Charleston Area Regional Transit Authority (Carta)

The board discussed financial status reports, approved the FY2026 budget revision, and reviewed the proposed FY2027 budget. Updates were provided regarding various transit projects, including the Lowcountry Rapid Transit initiative and shelter improvements. The ridership report for the previous month was presented, highlighting trends in fixed-route and paratransit services. Additionally, updates were provided on the OnDemand program, specifically regarding the inclusion of shared ride options for Uber and Lyft.

The Board meeting included a presentation of the FY2025 Audit report, which received an unmodified opinion. Key actions included the approval of amendments to the Procurement Policy, the extension of the Battery Electric Bus Charge Management Software contract, and the approval of the Beach Reach Service plan for the upcoming season, including additional service on Fridays. The Board also reviewed financial status reports, ridership trends, transit planning project updates, and proposed budget revisions for FY2026 and FY2027.

The board reviewed financial status reports and received project updates, including information on upcoming community events and ridership metrics. Key actions included the approval of an amendment for design and engineering services for the Shipwatch Square Transit Center, authorization to purchase Proterra replacement parts, approval for the purchase of new transit vehicles, and the renewal of a bus wrap advertising contract for the Gibbes Museum. Furthermore, the board approved an update to the business continuity plan and authorized an increased spending limit for improvements at the Union Pier Park & Ride site. Additionally, the board moved to request a resolution from the Charleston County Council regarding condemnation proceedings for a transit site.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed various operational, financial, and planning matters. Discussions included the financial status report, the approval of an increase in spending for the HOP lot project adjustments, and the approval of transition costs related to RATP Dev USA. Additionally, the Board reviewed project updates concerning transit services, ridership reports for fixed-route and paratransit, and the Executive Director's report on potential ferry service exploration, transit tax programs, and infrastructure projects like the Shipwatch Square Transit Center. Several action items were approved, including contract amendments for design and engineering services, procurement of electric bus replacement parts, and advertising discounts for the Gibbes Museum.

Key discussions included the approval of the November 19, 2025, meeting minutes, which was done without discussion of the minutes themselves in the summary. The Financial Status Report for November 2025 was presented, noting the agency was slightly over budget but in good financial shape overall with unexpended funds. The Board unanimously approved the 2026 Calendar of Events, which outlines several proposed free ride days, promotions, and participation in community events. Project updates covered the RATP Dev start-up, installation milestones for bus stop solar lights and signage, testimonials, and progress on the Transit App usage metrics. Approval was granted for the Union Pier HOP Lot expansion, which will add 209 parking spaces and transit shelter improvements at an expenditure not to exceed $83,000. The Board received the Ridership Reports for November and December 2025 as information. Following an executive session, approvals were given for three significant contract operator transition items: procuring a third-party Fleet Maintenance Services contractor up to $485,800, leasing Rolling Stock (transit vehicles) up to $1,200,000 to ensure service continuity, and purchasing Proterra Battery Electric Bus Parts up to $1,000,000 due to industry-wide part availability issues. The Executive Director's Report noted updates on the Shipwatch Square Project, upcoming FTA PMOC interviews, and confirmation of $275 million in Capital Investment Grant funding for the LCRT project.