CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

Abstract

Until now, Charleston, South Carolina has never had local public funding. Operations of CARTA, the city's transit system were paid entirely by fare collection and a private utility company. Last fall, voters agreed to a half-cent sales tax to support transit. Convincing voters to support an increase in a local sales tax is never easy, but this time three sitting mayors put their political considerations aside and took a public stand in support of the referendum. Charleston is presently ranked as the most congested small urban city (population 500,000) in the United States. The new funding will allow CARTA to expand operations, purchase badly needed equipment and begin implementing its 20-year master plan. With this new funding, CARTA has a historic opportunity to make a difference in the quality of life in the metropolitan area.