Council approves CARTA budget over objections; members press agency on service to Johns Island

Representatives of the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) presented the FY27 budget required by charter. The council's discussion focused less on the budget numbers than on service levels for Johns Island and Maybank Highway and connectivity with Tri County Link.

CARTA representatives said federal funding levels have shifted and that the authority is conducting a comprehensive analysis (first major review in 10 years) to assess service needs, including where Tri County Link and CARTA routes can complement one another. They acknowledged Tri County Link provides some connections to places such as a free medical clinic and Citadel Mall but that direct, regular service on Maybank is not currently in place.

Council members said Johns Island has grown and that substantial demand along Maybank justifies pilot runs or express services, especially to relieve employee transportation barriers for island employers. CARTA said planners will evaluate route economics and capacity utilization; officials requested employer engagement to demonstrate demand.

After discussion and a pledge from CARTA to follow up, the council approved CARTA's FY27 budget on a 3'2 vote. One council member said he would not support the budget until there was clearer evidence of a plan to provide local service. CARTA representatives said adding new service requires infrastructure and funding and that they will take council feedback into account as they finalize analyses and employer outreach.