Press Releases, Upcoming Events & Linky Sightings
Last Update: November 29, 2011

• November 29, 2011 TriCounty Link Gives Back to the Community
• September 4, 2011 TriCounty Link Adds a Fifth Commuter Route
• June 13, 2011 Area Mayors Urge Residents to Dump the Pump
• March 3, 2011 Celebrating a New Chapter
• October 16, 2010 Linky Sighted at 2010 Statewide Transit Bus Roadeo
• July 8, 2010 Linky goes wireless!
• June 14, 2010 Area mayors urge residents to Dump the Pump
• June 9, 2010 Fifth Annual National Dump the Pump Day
• May 12, 2010 TriCounty Link Celebrates National Transportation Week
• April 17, 2010 Linky Joins Earth Day Celebration at Park Circle in North Charleston
• April 16, 2010 TriCounty Link Named Best in State
• March 26 thru 28, 2010 TriCounty Link Provides Shuttle Service to/from Flowertown Festival
• March 14, 2010 Linky Attends 22nd Annual Kids' Fair
• March 13, 2010 TriCounty Link Gives Away Annual Passes at Black Expo
• January 18, 2010 Linky Entertains Public at Martin Luther King Day Parade
• November 19, 2009: Updated Schedules and FREE Link to Lunch Service
• October 12, 2009: TriCounty Link Kicks Off New Commuter Route
• August 7, 2009: Improved Moncks Corner Lunch Shuttle FREE for One Month
• January 14, 2009: TriCounty Link's Las Vegas Vacation Winner
• August 25, 2008: TriCounty Link Commuter Routes are on the way!
• April 5, 2008: Three new and easy ways to ride the TriCounty Link
• February 22, 2008: TriCounty Link Takes Top Honors
• November 27, 2007: Holiday Shopping on the McClellanville/Awendaw Link!
• September 15, 2007: New McClellanville, Awendaw Rural Bus Service Begins

NEWS RELEASE: November 29, 2011
TriCounty Link Gives Back to the Community

The TriCounty Link family has a tradition of giving back to the communities it serves and this year is no exception.  As a sponsor of the ABC News 4 Families Helping Families campaign, the Link is holding a stuff-a-bus event on Saturday, December 3rd to collect donations for a family of four.  The "stuff-a-bus" event will be held from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter located at 3000 Proprietors Place in Mt. Pleasant.  Linky, the TriCounty Link mascot will make a special appearance along with Star 99.7's own Geno Jones who will do a live radio remote at the event and distribute goodies to generous donors.

TriCounty Link is asking that people donate educational toys, clothes, gift cards or any new items that can be delivered to the family in time for Christmas.  The family includes:

• Woman, age 60: pants and shirt women's size XL
• Girl, age 4: pants/shirts size 6
• Boy, age 4: pants/shirts size 5
• Boy, age 5: pants/shirts size 8

Don't miss this opportunity to join the TriCounty Link family and help provide a happy holiday season for a family in need. 

To find out more about the services offered by TriCounty Link call 843-899-4096 or go to www.ridetricountylink.com.

 

NEWS RELEASE: September 4, 2011
TriCounty Link Adds a Fifth Commuter Route

TriCounty Link is celebrating the third year of its successful Commuter Solutions program by adding a fifth commuter route.  The new route will serve the Santee Cooper park and ride lot at 1 Riverwood Drive in Moncks Corner, the IGA at 3931 Byrnes Drive in St. Stephen and 52 Station at 2700 S. Williamsburg Highway in Salters.  The new route begins Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

TriCounty Link has started a new operating year with an excellent record for the last fiscal year which closed June 30, 2011.  The Link continues to attract more riders while other systems in the state are showing decreases in ridership.  According to Transit Trends, a South Carolina Department of Transportation performance report, the statewide average indicates a 15.1% decrease in ridership over the past fiscal year.  However, TriCounty Link is celebrating an overall increase of 7.75%. 

There are twenty-four public transportation providers operating in twenty-six areas of the state.  Of those, seven are exclusively urban, fifteen are exclusively rural and four offer both rural and urban service.  TriCounty Link operates a rural regional system throughout Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties and has the seventh largest fleet in the state, as well as being the second largest rural fleet.

According to Executive Director, Will Hutto, "We are continuously fine-turning our route structure to meet the needs of our customers while making the system more efficient."  TriCounty Link ranks third in the state for system mileage for all providers and second for exclusively rural. The Link's system mileage increased by 10.5% while system hours decreased by 11%.  Additionally, the system's cost per hour and cost per revenue hour are below the state average for rural providers.

A system's farebox recovery rate is another important performance indicator.  In the urbanized area the state average is 22.8% and the rural state average is 43.7%.  TriCounty Link's average farebox recovery is 62.9%, one of the best in the state.

TriCounty Link's successes have also attracted national attention and will be featured in a new report, "Transit at the Table" to be released this month by the Federal Transit Administration and the U. S. Department of Transportation. 

 

NEWS RELEASE: June 13, 2011
Area Mayors Urge Residents to Dump the Pump

Moncks Corner, SC - With the return of high gas prices, TriCounty Link is partnering with the Berkeley, Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments (BCD-COG) and Trident Rideshare as well as other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the Sixth Annual National Dump the Pump Day, Thursday, June 16, 2011.   The slogan of this year's National Dump the Pump Day is "Dump the Pump. Save Money. Ride Transit".

Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. and North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey have issued proclamations recognizing the part that public transportation plays in helping Low Country residents save money, reduce congestion and enhance economic opportunities in the region.  TriCounty Link's mascot, Linky will meet with Mayor Riley on Thursday, June 16 at noon to officially receive the City of Charleston proclamation.

In addition to FREE rides on all fixed routes, TriCounty Link customers can REGISTER TO WIN one of two 26” bicycles.  Winners will be notified on Monday, June 20th. TriCounty Link is also proud to announce that FREE wireless internet is now available on ALL fixed route vehicles.  Customers can now save money AND surf the net while riding the bus.  TriCounty Link is the only transit system in the state with FREE wireless internet on board their vehicles.

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) the 2011 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and save money instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money.

High gas prices and concern about the economy means that saving money is on everyone’s minds and public transportation is the quickest way to beat high prices.  According to the latest APTA Transit Savings Report (http://www.apta.com/members/memberprogramsandservices/advocacyandoutreachtools/Pages/TransitCalculator.aspx), individuals in a two-person household can save an average of more than $10,000 annually by downsizing to one car.  Additionally, public awareness about saving energy is still a major issue.  Even one person can make a difference by switching to public transit and reduce daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds, or more than 4,800 pounds in a year.

According to Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Council of Governments Director Ron Mitchum, “Public transportation makes an important contribution to the economic health and quality of life in our region by getting people to and from work and reducing congestion. The Council of Governments continues to be very involved in plans to create an efficient and effective transportation network throughout the three county area and we are very pleased to partner with TriCounty Link as part of this nationwide event.”

To find out more about the BCD-COG and Trident Rideshare go to www.bcdcog.com. To find out more about the region’s Dump the Pump activities call 843-899-4096 or go to www.ridetricountylink.com.

Sponsored by: 

 

NEWS RELEASE: March 3, 2011
Celebrating a New Chapter

On Friday, February 25, 2011 TriCounty Link celebrated an exciting new chapter in it's 16-year history. The Link heralded the opening of its newly renovated offices and maintenance facilities in Moncks Corner with a luncheon and open house.

Over 60 guests attended a luncheon held at the Santee Cooper Wampee Conference Center in Pinopolis. Speakers included representatives from the South Carolina Department of Transportation Office of Public Transportation, area mayors, county officials, Santee Cooper and TriCounty Link employees. Mr. Don Hanley, a retired Santee Cooper employee who served as Manager of Transportation and spent approximately half of his 30-year career in the building was also honored at the event.

Executive Director Will Hutto reminisced about the agency's humble beginnings in 1996 when they moved into a small termite ridden wood frame office and conducted maintenance on the buses under the trees. Hutto stated, "In 1996 we approached this venture as a business. There were no deep pockets to fall back on and here we are fifteen years later, celebrating yesterday, today and turning the page to a new chapter - looking forward to tomorrow."

Lunch speakers were very complementary about the TriCounty Link service, its' phenomenal growth over the past 15 years and the leadership of its' director Will Hutto. According to Doug Frate, Director of the Office of Public Transportation for the SCDOT, "Success in the absence of leadership and vision is very seldom realized. Will Hutto exemplifies both leadership and vision and has done so over the past 15 years, especially with the limited resources he has had to work with. Certainly the new and improved facility is a testament to that vision." The SCDOT recently finalized another $300,000 in Section 5309 grant funding for the project, bringing the total investment to a little over $1.4. The renovation began on May 17, 2010 and was accomplished using a combination of funding provided by the Federal Transit Administration, the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act and local matches.

Sixth Congressional District Transportation Commissioner Harrison Reardon, was also in attendance at the lunch and spoke about TriCounty Link's efforts as an important contribution to working together as a region.

Ray Smith, Director of Human Services for Santee Cooper presented Mr. Hutto with the original 13-page drawings for the building. Designed in 1946 by the Columbia based Heyward A. Singley architectural firm, the building was owned by Santee Cooper and served as a transportation services building. The sixty-five year old building was eventually purchased by the Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Regional Transportation Management Association, now TriCounty Link. The agency has used the building as a transportation hub, administrative office and maintenance facility since 1997.

"Santee Cooper is very proud of its partnership with TriCounty Link" stated Smith. "We helped start the Commuter Solutions Express Bus routes as an additional benefit to our employees. Yes, it helped them at the pump (their wallets) but it also helped us lower our dependence on foreign oil and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions for all our commuting employees. It is good for the planet."

After the lunch, the audience joined members of the public for an open house and official ribbon cutting ceremony at the renovated Moncks Corner facility.

In celebration of the event, customers riding the TriCounty Link fixed route service can enter a drawing to win a 22" Panasonic LCD-HDTV with iPod dock. Beginning Friday, February 25th entry blanks will be available on all TriCounty Link vehicles and the winner will be notified by March 18th.

TriCounty Link has made remarkable progress since being established in 1996. The long list of accomplishments the agency has accumulated over the past several years include:

• September 2007 - Implemented new service along the Highway 17 North corridor from Mt. Pleasant to McClellanville.
• October 2007 - Introduced Saturday service on the Highway 17 North route.
• 

  Tour of the new offices...

