College of Charleston - Transportation

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When students say you can walk everywhere, you really can walk everywhere. A good pair of comfortable tennis shoes or flip-flops will serve you well in Charleston. Buses around downtown are needed very little; however, CARTA (the bus system) is free to C of C students, so if the need to take a bus somewhere arises, you are entitled to a complimentary ride. It’s true: Walking is the most common means of transportation, and when its not, students opt to ride a bike or long board. The only complaints most students generally have are the unreliable bus system and the pricy cab fare to the airport. CARTA often takes forever, and its passengers can be quite sketchy, although CARTA is making strides; starting in the spring of 2009, there will a be a bus route running from the downtown campus to Folly Beach—much to the excitement of freshmen. The airport is located in North Charleston and is a necessary means to get home for many out-of-state students. It takes about 20 minutes to get there by car, and cab fares are around $40, so getting ride to the airport with one of your buddies is ideal.

Charleston has all of the transportation it needs for a city of its relatively small size. A reliable public transportation system like Washington, D.C.’s Metro would be unnecessary for a city like Charleston, but the bus system isn’t perfect (reading the schedule is like reading hieroglyphics), and sometimes people without cars feel stranded. Take advantage of the flat and small peninsula, because walking to your destinations is a great way for students, or anyone, to explore the city. Whether you’re walking, driving, riding, or flying, Charleston has whatever type of transportation you need, however unlikely it is that you might use it.

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Students Speak Out

CofBM says: College of Charleston 2013 Other

I've never used CARTA, but it gets... I've never used CARTA, but it gets great reviews. The good thing about Charleston is that if you live downtown (which I highly recommend), then the only transportation you ever need is your feet or bike. The CARTA system is free with your student ID and can get you all the way to the beach. 12345 Transportation: March 21, 2009 Report

CofLW says: College of Charleston 2016 Undecided

Mostly everyone just walks or... Mostly everyone just walks or rides a bike. Charleston is a city, but it's small enough to do either of those things without feeling inconvenienced. 12345 Transportation: February 25, 2009 Report

CofCP says: College of Charleston 2015 Undecided

College of Charleston students get... College of Charleston students get a bus pass to ride CARTA every semester, which can even take you to the mall! It's great when you don't have a car with you. 12345 Transportation: February 19, 2009 Report

Anonymous says:

I don’t know much about public... I don’t know much about public transportation, like city buses. I’ve never needed them. I just walk everywhere. 12345 Transportation Report

Anonymous says:

A lot of students around here come... A lot of students around here come from South Carolina or from somewhere within driving distance. But the rest of us, without cars, have to take trains and stuff to get home. But it’s never difficult to get a ride out of town. 12345 Transportation Report

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