TROPICAL STORM ISAIAS UPDATE

As of 2 p.m. on 8/3/20, TriCounty Link officials continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias.  TriCounty Link will act in accordance with Charleston County’s High Wind Bridge Procedures that may impact service across bridges at some point this evening. A notice will be given when that decision is made.  Also, be advised flooding is expected in the service area, which could lead to significant detouring and delays. Please limit all travel to essential trips only.

Effective Friday May 29, 2020

• *CS1 Moncks Corner/North Charleston– Reduced frequency

• Routes will not operate until further notice
  • *CS3 Summerville/Moncks Corner
  • *CS4 Moncks Corner/St. Stephen/Cross

If you have questions, please call 843-899-4096

TriCounty Link Return to Full Service May 26

ATTENTION – COVID-19 RIDER ALERT Route Modifications

UPDATE 1 ROUTE MODIFICATIONS – EFFECTIVE 03.30.2020

UPDATED ROUTES BEING SUSPENDED

Effective Monday 03.30.2020 Additional routes being suspended until further notice:

• CS 3 – Summerville/Moncks Corner
• CS 4 – Moncks Corner/St. Stephen/Cross

Other routes currently suspended until further notice (effective as of 03.23.2020):

• B102 – Moncks Corner/Goose Creek
• C202 – Hollywood/Ravenel
• CS5- Moncks corner/St. Stephens/Salters

 Please check back periodically for updates.

ROUTE MODIFICATIONS – EFFECTIVE 03.23.2020

Due to the increasing threat of the Coronavirus, and in an effort to continue to provide some transit service for essential trips, some of our services will be modified.  Please review the route modifications below and check back periodically.

Routes running on a regular schedule:

• B105 Moncks Corner/Mt. Pleasant
• C201 Edisto Island/Citadel Mall
• C203 – McClellanville/Mt. Pleasant – (including Saturday)
• C204 – Johns Island/West Ashley –
• C205 – Johns Island/James Island
• CS 3 – Summerville/Moncks Corner
• CS 4 – Moncks Corner/St. Stephen/Cross *Combined with CS5 for PM trips
• CS 8 – Link to Lunch

Routes being modified:

• B101 & B104 (Also known as CS5) – Routes being combined. 
  • Running a modified schedule and combined with CS5 in the AM. Operating times will be approximately the same.  Please call customer service for more info.
• CS 1 Moncks Corner/North Charleston– Reduced frequency  
  • Departure from Santee Cooper – 5:30am/6:55am
  • Departure from Rivers Ave. Park and Ride – 6:15am/7:45am
• CS 2 Summerville/North Charleston – Reduced frequency
  • Departure from Crossroads Plaza 5:30am/
  • Departures from Berlin G. Myers 5:45am/6:45am/7:45am
  • Departures from Rivers Ave. Park and Ride 6:15am/7:15am/8:15am
  • Final am arrival at Crossroads Plaza by 9am
• D305 Summerville Connector – Reduced/Modified service
  • Route will run until 4pm. CS2 will service for evening trips.
• D306 Summerville/ St. George – Reduced frequency
  • Route will only run until 10am (11am trip will not run). Route will start afternoon trips at 3pm

Routes being suspended until further notice:

• B102 – Moncks Corner/Goose Creek
• C202 – Hollywood/Ravenel
• CS5- Moncks corner/St. Stephens/Salters (Note: CS 4 will service portions of this route)

Riders should only be taking essential trips; we continue to strongly discourage any non-essential trips.

For more information, call customer service at 843.899.4096

Tri-County Link Rider Safety Alert 

Route Modification - March 19, 2020

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Tri-County Link Rider Safety Alert 

 March 19, 2020

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Tricoounty Link website (ridetricountylink.com)
• Most social media platforms (Facebook, twitter) @tricountylink
• The "My TCLink" App (Available for download at app store and google play)

Tri-County Link Rider Safety Alert 

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• • • *Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • *Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • *Avoid contact with people who are sick.
    • *Stay home if you are sick.
    • *Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands.
    • *Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Tri-County Link Bus Cleaning

• Tri-county Link buses are cleaned on a regular basis.  Additional preventative measures include focusing on deeply cleaning high touch areas more frequently and increased frequency of the cleaning/sanitizing of public areas.