  January 2008 - Named Public Transit Provider of the Year by the SCDOT. Executive Director Will Hutto receives SCDOT Director's Award.
• January 2008 - Implemented two new routes on Johns Island.
• August 2008 - Implemented Commuter Solutions program with three new commuter routes.
• July 2009 - Implemented free Link-to-Lunch service.
• September 2010 - Wins two American Public Transportation Association AdWheel Awards. Also receives Excellence Award from the National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation (NADO).
• October 2009 - Implemented fourth Commuter Solutions route.
• February 2010 - Named Best Rural Transit Provider in South Carolina by the SCDOT.
• July 2010 - Introduced wireless internet on Commuter routes.
• Ridership doubled during the five-year period between FY 2004-2005 and FY 2008-2009, with the largest annual increase of 38 percent occurring between FY 2007-2008 and FY 2008-2009.
• TriCounty Link has experienced an overall increase of 4 percent during the period FY 2008-2009 and FY 2009-2010, with the largest increases occurring on the Commuter Solutions Routes.

In 2009 the Link also implemented an innovative training program for drivers by purchasing and converting a 1995 model bus for use as a dedicated training vehicle. Although CDL’s are not required for all drivers, TriCounty Link has achieved its goal of certifying all vehicle operators and implemented a rotating training schedule to maintain their proficiency.

For more information about the renovation and open house or to find out more about TriCounty Link services call 843-899-4096/toll free at 1-800-966-6631 or visit our website at www.ridetricountylink.com.

Photos and Mr. Hutto's remarks available upon request.

 

Linky Sighting: October 16, 2010
2010 TASC Statewide Transit Bus Roadeo

Linky was spotted at the the TASC Roadeo on Saturday, October 16, 2010 in Columbia. TriCounty Link's drivers and mechanics competed with other South Carolina transit drivers and mechanics in the annual Statewide Transit Bus Roadeo sponsored by the Transportation Association of South Carolina (TASC) in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and various transit-related vendors. [view pictures]

NEWS RELEASE: July 8, 2010
Subject: Linky goes wireless!

In another innovative action, the TriCounty Link has added wireless internet connections on four commuter buses.  Beginning Monday, July 12, 2010, commuters will be able to sign onto the Internet while on board on the Commuter Solutions routes between Moncks Corner and Summerville, and North Charleston and Moncks Corner.

According to Executive Director, Will Hutto, “Adding wireless internet to our Commuter Solutions routes is one of many goals we’ve achieved over the past several years and is a first for public transportation in South Carolina.  We’re very excited to provide this great new amenity for our customers.”

TriCounty Link has experienced tremendous growth since starting service over 14 years ago, with much of the improvements occurring during the last three years.  Over the past year alone ridership on TriCounty Link has continued to show substantial increases.  Figures for the period July 2009 through March 2010 indicate an overall 39% increase in ridership.  As a result of these achievements, TriCounty Link has been named the Best Rural Public Transportation Provider of 2010 by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

For more information about TriCounty Link services call 843-899-4096, or toll free at 1-800-966-6631, or visit our web site at www.ridetricountylink.com.

NEWS RELEASE: June 14, 2010
Subject: Area mayors urge residents to Dump the Pump

With people still struggling economically, and concerned about saving energy and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, TriCounty Link is partnering with the Berkeley, Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments (BCD-COG) and Trident Rideshare as well as other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the Fifth Annual National Dump the Pump Day, Thursday, June 17, 2010.

Mayors throughout the tri-county region have signed letters in support of a proclamation issued by the TriCounty Link board of directors commemorating the event.  Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. also issued a proclamation for the City of Charleston.  Signed by Board Chairman Reverend Robert Reid, the TriCounty Link Board proclamation recognizes the part that public transportation plays in helping Low Country residents save money, reduce congestion and enhance economic opportunities in the region. In recognition of the importance of the event, public officials from every corner of the Low Country will leave their cars at home and ride public transportation on Thursday the 17th.

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) the 2010 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and save money instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money.

In addition to offering FREE rides on all fixed routes, TriCounty Link customers can REGISTER TO WIN one of two 26” Huffy bicycles.  In addition, at some point during the day a local radio personality will ride a mystery route, providing live reports and counting customers as they board.  The 99th customer will win a pair of tickets to Funk Fest, a popular “old skool” concert featuring hits from the 70’s 80’s, 90’s and present” to be held Saturday, June 19 at the Family Circle Stadium on Daniel Island.

According to Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Council of Governments Director Ron Mitchum, “Public transportation makes an important contribution to the economic health and quality of life in our region by getting people to and from work and reducing congestion. The Council of Governments continues to be very involved in plans to create an efficient and effective transportation network throughout the three county area and we are very pleased to partner with TriCounty Link as part of this nationwide event.”

To find out more about the BCD-COG and Trident Rideshare go to www.bcdcog.com. To find out more about the region’s Dump the Pump activities call 843-899-4096 or go to www.ridetricountylink.com.

NEWS RELEASE: June 9, 2010
Subject: Fifth Annual National Dump the Pump Day

With people still struggling economically, and concerned about saving energy and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, TriCounty Link is partnering with the Berkeley, Charleston Dorchester Council of Governments (BCD-COG) and Trident Rideshare as well as other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the Fifth Annual National Dump the Pump Day, Thursday, June 17, 2010.

Mayors throughout the tri-county region have been asked to sign letters in support of a proclamation issued by the TriCounty Link board of directors commemorating the event.  Signed by Board Chairman Reverend Robert Reid, the proclamation recognizes the part that public transportation plays in helping Low Country residents save money, reduce congestion and enhance economic opportunities in the region.  In recognition of the importance of the event, public officials from every corner of the Low Country will leave their cars at home and ride public transportation on Thursday the 17th. 

