posted on Friday, May 15, 2015

Conway, SC - With tourist season gearing up for 2015, Coast RTA has announced its plans for peak season service during the height of summer that will accommodate the residents as well as the visitors. In planning for its 2015 summer service, Coast RTA is in the process of hiring drivers to handle the extended hours needed for the routes. 

"We evaluated our 2013 and 2014 summer service ridership numbers regarding frequency versus extended hours. The numbers and the need proved that the extended hours were more desirable in the peak season versus doubling our frequency. The 2014 data was useful to prove the residents who work in the hospitality industry need the extended hours versus the additional frequency to return home after work," said Brian Piascik, General Manager and CEO. "We're delaying summer service to mid-June to allow Coast RTA time to hire quality summer drivers who can assist us in handling the peak season and continue filling the needs of our local residents and tourists." 

The following Coast RTA routes/times will be effective Monday, June 15 (Please note the Myrtle Beach Transfer Station is located on 10^th Avenue/Mr. Joe White, across from City Hall): 

• Route 7- Will have some route modifications to avoid traffic congestion and feature one hour frequencies.  There will be a bus leaving the Conway Terminal and the Myrtle Beach Transfer Center at the top of every hour with the last bus leaving the Transfer Center at 11 p.m. for Conway.
• Route 10, which leaves the Myrtle Beach Transfer Station and includes the Coastal Grand Mall, was modified in 2014 to accommodate the Myrtle Beach International Airport and Kings Highway locations. This route will have a bus departing the Myrtle Beach Transfer Center every hour at the top of the hour until 10 p.m
• Routes 15 N (to 82^nd and Grand Strand Hospital) & 15 S (to Market Common) - A bus departs the Myrtle Beach Transfer Center every hour at the top of the hour from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Route 16 (Georgetown to Myrtle Beach) - Schedule remains the same with an additional bus added that will leave the Myrtle Beach Transfer Center at 6:30 p.m. for Georgetown on Route 16.
• Route 21, also known as the Entertainment Express (serves the Broadway at the Beach and downtown tourist attractions). This FREE service runs 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. with 20-minute frequencies. Passengers are picked up along the route, including the Broadway at the Beach Visitors Center. The Entertainment Express does not stop at the Transfer Center.  

Routes 1 and 16 Express will remain unchanged throughout the Summer Service timeframe. 

All transit services are seven days per week (with the exception of Route 1 which is offered Monday through Saturday). With the exception of Route 1, 16 and 16 Express, all services end at 11 p.m. daily. The Summer Service frequencies will end on September 6 and Coast RTA's Fall Schedule will begin on September 7 (Labor Day).

Coast RTA is still seeking Class B (or higher) drivers with passenger endorsements. Interested candidates may apply online at www.coastrta.com or at the Coast RTA office, 1418 Third Avenue, Conway. 

For more information including additional information on route, schedule and fares, call 843-488-0865 or visit the website www.ridecoastrta.com.

About Coast RTA.

Founded in 1983,Coast RTA has seen a steady increase in ridership. In 2013, CoastRTA surpassed the million mark with 1,019,184 rides. Daily, CoastRTA transports riders to and from their desired points of interest, jobs, shopping, school and medical appointments in Horry and Georgetown Counties. 

Coast RTA's mission is to provide safe, reliable, affordable, clean and courteous mass public transportation that enhances the quality of life for residents and supports the growth of tourism.

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Coast RTA Announces 2015 Summer Service