The Lowcountry Rapid Transit System (LCRT) is the first high capacity mass transportation system in the state of South Carolina. The rapid transit system was originally supposed to connect Charleston, Ladson, and Summerville but has recently been shortened.
The updated bus route will now begin in Ladson, continue down Highway 78 and Rivers Avenue, and eventually, end in downtown Charleston.
Due to the low number of bus riders in Dorchester County, the project did not originally qualify for federal funding. In an effort to gain federal funding for the rapid transit system, the decision was made to shorten the bus route.
Officials are hopeful that the LCRT will reduce traffic in the Lowcountry – the primary reason for the introduction of this new transit system.
As a part of this plan, Rivers Avenue will have a bus lane, allowing the bus to bypass roadway traffic and ensure a speedy arrival.
It is estimated the bus service will begin in 2026. A variety of public meetings will take place within the next few months for officials to receive feedback from residents regarding the upcoming transit system.