Lowcountry Rapid Transit project gets green light to initiate New Starts project development
The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments (BCDCOG) has been approved by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to initiate project development for the Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT) project, South Carolina’s first mass transit project.
The project aims to construct a 26-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along US 78 and US 52 between Summerville and Charleston, S.C. In its New Starts Project Development Information sheet available through FTA, BCDCOG believes the purpose of the project is to improve connectivity and mobility, and provide additional transit alternatives in the congested corridor, while supporting local land use plans that call for the expansion of transit services in the absence of the ability to increase capacity on local roadways. With the $387.5-million project’s approval to initiate development, it becomes eligible to receive funding through FTA’s Capital Investment Grant program, but BCDCOG has not finalized the amount of money it will seek.
“Receiving preauthorization to enter the project development phase is another huge step forward in making LCRT a reality in our region,” said Ron Mitchum, the BCDCOG’s executive director. “This step opens critical funding streams and puts us in position to continue generating forward momentum and progress on the project.”
The project includes upgrades to the existing maintenance and storage facilities, adding BRT stations and articulated electric vehicles.
“LCRT is a network of possibilities that will provide residents with dependable, frequent transportation and greater access to opportunities throughout the region,” said Sharon Hollis, the BCDCOG’s principal planner and LCRT project lead. “Connections between communities and employment centers would be enhanced and would also accommodate other modes such as biking and walking.”
BCDCOG says it plans to have a locally preferred alternative selected by August 2020 followed by its adoption into the long-range transportation plan by January 2021. Revenue service on LCRT is expected to begin in late 2025.
“Being able to adjust to the rapid growth in our region is important when we consider mobility as a key factor in the expansion,” said Mitchum. “BCDCOG is very excited for this advancement in the LCRT process and is ready to improve not just transit for our residents and visitors in the Tricounty area, but their quality of life as well.”
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
