CARTA launches Beach Reach program ahead of Memorial Day weekend

ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCBD)–The beach shuttle is back this weekend for the Memorial Day holiday.

Officials from the Isle of Palms are celebrating a milestone just in time for summer, rolling out a brand-new trolley bus ready to shuttle riders to the beach.

The Beach Reach program, which was launched in 2020, offers free rides between Mount Pleasant Towne Centre and the Isle of Palms. The shuttles serve two purposes: making the beach more accessible to people across the Lowcountry and helping to reduce beach traffic. 

“Number one for all of us is public safety. If someone rides the Beach Reach shuttle, that’s one less car on the road—huge. Our first responders spend a lot of time prepping for this season to ensure it’s safe, and I hope it’s a safe season for everyone, said Mayor Phillip Pounds of Isle of Palms.”

With a hot summer ahead, officials expect even higher demand this year. They say adding the new trolley bus to the Beach Reach fleet will allow more passengers and their gear. 

“I think many people are concerned they can’t bring all their beach items onto the bus—but that’s not the case. Bring your beach chairs, cooler, and sand toys—we can accommodate all of that on our shuttle, said Daniel Brownstein, a council member for Mount Pleasant.”

The Beach Reach program officially kicks off Saturday, May 24, and will run rain or shine, every weekend through the season, including holidays.