In addition to offering FREE rides on all fixed routes, TriCounty Link customers can register to win one of two 26” Huffy bicycles.

Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2010 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and save money instead of driving a car. Started in June 2006 when gas prices were $3 per gallon, this national day emphasizes that public transportation is a great travel option that also helps people save money.

According to Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Council of Governments Director Ron Mitchum, “Public transportation makes an important contribution to the economic health and quality of life in our region by getting people to and from work and reducing congestion. The Council of Governments continues to be very involved in plans to create an efficient and effective transportation network throughout the three county area and we are very pleased to partner with TriCounty Link as part of this nationwide event.”

To find out more about the BCD-COG and Trident Rideshare go to www.bcdcog.com.  To find out more about the region’s Dump the Pump activities call 843-899-4096 or go to www.ridetricountylink.com. Contact: Will Hutto.

[download Dump the Pump poster] [view Dump the Pump Proclamation]

NEWS RELEASE: May 12, 2010
SUBJECT: TriCounty Link celebrates National Transportation Week

May 16-22 is National Transportation Week and being named Best Rural Transportation Provider of 2010, TriCounty Link has a lot to celebrate. In addition to a 37% increase in ridership, the Link's efforts to educate the public about how using public transportation is good for the environment and saves energy was one factor in the Authority's big award.

According to the American Public Transportation Association, commuting by public transportation is one of the most significant actions you can take to reduce household carbon emissions. For every passenger mile traveled, public transportation uses about one half of the fuel consumed by automobiles and about a third of that used by sport utility vehicles and light trucks. By riding TriCounty Link you can contribute to better air quality in the Low Country and help reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

On Monday and Tuesday, customers at the two park and ride locations listed below can ride FREE on the designated dates. Linky, the TriCounty Link mascot will also be there on each of the two days to distribute cold water and cookies as customers get off the buses in the afternoon.

• Monday, May 17 - K-Mart Super Center, 8571 Rivers Avenue, N. Charleston
• Tuesday, May 18 - Heritage Square Shopping Center, US Hwy 78/Berlin G. Myers Parkway, Summerville
• Friday, May 21 - Customers on ALL TriCounty Link fixed routes ride FREE all day.

In addition, TriCounty Link is coordinating with the Charleston County Department of Education, to provide travel training to students from three John's Island Schools. Haute Gap middle school, Angel Oak Elementary and Mt. Zion Elementary school students and their parents will board TriCounty Link buses on Friday, May 21 and receive instruction on how easy it is to use public transportation. The students and their parents are part of the county English as a second language curriculum.

For more information about the many services offered by TriCounty Link visit our website at www.ridetricountylink.com or call 843-899-4096.

Linky Sighting: April 17, 2010
Linky Joins Earth Day Celebration at Park Circle

Linky was spotted at the TriCounty Link booth on Earth Day! On Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Park Circle in North Charleston, Linky entertained kids of all ages. While Linky posed for pictures with many attendees, TriCounty Link held drawings for give-aways. [view pictures]

NEWS RELEASE: April 16, 2010
SUBJECT: TriCounty Link Named Best in State

The South Carolina Department of Transportation recently named TriCounty Link the Best Rural Public Transportation Provider of 2010.  The award was presented by Glennith Johnson, Deputy Secretary for Mass Transit at the 2010 Transportation Association of South Carolina conference.

Over the past three years the Link has made great progress in providing efficient public transportation throughout Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.  In 2008, when other systems across the country were raising fares and cutting service, the Link responded to community needs by introducing the Commuter Solutions program.  The three commuter routes were provided free for the first three months, but the service continued to retain and attract new riders even after gas prices decreased.  In October 2009 an additional route was added to the service along with the implementation of a free Link-to-Lunch shuttle in Moncks Corner.  The lunch shuttle provides employees who use the commuter service to get to and from work in Moncks Corner with a way to get to restaurants and to run errands on their lunch hours.

In addition to implementing a weekly and monthly pass program, TriCounty Link also conducted a thorough route structure review and updated routes to be more efficient and to better serve the communities.  New brochures with maps and schedules were printed to reflect the route changes.  The new brochures are also available on the web site at www.ridetricountylink.com.

In 2009 the Link also implemented an innovative training program for drivers by purchasing and converting a 1995 model bus for use as a dedicated training vehicle.  Although CDL’s are not required for all drivers, TriCounty Link has achieved its goal of certifying all vehicle operators and implemented a rotating training schedule to maintain their proficiency.

TriCounty Link has experienced tremendous growth since starting service over 14 years ago, with much of the improvements occurring during the last three years.  Over the past year alone ridership on TriCounty Link has continued to show substantial increases.  Figures for the period July 2009 through March 2010 indicate an overall 39% increase in ridership.

According to Mr. Hutto, “Being recognized as the best rural system in the state is the result of a team effort.  I would like to thank every employee and each TriCounty Link board member for their hard work and dedication to the customers we serve.”

Watch our awards video on www.ridetricountylink.com.  For more information about the SCDOT Awards criteria or TriCounty Link services call 843-899-4096, or toll free at 1-800-966-6631.

