An Overview of South Carolina’s Public Transportation Systems

Introduction

South Carolina’s public transportation system plays a vital role in connecting communities, supporting economic growth, and enhancing mobility across the state. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the state’s public transit infrastructure, key systems, regulations, and resources.

State Transportation Infrastructure

Highways and Roads

  • Total Public Roads: Approximately 64,921 miles
  • Interstate Highways: 829 miles
  • Road Bridges: 9,064
  • Class I Railroad Trackage: 2,127 miles
  • Public Use Airports: 66, including 11 certificated for air carrier operations (bts.gov)

    • Demographics and Population

  • Population: Approximately 4,012,012 residents
  • Urban Population Percentage: 55% (bts.gov)

    • Public Transit Systems

    The COMET (Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority)

  • Service Area: Richland and Lexington Counties, including the City of Columbia
  • Annual Ridership: Over 2.8 million passengers
  • Fleet: Over 80 buses, vans, and trolleys
  • Website: catchthecomet.org

    • Clemson Area Transit (CAT Bus)

  • Service Area: Clemson University, City of Clemson, and surrounding areas
  • Annual Ridership: Not specified
  • Fleet: Electric and diesel buses
  • Website: catbus.com

    • Spartanburg Area Regional Transit Agency (SPARTA)

  • Service Area: City of Spartanburg and surrounding urbanized area
  • Routes: 8 routes covering various destinations
  • Website: spartanburgtransit.com

    • Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT)

  • Service Area: Charleston County, with plans to extend to Summerville
  • Fleet: 19 60 ft articulating buses
  • Website: lowcountryrapidtransit.com

    • Regulatory Framework

    South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)

  • Address: 955 Park Street, Columbia, SC 29202-0191
  • Phone: (803) 737-2314
  • Website: dot.state.sc.us

    • Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS)

  • Address: 1401 Main Street, Suite 900, Columbia, SC 29201
  • Phone: (803) 737-0800
  • Website: ors.sc.gov

    • South Carolina State Transport Police

  • Address: 10311 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC 29016
  • Phone: (803) 896-5500
  • Website: scdps.sc.gov/scstp

    • Recent Developments

    Hands-Free Law

  • Effective Date: September 1, 2025
  • Details: Prohibits drivers from using mobile electronic devices while operating a vehicle, with exceptions for voice-activated or hands-free modes.
  • Penalties:

    • – First Offense: $100 fine
    – Second and Subsequent Offenses: $200 fine and two points on the driving record (scdps.sc.gov)

    Interstate Expansion Projects

  • I-95 Widening: $825 million project to widen a 10-mile stretch at the Georgia state line, part of broader infrastructure improvements.
  • I-26 Expansion: Ongoing work to expand 70 miles of I-26 between Charleston and Columbia. (apnews.com)

    • Conclusion

    South Carolina’s public transportation system is diverse and continually evolving to meet the needs of its growing population. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, please refer to the contact information provided above.

    South Carolina’s Transportation Infrastructure Developments:

  • South Carolina celebrates another interstate expansion after influx of money to crumbling system, Published on Thursday, August 14