IOP Beach Shuttle Approved by CARTA

On February 17, 2021, the Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments and the CARTA Board approved the Isle of Palms Beach Shuttle service between Mount Pleasant and the City of Isle of Palms. The Beach Shuttle Service will pick up citizens from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location on Sweetgrass Parkway in Mount Pleasant and make a stop at Ocean Boulevard at 14th Avenue (Front Beach District).  

The seasonal Beach Shuttle will run on the weekends and summer holidays, including Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. The regular fare is $2.00. Children under six years old can ride regular routes for free when accompanied by a paying adult. 

Service will run hourly with the first trip departing the Mount Pleasant DMV at 9:00 a.m. and the last departure at 5:00 p.m. The last return trip would have riders arriving back at the Mount Pleasant DMV by 6:00 p.m.

 “The City of Isle of Palms is glad to be partnering with BCDCOG to help reduce vehicular traffic to the beaches. This is the first step of hopefully many to further reduce the number of cars on the road and to improve traffic conditions in the area,” expressed the Isle of Palms Mayor, Jimmy Carroll.

Route information and bus tracking will be available in the Transit App, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play .

"By partnering with the BCGCOG, the City of Isle of Palms is leveraging an organization that has already begun collaborating with multiple entities to put in place a quality transportation solution in a timely manner. Our hope is to bring a solution to the Lowcountry that allows all to enjoy the beaches without creating the parking and congestion issues on the island that we have seen in the past," stated Council member Phillip Pounds, Chairman of Ways and Means.

“We’re looking forward to working with CARTA to ensure that everyone knows this service is available for ridership once it is put in place. We hope that the new service will reduce traffic congestion and parking challenges on the Island,” shared Jimmy Ward, Councilman and CARTA Board Member.

The City of Isle of Palms is committed to improving public beach access by embracing alternative transportation solutions that enhance safe and sustainable access to the beach while protecting our community's quality of life.

Shuttle Policies:

• Masks or face coverings required at all times while on board.
• Riders are allowed to bring a maximum of four regular shopping bags or small
  packages or parcels. Riders must be able to carry items on and off the vehicle
  safely and be able to control all items during the operation of the vehicle.
• Items must not obstruct the aisle, interfere with the operation of the vehicle or
  prevent seats from being used by other passengers.
• Packages must be able to be held by riders or stowed safely under the seat.
• Large items (umbrellas, surfboards, beach wagons, etc.) are not permitted at this
  time. Chairs are allowed as long as they adhere to regulations listed above.