Linky Sighting: March 26 thru 28, 2010
TriCounty Link Provides Shuttle Service to/from Flowertown Festival

TriCounty Link helped festival goers avoid the hassles of finding parking during the Flowertown Festival. Fairgoers parked for FREE at the Link's Dorchester County Park-n-Ride and hopped a FREE ride on the Link to Summerville Town Hall and the Flowertown Festival. Shuttles ran throughout the festival: Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Linky hopped a ride to the festival, too, to entertain kids of all ages. Did you get your picture taken with Linky? View our slideshow and find out. [view pictures] [read article about event]

Linky Sighting: March 14, 2010
Linky Attends 22nd Annual Kids' Fair!

Linky greeted hundreds of kids and parents at the TriCounty Link booth during the 22nd Annual Kids' Fair in Charleston on Sunday, March 14, 2010. Linky also joined the other 25 mascots for a dance on stage after Mayor Riley officially opened Kid's Fair. Over 102 children between the ages of 2 and 14 entered the "It's Easy Being Green" coloring contest and winners were announced throughout the day. The winners included: Alan Brown, age 11; Vidta Brown, age 9; Angel Bush, age 5; Tate Fowler, age 10; Megan Hutchinson, age 6; Ohad Karavani, age 11; Lee Murphy, age 9; Dwayne Reed, age 6; Jordan Reed, age 8; and Louden Scherer, age 7. [view contest winners]

Event Update: March 13, 2010
TriCounty Link Gives Away Annual Passes at Black Expo

TriCounty Link was front and center at the 2010 Black Expo in the North Charleston Convention Center with Star 99.7's Geno Jones! We had onlookers and Star 99.7 patrons registered for a chance to win annual bus passes. Four lucky visitors won FREE Annual Passes from TriCounty Link. Congratulations to winners!

• Brenda Barksdale
• Kesha Mitchell
• Beth Johnson
• Charyn Pope!

LINKY SIGHTING: January 18, 2010
Linky Entertains the Public at Martin Luther King Day Parade

TriCounty Link participated in the Martin Luther King Day parade! Followed by a TriCounty Link van, Linky entertained the public during the Martin Luther King Day Parade on January 18, 2010. Here are a couple shots of Linky in action:

NEWS RELEASE: November 19, 2009
SUBJECT: Updated Schedules and FREE Link to Lunch Service

After a two-year review of its route structure, TriCounty Link is updating schedules and routes to make the system more efficient and customer-friendly.  The Link is also unveiling colorful new route brochures for nine of the fixed routes.  The new brochures will be available on the vehicles and at the TriCounty Link offices, 305 Heatley Street in Moncks Corner and customers may call 843-899-4096 for additional locations. The new, easier to read information has also been added to the TriCounty Link web site at www.ridetricountylink.com.

According to Executive Director William Hutto, “TriCounty Link has experienced tremendous growth since beginning service in 1996, especially during the past 3 years with the implementation of the four Commuter Solutions routes.  As we reviewed our original route structure we realized we found areas where we could make our service more effective.  The new brochures reflect our efforts to make the routes more efficient and provide better information for our loyal customers and new riders who use the system.” 

In addition to the updated routes, TriCounty Link is now offering FREE rides on the Moncks Corner Link to Lunch service.  Customers can hop on the Link-to-Lunch shuttle and signal the driver when they want to get off at one of the many eating establishments in the area. The Link to Lunch shuttle operates Monday through Friday from 10:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. and picks up approximately every 8 minutes. In addition to area restaurants, the shuttle will also stop at the Home Telephone offices, Santee Cooper, Berkeley Electric Coop, Santee Cooper Credit Union, Berkeley Community Mental Health Center, Walmart and more.

TriCounty Link is the rural transportation provider for the Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester region.  Over the past year ridership has increased by 38% and the system has recently been honored with awards from the American Public Transportation Association and the National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation.

For copies of the new schedules or for more information about all TriCounty Link services call 843-899-4096 or visit our web site at www.ridetricountylink.com. 

NEWS RELEASE: October 12, 2009
SUBJECT: TriCounty Link Kicks Off New Commuter Route

Approximately 40 people attended the TriCounty Link event to celebrate the first anniversary of the Commuter Solutions program and to help kick-off a fourth commuter route serving Cross, St. Stephens and Bonneau. The event, held at the Santee Cooper park and ride lot in Moncks Corner, was also the first time Linky, the TriCounty Link mascot, has appeared in public.

In addition to helping cut the ribbon for the new commuter route, Linky was on hand to remind people that by using TriCounty Link they are not only helping cut carbon emissions, but they can also save an average of more than $8,000 a year by not driving their cars to work.

Voicing their support for the Link and its contributions to the Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester communities it serves were: SC State Representative David Umphlett, Michael J. Heitzler, Mayor of Goose Creek; Dan Davis, Berkeley County Supervisor; Dr. Barbara Zia, President of the League of Women Voters of South Carolina; Mary Horres, President, League of Women Voters of the Charleston Area; and Levon Stickland, General Manager, Santee Cooper Cross Generating Station.

"Santee Cooper began promoting the TriCounty Link commuter bus service to our employees a year ago as part of our new commuter benefits program, and we see this partnership as a win-win-win," said Lonnie Carter, Santee Cooper president and chief executive officer. "The environment wins because when people take a bus instead of driving their personal vehicles, they save on vehicle emissions. The community wins because by partnering with businesses, TriCounty Link is also able to provide public transportation to rural areas that lack transportation options. Our employees win because they save on gas costs, vehicle wear-and-tear and the stress of driving. For all of these reasons, Santee Cooper is pleased to help bring commuter bus service to the communities around Lake Moultrie."

