Charleston Transit Fares & ADA Access - City Rules
Charleston, South Carolina riders rely primarily on the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) for fixed-route service and ADA paratransit. This guide explains where fares and ADA access rules are published, how enforcement and appeals work in practice, and how to apply for accessible services.
How fares and ADA access are published
CARTA publishes current fare schedules and fare media options on its official fares page; for specifics on fares and passes see the CARTA fares page [1]. Information about ADA paratransit eligibility, application and service area is maintained by CARTA and by the City of Charleston for local accessibility planning.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of fare payment and onboard conduct is carried out by transit operators and CARTA public safety or contracted enforcement staff. If you are cited for fare evasion or other infractions, the controlling rules and monetary penalties are set by the transit authority or under applicable municipal/state law.
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Enforcer: CARTA public safety, transit operator or designated enforcement contractors administer citations and removal from service where allowed.
- Inspection and complaint pathways: file a service complaint or accessibility concern with CARTA customer service or the City of Charleston ADA coordinator; see Help and Support below.
- Appeals: appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; riders should follow the appeal instructions on the citation or contact CARTA customer service immediately.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to disembark, temporary removal from service, or referral to law enforcement may be applied for serious conduct; specific procedures are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
ADA paratransit applications and eligibility assessment forms are provided by CARTA; details and the application form are maintained on CARTA's accessibility/paratransit pages and on the City of Charleston accessibility resources. If no form is posted, the provider advises contacting customer service for enrollment instructions.
FAQ
- How much does a regular CARTA ride cost?
- CARTA publishes current fares on its official fares page; specific amounts and reduced-fare rules are listed there [1].
- How do I apply for ADA paratransit?
- Apply using the ADA paratransit application maintained by CARTA; check CARTA's accessibility or paratransit pages for the application and instructions or contact CARTA customer service.
- Who enforces fare rules and how do I appeal a citation?
- Fare enforcement is handled by CARTA staff or contractors; appeal procedures should appear on the citation or be available from CARTA customer service.
How-To
- Find the current fare table on CARTA's official fares page to confirm the correct fare before boarding.
- Request the ADA paratransit application from CARTA's accessibility resources or call CARTA customer service to receive the form.
- Complete and submit the ADA paratransit application following CARTA's instructions; provide any required medical or functional documentation.
- If cited, read the citation for appeal instructions and contact CARTA customer service immediately to initiate an appeal or request information.
Key Takeaways
- Primary source for fares and paratransit is CARTA's official site.
- For enforcement, appeals and complaints contact CARTA customer service or the City of Charleston ADA coordinator.
Help and Support / Resources
- CARTA Customer Service and Contact
- CARTA Fares and Passes
- CARTA Accessibility and Paratransit
- City of Charleston ADA Coordinator