Press releases and News

RIVERS AVE.PARK AND RIDE OPENING WEDNESDAY JULY 17, 2019

• Starting on Wednesday July 17, 2019 the Rivers Ave. Park and Ride will open for passengers.

• All CARTA and Tricounty Link customers should park in the new fenced in area next to Texas Roadhouse starting Wednesday July 17, 2019.

TRICOUNTY LINK ROUTES IMPACTED:

CS1, CS2 AND B102.

• The Express and Tricounty Link buses will no longer travel through the T-Mobile/Velocity parking area, so it is very important all passengers park or be dropped off and wait in the NEW Park and Ride area. Bus stops will be located at shelters in parking lot.

• Route 12 will also be serving the Park and Ride lot starting Monday July 22, 2019 and the stop will be located near the entrance to the Park and Ride lot on Antler near Melnick.

• Route 10 will be slightly modified to start serving the lot area on Monday July 22^nd. The new stop will be located on Antler and Melnick next to the Park and Ride lot.

1. Stop at Otranto Rd. across from the Murphy Express
2. Sheltered stop near the Library on Antler
3. Near the new Park and Ride lot located on Antler

• Passengers should plan arrive a little earlier than usual the first few days to have a little extra time to become familiar with the new area and process.

• Staff will be on hand to assist passengers with the new parking area.

• Bathrooms will be available at the Rivers Ave. Park and Ride lot and will be open Monday Friday 5am-8pm.

Holiday Service Reminder

Christmas and New Years Holiday Service Reminder

Holiday Service Reminder

Dump the Pump Facebook Contest Winner Announced

Ron Mitchum, TriCounty Link Executive Director; Linky and Barbara Flynn, TCL Mobility Manager were on hand to congratulate Lizzy Goodrich, the winner of the Dump the Pump Facebook contest. Lizzy won this 26" Schwinn Cruiser by Liking and Sharing us on Facebook. Lizzy often rides her bicycle to work at the Gibbs Art Gallery and is a great example of how we can all take advantage of alternative transportation to help reduce traffic congestion in the Lowcountry.

TriCounty Link and CARTA are here to serve you!

TriCounty Link is pleased to provide curb-to-curb deviated route service that is scheduled in advance. If you are, or would like to qualify click on Routes and scroll down to ADA Policy, or call us at 843-899-4096 for more information. Tel-A-Ride is a specialized curb-to-curb service for individuals with disabilities provided by CARTA. Visit CARTAs website at http://ridecarta.com or call 843-724-7420 for more information.

TriCounty Link Weekend Express

Let the Weekend Express connect you to restaurants, shopping, movies and More! The service operates: Friday from 4pm until 10:56pm; Saturday from 10am until 10:56pm and Sunday from noon until 5:56pm. Only $5.00 one-way (or purchase a $20.00 four-ride pass from the driver). Your easy, economical and safe connection to the weekend!

TriCounty Link Named Best Rural Public Transportation Provider

The South Carolina Department of Transportation recently named TriCounty Link the Best Rural Public Transportation Provider of 2012. The award was presented by Doug Frate, Deputy Secretary for Mass Transit at the 2012 Transportation Association of South Carolina conference. TriCounty Link was also named Best Rural Provider in 2008 and 2010. Over the past four years the Link has made great progress in providing efficient public transportation throughout Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. When other systems across the country have been raising fares and cutting service, the Link responded to community needs by introducing the Commuter Solutions program. In 2008 the three commuter routes were provided free for the first three months, but the service continued to retain and attract new riders even after gas prices decreased. Two more commuter routes were added in 2009 and 2010. The Commuter Solutions program has been so successful that a sixth route serving Summerville and St. George was implemented in early April and a local shuttle will begin operating in Summerville on Monday, April 30. TriCounty Link has experienced tremendous growth since starting service 16 years ago, with much of the improvements occurring during the last four years. According to a SCDOT performance report, the statewide average in15.1 percent decrease in ridership over the past fiscal year. However, TriCounty Link has shown an overall 7.75 percent increase and at 62.9 percent, the system's farebox recovery rate is well above state and national averages. In addition to Best Transit System, the Link also took home three other distinguished awards. William S. Hutto received the SCDOT Director's Award, as well as a special award from the Transportation Association for his sixteen years of leadership as executive director. Bus operator Sharon Moody was also named Driver of the Year for her quick-thinking action in helping prevent a robbery and rescuing the victim by bringing her on board the bus and calling the police. According to Mr. Hutto, being recognized as the best rural system in the state is the result of a team effort. We are also very proud of Sharon Moody for her service to the community and pleased that she has been recognized for her efforts. I would like to thank every employee and each TriCounty Link board member for their hard work and dedication to the customers we serve.