The new route will operate Monday through Friday serving Cross, St. Stephen, Bonneau, and Moncks Corner. In addition to the Santee Cooper lot, park and ride for the new Cross Route are located at the: Bonneau Town Hall, 422 Municipal Lane; St. Stephen IGA, 3931 Byrnes Drive, and the Cross Generating Station, 553 Cross Station Road in Pineville.

Additionally, between October 12 and December 30, 2009, TriCounty Link customers will be able to enter to win great prizes including, gift certificates from Lowe’s of Summerville, Gilligan’s Restaurant, Walmart, Chic-Fil-A of Goose Creek, and Duke’s Bar-B-Que. Riders can also enter to win the grand prize, a 42” flat screen television to be awarded on January 4, 2010.

The success of the Commuter Solutions program has given TriCounty Link a lot to celebrate. Ridership on the original three routes has increased by 37% over the past year and the program received two first place awards at American Public Transportation Association (APTA) annual convention in Orlando on October 5, and will also receive an excellence award from the National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation (NADO) at the Rural Transportation Learning Conference in Savannah on October 28.

TriCounty Link will also unveil a new training bus at the Monday morning event. According to Executive Director, Will Hutto, “We see a direct correlation between training and professionalism. Although all of the vehicles we operate may not require it, we now require all of our drivers to have CDL licenses. To achieve this goal and to maintain the level of training required, we have converted and refurbished a 40 foot Thomas Transitliner to be used as our dedicated training bus. This is a 1995 model bus that had been utilized and fully depreciated at another transit property in the state. The conversion and refurbishing was done at a very modest cost and allows us to be the only public transit property in the state to have a dedicated training bus.”

For more information about the event and the new Cross Commuter Solutions route please call Will Hutto at 843-899-4096. For additional photos from the event, contact Susan Richards at 769-6159. For information about other TriCounty Link services, visit our website at www.ridetricountylink.com.

 

 

NEWS RELEASE: August 7, 2009
SUBJECT: Improved Moncks Corner Lunch Shuttle FREE for One Month

Effective August 10, 2009, the Link-to-Lunch shuttle will undergo changes that will make getting to and from lunch in Moncks Corner much faster. According to Executive Director Will Hutto, “The adjusted service will cover Stony Landing Road, Rembert C. Dennis Boulevard, and Highway 52 with two buses traveling in opposite directions.” The change was made to make the service more attractive to people who need to get to and from lunch quickly, and especially for those customers who ride the TriCounty Link Commuter Solutions routes to work. As Hutto explained, “By focusing on the area with the highest concentration of restaurants, apartment complexes and businesses, we have made it possible for a bus to pass by about every 8 minutes.”

When you’re ready to go out to lunch you can hop on the Link-to-Lunch shuttle and signal the driver when you want to get off at one of the many eating establishments in the area. When you’re finished with lunch, just stand outside the restaurant and within approximately eight minutes the shuttle will pick you up for the return trip to work. Because the TriCounty Link is a flag stop system, Moncks Corner residents may also stand at a safe location anywhere along the route, WAVE, and the bus will stop to pick them up.

In addition to area restaurants, the shuttle will also stop at the Home Telephone offices, Santee Cooper, Berkeley Electric Coop, Santee Cooper Credit Union, Berkeley Community Mental Health Center, Walmart and more.

The Link to Lunch shuttle operates Monday through Friday from 10:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. and picks up approximately every 8 minutes. As an added incentive, the shuttle will provide FREE service from August 10 until September 4, 2009 and riders can enter drawings to win FREE lunches from Moncks Corner restaurants.

Check out the Link-to-Lunch shuttle details on the TriCounty Link web site at www.ridetricountylink.com or call 899-4096 for more information about the many services offered by TriCounty Link.   [ view Link to Lunch flyer ]

NEWS RELEASE: January 14, 2009
SUBJECT: TriCounty Link's Las Vegas Vacation Winner

With the end of the 90-day introduction period for the TriCounty Link Commuter Solutions routes ridership is still at very healthy levels and one lucky customer is the big winner of the trip to Las Vegas.  The Las Vegas vacation award package was presented to Crystal L. Owens, an Administrative Support Coordinator at the College of Charleston at a short ceremony to be held at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2008.  The ceremony was held at the Summerville Park and Ride lot (Heritage Sq. Shopping Center at US Highway 78 & Berlin Myers Parkway) where Crystal typically hops on board the Link for her ride to and from work.

A mother of two, 10-year old Kiara and Alyssia, age 7, Crystal is excited about winning the trip and was accompanied by the whole family to the ceremony.  She’s also very pleased with her TriCounty Link commuter experience, “The Link commuter service is so reliable and convenient.  It’s just such a nice, safe way to get to work without the stress of driving between Summerville and North Charleston.”   In addition to the trip to Las Vegas, Crystal was also presented with a free annual pass to help make it even easier to get to and from work.

As of October 2008 the TriCounty Link’s average monthly ridership increased by a record 36 percent.  The Link attributes the increases to several factors.  Greater public awareness about the service, the success of the Commuter Solutions routes, record gas price increases and the general public’s willingness to embrace public transportation as an alternative to sitting in traffic. 

