Transportation & Transit

Transportation Planning

photo_transportation 1 | Transportation & Transit The LSCOG planning department has many responsibilities in the field of transportation planning. These responsibilities are outlined in a Rural Planning Work Program that contains a course of planning to be completed within a year. Staff works with a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) which makes project recommendations to the LSCOG Board of Directors, who serves as the Lower Savannah transportation policymaking board. Planning staff maintain a close working relationship with SCDOT and are responsible for the recommendation of projects to SCDOT for inclusion in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and for the development and administration of a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) that outlines projects and priorities for a 25-year period. The LSCOG has also developed a regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that contains details on projects in the six-county rural region.

For more information about transportation planning call the Director of Planning at 803.649.7981.

Transit Planning

LSCOG partnered with SCDOT in 2007 to produce the regions first Human Services and Public Transit Coordination Plan. Projects from several Federal Transit Administration titles must be derived from this plan. LSCOG also helps with transportation development plans and feasibility studies for new transit service in the region and works with the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in Augusta, Georgia and the SCDOT to provide transit information to several required plans and work programs.

For more information about transit planning call the Director of Human Services at 803.649.7981.

Best Friend Express

Best Friend Bus | Transportation & Transit LSCOG manages the Best Friend Express public transit system in the urbanized portion of Aiken County. System operation is contracted to a local agency which provides a small fixed route transit system between Aiken, North Augusta, and just over the state line into Augusta, Georgia. It also provides an accessible paratransit component for persons with disabilities within the same area.

For information about schedules visit the Best Friend Express website:
www.bestfriendexpress.com

Lower Savannah Regional Transit Management Association (RTMA)

In 2000, LSCOG formed a Regional Transit Management Association (RTMA). This Association operates under the umbrella of the LSCOG, which is designated by SCDOT as a regional transportation coordination demonstration project. The RTMA consists of a Policy Committee comprised of one elected county official from each county. This Policy Committee makes recommendations to the LSCOG Board on the prioritization and disbursement of funds for transit related plans, programs and projects. The RTMA has been successful in forming a regional drug testing consortium, developing a regional strategic coordination plan, and developing a mobility management program through which consumers can be directed to the most efficient transit options. Future plans include an implementation of a mobility information, assistance and management center to serve the Lower Savannah region.

Travel Management And Coordination Center

Future plans include an implementation of a mobility information, assistance and management center to serve the Lower Savannah region. Funded under two major national grants from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the USDOT, this center, which is projected to be fully implemented in early to mid 2010, will offer one click or one-call access to transportation in the region and will provide coordination for a regional network of transportation providers. Callers can NOW receive information and assistance on transit resources in the region by calling the MOBILITY MANAGER at 803.649.7981 or 1.866.845.1550.

For more information about transit planning call the Director of Human Services at 803.649.7981.

Allendale Scooter And Bamberg Handy Ride

handy ride logo | Transportation & Transit The Allendale Scooter and Bamberg Handy Ride are regional demand response transit systems. LSCOG provided the leadership and facilitation to work with dynamic groups of local leaders and organizations in planning, developing and implementing new public transit services in both Allendale and Bamberg counties.

The unique aspect of this project is that no new vehicles were purchased to provide public transit services. Instead members of the general public access transit by using available seats on existing human service vehicles. A locally stationed mobility manager takes calls from the public and matches requests to available capacity, then handles ridership accountability and billing.

To schedule a ride call 1.866.230.4397.

Local Motion, Barnwell County's Public Transit System, operated by Generations Unlimited offers demand response transportation services for all communities in Barnwell County. Rides are provided to and from medical appointments, employment, training, shopping and more. The transportation service operates from 4:00 a.m. until midnight, seven days per week. Barnwell's long-established public transportation system plays a significant role in both the Lower Savannah Regional Transit Management Association (RTMA) and the newly created Travel Management and Coordination Center of the COG. To schedule a ride, call Local Motion directly at 803-541-1197 or call the Lower Savannah COG Mobility Manager at 1-866-845-1550.

Cross County Connection

Cross County Connection Logo | Transportation & Transit The Cross County Connection is available to residents of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties with a para transit commuter service that allows residents of both counties to call 24-48 hours ahead to request a ride to local destinations within the two counties.

Cross County Connection also provides a Downtown Circulator bus service in the City of Orangeburg and allows free transfers for travelers from both counties. Residents can access many of the most popular business destinations including governmental buildings, health providers, the regional medical center, schools and institutions of higher learning as well as popular employment and shopping locations in one of our comfortable and convenient Cross County Connector buses.

For more information, call the Cross County Connection Mobility Manager at 1.866.845.1550 or visit our website at www.crosscountyconnection.com .