About Coast RTA
where we began
our history
In July 1983 the vision of three men, Ivory Wilson, Clarence Watkins, and J. R. Taylor, came to fruition with bus service for the area being provided by Coastal Rapid Public Transit Authority (CRPTA). The dream actually began on July 4, 1980 when Wilson, Watkins and Taylor began planning to provide Horry and Georgetown counties transportation for those in need to places of employment, shopping and medical offices.
The system began with six GM buses on lease from the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. In that first year, the new transit company enjoyed an average of 332 boarding’s each day. The following year that number grew to 729. Currently, Coast RTA provides service to over 1900 commuters daily.
For 16 years the company operated as a private, non-profit organization governed by a three member board, Wilson, Taylor, and George Richardson. In 1999 CRPTA became the public, non-profit Waccamaw Regional Transportation Authority guided by an 9 member board of directors. On 2014, the Board increased to 11 member. RTA has done business as Lymo and now, Coast RTA.
where we're headed
today
Coast RTA is operated with a dedicated staff that is quite proud of their accomplishments and contributions to the community. The Authority operate vehicles ranging from 9-passenger to 40-passenger vehicles and services ten fixed routes. In addition the Authority provides Paratransit services for those with disabilities.
Coast RTA is fortunate to receive significant local funding from: Horry County, Georgetown County, The City of Myrtle Beach, and The City of Conway and North Myrtle Beach (beginning Fall 2020).
These local funds are used to match both Federal Transit Administration and South Carolina Department of Transportation allocations.
our future
The future is bright for Coast RTA. Significant steps are taking place to better communicate the Authority’s services through better signage and literature. As bus acquisition continues, new routes designed for where people want to go will be introduced. An Automatic Vehicle Location system (AVL) is being investigated and an Inter-Agency Transfer Hub is rapidly climbing to the top of Coast RTA’s needs list.
With anticipated funding increases and major growth in ridership, Coast RTA is on the verge of truly meeting its Mission Statement. The next 25 years promise to be exciting and fulfilling.
our mission
safety first
We want to provide safe, reliable, affordable and courteous mass public transportation that enhances the quality of life for residents and supports the growth of tourism.
Mission Statement:
To provide safe, reliable, affordable and courteous mass public transportation that enhances the quality of life for residents and supports the growth of tourism.
History:
In July 1983 the vision of three men, Ivory Wilson, Clarence Watkins, and J. R. Taylor, came to fruition with bus service for the area being provided by Coastal Rapid Public Transit Authority (CRPTA). The dream actually began on July 4, 1980 when Wilson, Watkins and Taylor began planning to provide Horry and Georgetown counties transportation for those in need to places of employment, shopping and medical offices.
The company began with six GM buses on lease from the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. In that first year the new transit company enjoyed an average of 332 boarding’s each day. The following year that number grew to 729.
For 16 years the company operated as a private, non-profit organization governed by a three member board, Wilson, Taylor, and George Richardson. In 1999 CRPTA became the public, non-profit Waccamaw Regional Transportation Authority guided by an 11 member board of directors. The RTA has done business as Lymo and now, Coast RTA.
Today:
Coast RTA is operated with a dedicated staff that is quite proud of their accomplishments and contributions to the community. The company operate vehicles ranging from 18-passenger to 40-passenger buses and presently services seven fixed routes. In addition the company provides Paratransit services and limited contract services.
Coast RTA is fortunate to receive significant local funding from:
These local funds are used to match both Federal Transit Administration and South Carolina Deparment of Transportation/Mass Transit Division allocations.
Our Future:
The future is bright for Coast RTA. Significant steps are taking place to better communicate the company’s services through better signage and literature. New bus shelters will soon be placed at significant locations adding to the passengers comfort. As bus acquisition continues, new routes designed for where people want to go will be introduced. An Automatic Vehicle Location system (AVL) is being investigated and an Inter-Agency Transfer Hub is rapidly climbing to the top of Coast RTA’s needs list.
With anticipated funding increases and major growth in ridership, Coast RTA is on the verge of truly meeting its Mission Statement. The next 25 years promise to be exciting and fulfilling.