Since being launched on September 2, 2008 ridership on the three Commuter Solutions Routes more than doubled during the first three months of operation.  As of December 9, 2008 the service provided more than 11,225 passenger trips, averaging approximately 167 trips per day. According to Executive Director Will Hutto, “For a rural commuter service to achieve this type of success in such a short time is amazing.”

Even with the recent decreases in gas prices, the majority of commuters continue to use the service.  The Link has only seen a small decline in ridership due to the Thanksgiving holiday and on Election Day when many Santee Cooper employees had the day off.  Solutions Route #1, which serves Santee Cooper headquarters in Moncks Corner garnered the most riders (5,655) with Route #3 coming in second (3,280).

For more information about the awards ceremony or the Commuter Solution routes contact Will Hutto at 843-899-4096 or toll free at 800-966-6631.  Information about all TriCounty Link services can be found online at www.ridetricountylink.com.

NEWS RELEASE: August 25, 2008
SUBJECT: TriCounty Link Commuter Routes are on the way!

At a time when transit systems across the country are raising fares and cutting service in an attempt to cope with gas price increases, TriCounty Link is expanding service and offering FREE rides.

Beginning September 2, 2008 the Link will introduce three Commuter Solution routes in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties.  The new commuter routes will provide more transportation options for residents traveling to and from Ridgeville, Summerville, Moncks Corner and Goose Creek.

The Commuter Solution route schedules have been carefully designed to coordinate with the CARTA Express bus schedules and signals another major cooperative effort between the two systems.  Customers can park FREE at any of the five Park and Ride Locations in Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, Ridgeville and Summerville and transfer to CARTA Express buses at the Super K-Mart in Otranto.

During the introductory period, September 2 – November 30, 2008, customers can ride FREE on the new commuter routes as well as on all TriCounty Link routes throughout the 3-county area.   If that’s not enough of an incentive, the Link is also sponsoring a drawing that will award a FREE trip to Las Vegas to some lucky customer at the end of the three month period.  The more you ride the better your chance to win!

“At TriCounty Link we have not increased fares since our start-up in 1996,” stated Executive Director William Hutto.  “We’re very pleased to be able to offer free rides on the new commuter routes and throughout the entire system at a time when budgets are strained from the recent increases in gas prices.”

TriCounty Link plans a big celebration at 10:00 a.m. on September 2 in the parking lot of the Super K-Mart at Otranto with speakers from the SCDOT, local governments and special entertainment provided by a local dance team.  Additionally, Dorchester County Chairman Larry Hargett and Ridgeville Mayor James William will take the first ride on the 5:30 a.m. bus from Ridgeville on September 2.

In addition to the new commuter routes, TriCounty Link is also introducing a new web site at www.ridetricountylink.com.  The site became active on August 21, 2008 and is not only extremely user friendly but has been carefully designed to be very accessible for people with disabilities.  The site also allows customers to order transit passes on-line by using a check, credit card or PayPal.  

According to Reverend Robert Reid, TriCounty Link Board Chairman, “The introduction of the Commuter Solution routes marks a new and exciting time in the history of public transportation throughout the three county area.  Now we can say that the residents of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties have more transportation options than anywhere else in the state.”

For more information about the new Commuter Solution routes contact Will Hutto at 843-899-4095 or toll free at 800-966-6631.  For more information about all TriCounty Link services please visit our website at www.ridetricountylink.com.

Commuter Solution schedules attached.

NEWS RELEASE: April 5, 2008
SUBJECT: Three new and easy ways to ride the TriCounty Link.

Beginning April 14, 2008 riding the TriCounty Link will be easier than ever AND will also save you money. With skyrocketing gas prices, riding the Link is definitely more economical than driving and, with the implementation of a new pass program, riders will experience even bigger savings.

Recent surveys indicated riders wanted options to paying the $2.25 one-way cash fare. As a result, the Link is introducing a new program that provides unlimited rides for customers when they purchase a weekly or monthly pass. The passes are priced to give regular riders a substantial discount to the cash one-way fare: Weekly - $18, Monthly - $70 and the more you ride, the more money you save.

According to Executive Director William Hutto, "The new pass program is a direct result of listening to our customers and using what they tell us to make riding as easy and cost effective as possible."

For customers who continue to pay the one-way cash fare, TriCounty Link also offers free transfers between Link routes and to CARTA fixed route services. Passengers only pay one fare each way. For example, a passenger boarding a TriCounty Link bus will pay the driver $2.25 and receive a transfer to board any other Link bus, or transfer to a CARTA Express or fixed route service without paying any additional fare. Transfers between TriCounty Link buses are free; CARTA charges a $.25 transfer fee on all their fixed route services.

The new weekly and monthly passes are honored on all TriCounty Link fixed routes only and may be purchased by mailing a check to the TriCountyLink offices at 305 Heatley Street, Moncks Corner, SC 29461.

For more information about the new pass program or other services offered by the TriCounty Link, call the agency's office in Moncks Corner toll free at 800-966-6631 or 843-899-4096.

CONTACT: Will Hutto, 843-899-4096.

NEWS RELEASE: February 22, 2008
SUBJECT: TriCounty Link Takes Top Honors

The TriCounty Link brought home two top awards from the 2008 Transportation Association of South Carolina (TASC) conference. Held February 8-13 at Myrtle Beach, the conference featured a State Bus Roadeo, various training, and presentations on topics that ranged from funding alternatives to emergency preparedness.