TriCounty Link Introduces Dorchester Connector

Beginning April 2, 2012 the residents of Dorchester County will be able to travel between Summerville and St. George on a brand new commuter route that will operate Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. TriCounty Link and representatives from Dorchester County Government will introduce the new Dorchester Connector at a Monday, April 2, 2012 event to be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Dorchester County Council Chambers, 500 Main Street, in Summerville. The event will be attended by Dorchester County employees and public officials, and is open to the public. According to Executive Director, Will Hutto, "With gas prices steadily increasing, the Dorchester Connector will not only be a more cost effective long term alternative to driving, but the new service will be FREE during the first three months, April 2 through June 29th." If that's not enough of an incentive to ride, the buses will also be equipped with FREE wireless internet and each time you ride, you will be eligible to win a (description) flat screen television. The winning entry will be determined at the end of the three month period and the winner notified by July 9, 2012. TriCounty Link introduced the successful Commuter Solutions program beginning with three routes in 2008 and ridership increased by over 50% during the first year of operation. In response to customer needs, the Link introduced two more routes in 2010 and 2011. The Dorchester Connector is the Link's sixth commuter route and is made possible with funding from Dorchester County. It will provide transportation to rural areas that have never had bus service. "We're very pleased to be able to partner with TriCounty Link to make commuting a little easier and less expensive for residents in Dorchester County." stated Dorchester County Council Chairman Larry Hargett. "We are hoping that people will take advantage of the free period to find out how much they will save when they ride the bus rather than driving their cars." Hargett continued.   Introduction of the new commuter route comes at a time when transit ridership throughout the country is higher than it has been since 1957. According to the American Public Transportation Association the largest rate of growth in transit ridership was in the rural communities with populations under 100,000. TriCounty Link's ridership has increased by over 7.5% in the last year alone with the largest increase on the Commuter Solutions routes.

TriCounty Link Gives Back to the Community

The TriCounty Link family has a tradition of giving back to the communities it serves and this year is no exception. As a sponsor of the ABC News 4 Families Helping Families campaign, the Link is holding a stuff-a-bus event on Saturday, December 3rd to collect donations for a family of four. The "stuff-a-bus" event will be held from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter located at 3000 Proprietors Place in Mt. Pleasant. Linky, the TriCounty Link mascot will make a special appearance along with Star 99.7's own Geno Jones who will do a live radio remote at the event and distribute goodies to generous donors.   TriCounty Link is asking that people donate educational toys, clothes, gift cards or any new items that can be delivered to the family in time for Christmas. The family includes:  

• • • • • Woman, age 60: pants and shirt women's size XL
        • Girl, age 4: pants/shirts size 6
        • Boy, age 4: pants/shirts size 5
        • Boy, age 5: pants/shirts size 8

  Don't miss this opportunity to join the TriCounty Link family and help provide a happy holiday season for a family in need. To find out more about the services offered by TriCounty Link call 843-899-4096 or go to-www.ridetricountylink.com.

