CARTA announces service updates, safety measures for solar eclipse
August 14, 2017
As the total solar eclipse covers Charleston on Monday, Aug. 21, CARTA will halt all service as a safety precaution for about 12 minutes during the totality from about 2:41 p.m to 2:53 p.m. In addition, CARTA drivers will be handing out eclipse glasses to those who would like to step off the bus and view the eclipse.
“With a record-setting number of vehicles hitting the road, our riders’ safety remains paramount and we’re preparing accordingly,” said CARTA Board of Directors Chairman Mike Seekings. “We look forward to the solar eclipse and also invite seniors to ride free on August 21 in honor of National Senior Citizen Day.”
CARTA service updates for Monday, August 21 include:
- Delays during and after the eclipse which will take place between 1:17 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. The total eclipse will take place at 2:46 p.m. until 2:48 p.m.
- For safety reasons all CARTA services will hold in place starting at 2:41 p.m. and will remain on hold until around 2:53 p.m. This means buses will stop at a predetermined, designated safe location along the route for about 10 minutes.
- Drivers will provide eclipse glasses to passengers on board the bus at the time of the event to view the eclipse. Passengers will be allowed to disembark to view the event (passengers are not required to get off the bus).
- Passengers will need to re-board the bus around 2:50 p.m. and quickly be seated so the bus can prepare to resume service.
- Free transportation for seniors in honor of National Senior Citizens Day. Those over the age of 55 must present a valid ID upon boarding.
For more information on the solar eclipse service updates, visit www.ridecarta.com/totalsolareclipsechs or call (843) 724-7420.
About CARTA
The Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) is a public transportation system dedicated to providing affordable transit to the Charleston community through fixed routes, Tel-A-Ride/demand service and express routes. For the latest on CARTA, visit www.ridecarta.com, like us on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @RideCARTA. All customers are encouraged to map rides and track buses with Google’s Transit program and the CARTA Bus Tracker.