TriCounty Link competitors in the State Bus Roadeo included, O'dell Johnson, 14-passenger van; Shondell Peace, 35-foot bus; and Cynthia Gibbs, 40-foot bus. Cynthia Footman placed second in the state in the Cutaway category and a team composed of Steve Langley, P.J. Bennett and Clybert Swinton placed third in the maintenance category.

The highlight of the conference came on Monday evening, February 11 at the TASC awards banquet as representatives from across the state gathered with great anticipation for the announcement of several coveted awards. TriCounty Link was awarded the top honor of Public Transit Provider of the Year. The award presented by the South Carolina Department of Transportation Mass Transit Division is very competitive as transportation systems across South Carolina vie for the honor of being named "Best in the State".

TriCounty Link Executive Director William Hutto also received the Director's Award. This award is presented at the discretion of the director of the SCDOT Mass Transit Division. Division staff members use information gathered during on-site visits through the year to nominate individuals who have demonstrated excellent management skills in the operation of their systems. Mass Transit Division Director Glennith Johnson recognized that, through his "savvy, good sense of business" Mr. Hutto has made wise use of the limited funding received by the TriCounty Link to maximize services and to enhance the image of public transportation in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties and throughout the state.

According to Mr. Hutto, "Being recognized as the best in the state is the result of a team effort. I would like to thank every employee and each TriCounty Link board member for their hard work and dedication to the customers we serve."

For more information about the SCDOT Awards criteria or TriCounty Link services call 843-899-4096, or toll free at 1-800-966-6631.

CONTACT: Will Hutto, 843-899-4096.

NEWS RELEASE: November 27, 2007
SUBJECT: Holiday Shopping on the McClellanville/Awendaw Link!

Just in time for your holiday shopping the TriCounty Link is offering Saturday service on the McClellanville/Awendaw/Mt. Pleasant route. The Saturday Shopping Shuttle will begin Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. until the last bus returns to McClellanville Town Hall at 6:29 p.m.

Implemented in September, the McClellanville/Awendaw/Mt. Pleasant route has operated Monday through Friday linking rural customers to the CARTA Route 41 and Express services. The results of a survey taken in October indicated that a large percentage of the customers use the Link to do their shopping, closely followed by trips to work and medical appointments. Many of those who completed the surveys also requested weekend service. According to Executive Director Will Hutto, "The new Saturday service is a result of listening to our customers and trying to fit their needs as closely as possible within the constraints of our budget."

On Saturday, December 8 the Link is partnering with Live 5 News to stuff-the-bus with toys for Debi's Kids. A TriCounty Link bus will be at the WalMart Supercenter in Mt. Pleasant from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. to accept donations. Anyone bringing an unwrapped toy will be eligible to enter a drawing for gift certificates and other holiday surprises.

The TriCounty Link is a flagstop system. To catch a ride, customers should stand at a safe location along the route, wave to the driver and the bus will stop to pick them up. The Link also has a transfer agreement with CARTA that allows customers to pay one fare when boarding the bus and receive a transfer to board a CARTA bus without paying an additional fare. When making the return trip customers pay the CARTA fare and $.25 for a transfer and then board a TriCounty Link bus at no additional charge.

For more information about the new Saturday Shopping Shuttle, the Stuff-the-bus for Debi's Kids event or other TriCounty Link services call 843-899-4096, or toll free at 1-800-966-6631. Customers may also find McClellanville/Awendaw/Mt. Pleasant route brochure and Saturday Shopping Shuttle schedules by clicking on the TriCounty Link logo on the following web sites: www.star997.com or www.heaven1390.com.

CONTACT: Will Hutto, 843-899-4096.

NEWS RELEASE: September 15, 2007
SUBJECT: New McClellanville, Awendaw Rural Bus Service Begins

Residents who live in McClellanville, Awendaw and nearby communities now have a new transportation option. On Monday, September 17, 2007 the TriCounty Link begins providing service along Highway 17 from McClellanville to Mt. Pleasant. The schedule for the new route has been carefully developed to link rural residents with the CARTA Express and Route 40 services in Mount Pleasant. The route will operate Monday through Friday and will be FREE for a two-week introductory period, September 17-28, 2007.

According to Executive Director William Hutto, "Rural residents will be truly linked to the urban destinations where they work, shop and receive medical care." The new service offers four different times that residents can travel to and from the rural areas along the Highway 17N corridor.

The transfer agreement with CARTA is another benefit for rural customers. Passengers only pay one fare each way. For example, a passenger boarding in McClellanville will pay the TriCounty Link driver $2.25 and receive a transfer to board either the CARTA Express or a Route 40 bus without paying an additional fare. On the return trip the passenger will pay either a $2.00 fare on the CARTA Express or $1.25 on the Route 40 bus, pay the CARTA driver $.25 for a transfer, and then board the TriCounty Link bus without paying an additional fare.

The new Charleston County route is funded by a portion of the half-cent sales tax. The TriCounty Link is trying to make efficient use of the funding to meet the needs of as many rural residents as possible. The agency also plans to implement another route in November that will link rural residents on Johns Island with CARTA services.

To celebrate these accomplishments the agency will also offer FREE rides on all TriCounty Link routes during the period from September 17 until September 28, 2007. For more information about the new McClellanville, Awendaw, Mt. Pleasant Route or other services offered by the TriCounty Link, call the agency's office in Moncks Corner toll free at 800-966-6631 or 843-899-4096.

CONTACT: Will Hutto, 843-899-4096.