Dump the Pump

Moncks Corner, SC - With the return of high gas prices, TriCounty Link is partnering with the Berkeley, Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments (BCD-COG) and Trident Rideshare as well as other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the Sixth Annual National Dump the Pump Day, Thursday, June 16, 2011. The slogan of this year's National Dump the Pump Day is "Dump the Pump. Save Money. Ride Transit".   Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey have issued proclamations recognizing the part that public transportation plays in helping Low Country residents save money, reduce congestion and enhance economic opportunities in the region. TriCounty Link's mascot, Linky will meet with Mayor Riley on Thursday, June 16 at noon to officially receive the City of Charleston proclamation.   In addition to FREE rides on all fixed routes, TriCounty Link customers can REGISTER TO WIN one of two 26 inch bicycles. Winners will be notified on Monday, June 20th. TriCounty Link is also proud to announce that FREE wireless internet is now available on ALL fixed route vehicles. Customers can now save money AND surf the net while riding the bus. TriCounty Link is the only transit system in the state with FREE wireless internet on board their vehicles.   Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) the 2011 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and save money instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money. High gas prices and concern about the economy means that saving money is on everyones minds and public transportation is the quickest way to beat high prices. According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report(www.apta.com.), individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $10,000 annually by downsizing to one car. Additionally, public awareness about saving energy is still a major issue. Even one person can make a difference by switching to public transit and reduce daily carbon emissions by 2o pounds, or more than 4,800 pounds in a year.   According to Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Council of Governments Director Ron Mitchum, " Public transportation makes an important contribution to the economic health and quality of life in our region by getting people to and from work and reducing congestion. The Council of Governments continues to be very involved in plans to create an efficient and effective transportation network throughout the three county area and we are very pleased to partner with TriCounty Link as part of this nationwide event."   To find out more about the BCD-COG and Trident Rideshare go to-www.bcdcog.com. To find out more about the region's Dump the Pump activities call 843-899-4096 or go to-www.ridetricountylink.com.

Celebrating a New Chapter

On Friday, February 25, 2011 TriCounty Link celebrated an exciting new chapter in it's 16-year history. The Link heralded the opening of its newly renovated offices and maintenance facilities in Moncks Corner with a luncheon and open house.   Over 60 guests attended a luncheon held at the Santee Cooper Wampee Conference Center in Pinopolis. Speakers included representatives from the South Carolina Department of Transportation Office of Public Transportation, area mayors, county officials, Santee Cooper and TriCounty Link employees. Mr. Don Hanley, a retired Santee Cooper employee who served as Manager of Transportation and spent approximately half of his 30-year career in the building was also honored at the event.   Executive Director Will Hutto reminisced about the agency's humble beginnings in 1996 when they moved into a small termite ridden wood frame office and conducted maintenance on the buses under the trees. Hutto stated, "In 1996 we approached this venture as a business. There were no deep pockets to fall back on and here we are fifteen years later, celebrating yesterday, today and turning the page to a new chapter - looking forward to tomorrow."   Lunch speakers were very complementary about the TriCounty Link service, it's phenomenal growth over the past 15 years and the leadership of it's director Will Hutto. According to Doug Frate, Director of the Office of Public Transportation for the SCDOT, "Success in the absence of leadership and vision is very seldom realized. Will Hutto exemplifies both leadership and vision and has done so over the past 15 years, especially with the limited resources he has had to work with. Certainly the new and improved facility is a testament to that vision". The SCDOT recently finalized another $300,000 in Section 5309 grant funding for the project, bringing the total investment to a little over $1.4. The renovation began on May 17, 2010 and was accomplished using a combination of funding provided by the Federal Transit Administration, the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act and local matches.   Sixth Congressional District Transportation Commissioner Harrison Reardon, was also in attendance at the lunch and spoke about TriCounty Link's efforts as an important contribution to working together as a region.   Ray Smith, Director of Human Services for Santee Cooper presented Mr. Hutto with the original 13-page drawings for the building. Designed in 1946 by the Columbia based Heyward A. Singley architectural firm, the building was owned by Santee Cooper and served as a transportation services building. The sixty-five year old building was eventually purchased by the Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Regional Transportation Management Association, now TriCounty Link. The agency has used the building as a transportation hub, administrative office and maintenance facility since 1997.   "Santee Cooper is very proud of its partnership with TriCounty Link" stated Smith. "We helped start the Commuter Solutions Express Bus routes as an additional benefit to our employees. Yes, it helped them at the pump (their wallets) but it also helped us lower our dependence on foreign oil and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions for all our commuting employees. It is good for the planet".   After the lunch, the audience joined members of the public for an open house and official ribbon cutting ceremony at the renovated Moncks Corner facility.   In celebration of the event, customers riding the TriCounty Link fixed route service can enter a drawing to win a 22" Panasonic LCD-HDTV with iPod dock. Beginning Friday, February 25th entry blanks will be available on all TriCounty Link vehicles and the winner will be notified by March 18th.   TriCounty Link has made remarkable progress since being established in 1996. The long list of accomplishments the agency has accumulated over the past several years include:  

