Key Service Improvements:
- Increased Service Frequency: Most fixed routes will return to hourly (60-minute) service, reducing wait times and making transit more convenient and predictable for riders.
- New Route 11 – Carolina Forest Connection: A new Route 11 will provide hourly service connecting Myrtle Beach and Carolina Forest, expanding transit access along River Oaks Drive and Carolina Forest Boulevard. The route will serve growing residential and employment areas while creating new travel opportunities throughout the region.
- Route 7 – Myrtle Beach / Airport / Conway: Route 7 will receive several enhancements, including hourly service frequency, restored afternoon trips to Conway, new service to Myrtle Beach International Airport, and expanded access along the U.S. 501 corridor
- Route 15 South – Myrtle Beach / Socastee / Tidelands: Improvements include restored hourly service, extension to South Strand Medical Center and simplified airport service through Route 7
- Route 17 – Myrtle Beach / North Myrtle Beach: Route 17 frequency will improve from every two hours to every hour, providing more convenient travel along one of the region's busiest corridors while enhancing access to key destinations in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Route will also access Kings Road for resorts and businesses.
- Modified Route 10 – Broadway at the Beach / Coastal Grand Mall: Route 10 will feature a streamlined alignment designed to improve travel times, simplify navigation, and strengthen connections between major retail, employment, and entertainment destinations.
- Better Connections Systemwide: The service improvements also restore a coordinated transfer system at the Ivory Wilson Transit Center, (aka The Pulse) making it easier for riders to connect between routes and reach destinations throughout the Coast RTA service area.
Connecting The Coast Supports Grand Strand Residents, Businesses and Visitors
Coast RTA’s new service enhancements are a strong example of how tourism works for the Grand Strand by investing in transportation infrastructure that benefits both residents and visitors. Coast RTA operates through a combination of federal grants, dedicated local tax revenues supported by tourism, municipal contributions and passenger fares. A reliable transit system helps connect people to jobs, attractions, healthcare, shopping and educational opportunities, making it easier for employees to get where they need to go while supporting the businesses that drive the local economy.
With more frequent service, new connections, expanded access and improved routes, residens are bettter served. Workers have more dependable and affordable transportation options while employers access to a larger workforce. A reduction in transportation barriers, strengthens the region’s ability to support continued growth.
Just as tourism revenues help fund community assets that improve quality of life, enhanced public transportation creates a more connected Grand Strand that works better for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.
