Coast RTA plans changes, route overhaul for riders

By Ruben Lowman

Local public transportation throughout Horry County is set for a significant transformation as Coast RTA prepares to implement a series of major route changes and infrastructure upgrades.

Coast RTA CEO Brian Piascik recently presented “Phase One” of the transit agency’s modernization plan to the Horry County Council transportation committee, highlighting a strategic shift toward increasing ridership and reducing wait times, according to officials.

Central to these changes is the addition of three new buses to the fleet, which will allow the agency to reduce frequency times from the current 75 minutes down to a more manageable 60 minutes across all routes. This reduction is expected to provide more predictable and reliable service for the thousands of residents who depend on the bus system for employment, healthcare and daily errands.

New service routes are also a cornerstone of the upcoming expansion, including a direct connection between Conway, Coastal Carolina University and Myrtle Beach International Airport. This specialized route replaces the previous system where airport access was tied to the broader Socastee line, allowing for more efficient travel for students and frequent flyers.

Additionally, the agency is expanding its reach into the healthcare sector with a new route serving South Strand Hospital. This expansion leaves McLeod Seacoast as the only major hospital in the area without direct transit service, according to Piascik.

He said the agency is also focusing on residential growth by adding service to the northern end of Carolina Forest and exploring the use of microtransit to reach deeper into neighborhoods along Carolina Forest Boulevard in Myrtle Beach.

And while new services are being added, Coast RTA is also making another major change in taking the decision to indefinitely suspend its seasonal entertainment shuttles in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach.

Piascik said that historically these shuttles moved up to 70,000 passengers annually, but the ridership has plummeted to just 9,000 per season in recent years, signaling it’s waning influence on transportation for tourists to the Grand Strand.

According to Piascik, company analysis suggests the shuttles are now primarily utilized by J-1 and H-2B visa workers rather than the tourists for whom they were originally designed. By shifting resources away from underutilized seasonal routes, the agency aims to bolster its year-round core services, according to Coast RTA officials.

While these changes will not impact the current fiscal year’s budget, the expanded service model is projected to increase the following year’s budget by approximately $1 million.

The modernization efforts are backed by a massive influx of recent funding, including a $25.5 million federal grant awarded in late 2025 and an additional $25 million line item from the RIDE IV referendum. These funds are being directed toward a new $20 million operations and maintenance facility on nearly 22 acres recently purchased along Robert Grissom Parkway.

The site, which will be annexed into the city of Myrtle Beach, will feature a new passenger transfer station, administrative offices and parking for up to 40 buses. A portion of the parcel will also house a new Myrtle Beach Fire Department station, which will help offset some of the acquisition costs. Site work is scheduled to begin this fall, with the new complex expected to open in late 2027 or early 2028.

In the immediate term, riders will see significant changes at the existing Myrtle Beach Transit Center on 10th Avenue. The current facility is slated for demolition in the coming weeks to make way for road construction and a temporary passenger terminal.

Starting immediately, Coast RTA will launch an extensive public outreach campaign through its website and mobile app to notify passengers of the June 1 service updates. Agency staff will be stationed at transit centers to answer questions as the community adjusts to the new 60-minute frequency and the revamped route map.

Coast RTA will host a Public Input Session on Monday, April 6, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the atrium of North Myrtle Beach City Hall. During this session, Coast RTA will provide information on upcoming service changes and expansion plans.

To review details about the proposed service changes and expansion, visit Coast RTA’s website at coastrta.com.

For questions and to provide feedback, email info@coastrta.com, or contact Coast RTA Customer Service at 843-488-0865.