• • • • • September 2007 - Implemented new service along the Highway 17 North corridor from Mt. Pleasant to McClellanville.

 

• • • • • October 2007 - Introduced Saturday service on the Highway 17 North route.

 

• • • • • January 2008 - Named Public Transit Provider of the Year by the SCDOT. Executive Director Will Hutto receives SCDOT Director's Award.

 

• • • • • January 2008 - Implemented two new routes on Johns Island.

 

• • • • • August 2008 - Implemented Commuter Solutions program with three new commuter routes.

 

• • • • • July 2009 - Implemented free Link-to-Lunch service.

 

• • • • • September 2010 - Wins two American Public Transportation Association AdWheel Awards. Also receives Excellence Award from the National Association of Development Organizations?Research Foundation (NADO).

 

• • • • • October 2009 - Implemented fourth Commuter Solutions route.

 

• • • • • February 2010 - Named Best Rural Transit Provider in South Carolina by the SCDOT.

 

• • • • • July 2010 - Introduced wireless internet on Commuter routes.

 

• • • • • Ridership doubled during the five-year period between FY 2004-2005 and FY 2008-2009, with the largest annual increase of 38 percent occurring between FY 2007-2008 and FY 2008-2009.

 

• • • • • TriCounty Link has experienced an overall increase of 4 percent during the period FY 2008-2009 and FY 2009-2010, with the largest increases occurring on the Commuter Solutions Routes.

    In 2009 the Link also implemented an innovative training program for drivers by purchasing and converting a 1995 model bus for use as a dedicated training vehicle. Although CDL's are not required for all drivers, TriCounty Link has achieved its goal of certifying all vehicle operators and implemented a rotating training schedule to maintain their proficiency.   For more information about the renovation and open house or to find out more about TriCounty Link services call 843-899-4096/toll free at 1-800-966-6631 or visit our website at-www.ridetricountylink.com.   Photos and Mr. Hutto's remarks available upon request.

Linky sighting: TASC Statewide Transit Bus Rodeo

Linky was spotted at the the TASC Roadeo on Saturday, October 16, 2010 in Columbia. TriCounty Link's drivers and mechanics competed with other South Carolina transit drivers and mechanics in the annual Statewide Transit Bus Rodeo sponsored by the Transportation Association of South Carolina (TASC) in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and various transit-related vendors. [view pictures below]  

Linky goes wireless

In another innovative action, the TriCounty Link has added wireless internet connections on four commuter buses. Beginning Monday, July 12, 2010, commuters will be able to sign onto the Internet while on board on the Commuter Solutions routes between Moncks Corner and Summerville, and North Charleston and Moncks Corner.   According to Executive Director, Will Hutto, "Adding wireless internet to our Commuter Solutions routes is one of many goals we've achieved over the past several years and is a first for public transportation in South Carolina. We are very excited to provide this great new amenity for our customers". TriCounty Link has experienced tremendous growth since starting service over 14 years ago, with much of the improvements occurring during the last three years. Over the past year alone ridership on TriCounty Link has continued to show substantial increases. Figures for the period July 2009 through March 2010 indicate an overall 39% increase in ridership. As a result of these achievements, TriCounty Link has been named the Best Rural Public Transportation Provider of 2010 by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.   For more information about TriCounty Link services call 843-899-4096, or toll free at 1-800-966-6631.