Regional transit authority seeks larger local match as northern Beaufort expansion and capital grants change funding mix

The Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority told the council it is operating at a funding inflection point as urban/rural grant allocations shift and the agency pursues capital purchases to expand North‑of‑the‑Broad service. Christine, representing the RTA, said Beaufort County accounts for roughly 52% of riders and that a recent recovery of unused Federal Transit Administration funds produced an extra $853,000 capital award for North‑of‑the‑Broad vehicle purchases, which carries a local match obligation.

Christine explained that as the county’s urbanized areas grow, the agency receives more urban grant money (which has different match rules), and that the agency’s FY27 local‑match ask is larger because operating costs for expanded service are partly a 50% local match. She said the agency secured four MCI motor‑coach buses transferred from a regional carrier and that leveraging capital grants to buy vehicles provides strong spending power because vehicle grants often fund 85% of capital costs.

Council members asked about contributions by other counties and municipalities; Christine said each county and municipality uses its own formula and that some municipalities require more data before committing. Members also asked about fare policy and ad revenue: the RTA said certain seasonal trolley services remain fare‑free to reduce congestion and preserve ridership, and noted current advertising revenues of roughly $40,000–$50,000 with potential growth from a pending Novant Health contract.

The RTA warned that, if the county declines the full local match, the agency would cut optional dial‑a‑ride and coordinated trips and possibly trim fixed routes. The authority asked the council to consider the transit request alongside other budget priorities as staff build their mill‑neutral recommendations.