island Flex #402 – 5/17/2011" href="http://busec.org/performance/island-flex-progress-report-may-17-2011/" target="_blank">#402 Island Flex Bus</a> will take you to anywhere on the Isle of Palms of Sullivan’s Island you might like to go.  If you do request a drop off somewhere other than the County Park on IOP, make sure you reserve a trip back as well.  Don’t hesitate to check with the driver on the #402 to confirm your trip details while you are on board.  They’re happy to help.</p>
<p>The #40 bus can carry sixty passengers and the #402 can carry twenty-five, so consider bringing a bunch of friends for some real fun.  This gives you a safe ride to the beach without parking hassles, sand in the car or worries about partying too much before you drive.</p>
<div id="attachment_430" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Carta-Images-April-14-039.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-430" title="Bus stop at the Charleston County Isle of Palms beach front park" src="http://busec.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Carta-Images-April-14-039-300x225.jpg" alt="An image of the bus stop at the Charleston County Isle of Palms beach front park." width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Bus Stop at IOP County Park</p></div>
<p><strong>Getting Extra Value from Your Trip</strong></p>
<p>Your trip home takes you back on the #402 Island Flex to Town Center where you can see a movie or shop, however the #402 can also drop you off at two nearby Grocery Stores, BI-LO on the IOP Connector and Harris Teeter on 17.  From each of those locations, there are nearby stops on the #40 for the trip back to Charleston.  For those who really want a bargain, there is a Goodwill Store at Six Mile that is also in the #402 zone with 50 linear feet of jeans and other bargains with a #40 Bus stop on the Highway nearby.  The #40 Bus stop to return downtown is across from Verizon and Carvel Ice Cream at Town Centre.</p>
<p>Another Bus route in Mt. Pleasant, the <a title="#401 E Cooper Connector" href="http://busec.org/routes/east-cooper-connector-route-401/" target="_blank">#401 East Cooper Connector</a>, also connects with the #40 and #402 at Town Center, providing transportation to Coleman Blvd., the Old Village and other areas around Mt. Pleasant.</p>
<p>For a quick video tour of the available East Cooper CARTA Services see <a title="It's Gonna be a Good Day on CARTA East of the Cooper" href="http://youtu.be/7q-T8G3uQIU" target="_blank">It&#8217;s Gonna Be a Good Day on You Tube</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Use it or Lose It</strong></p>
<p>It’s all available using your student ID as a CARTA bus pass for free.  If the bus reaches it’s ridership goals in September, it will be available next Spring.  CARTA will evaluate the route in October for retention, modification or cancellation.</p>
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