Easy Way to Charleston?

Friday's secondary editorial considers the benefits of a plan to extend a bus route to Charleston.

The Coast RTA, its counterpart in Charleston and area veterans groups are planning what could be a significant innovation in local public transportation: daily bus service from Myrtle Beach to Charleston.

Encouraged by veterans seeking reliable transportation to hospitals in Charleston, local bus officials have begun exploring a link from Myrtle Beach to Georgetown, and from there on to the outskirts of Charleston. Passengers would then loop into Charleston's highly regarded bus system. The Coast's bus would make Myrtle Beach-Georgetown runs during the day, then return to Charleston once more to pick up passengers on their way back.

The route could encourage day trips between the two destinations, though likely on a small scale at first. And best of all, local officials believe they can use veterans' federal transportation stipends to pay for the cost of the route.

Budgetary uncertainty is the most visible problem confronting The Coast RTA, and some observers have stridently demanded a long-range plan. We share their concerns, but also praise the creativity behind the plan to expand its offerings without burdening local taxpayers.

Encouraged by veterans seeking reliable transportation to hospitals in Charleston, local bus officials have begun exploring a link from Myrtle Beach to Georgetown, and from there on to the outskirts of Charleston. Passengers would then loop into Charleston's highly regarded bus system. The Coast's bus would make Myrtle Beach-Georgetown runs during the day, then return to Charleston once more to pick up passengers on their way back.

The route could encourage day trips between the two destinations, though likely on a small scale at first. And best of all, local officials believe they can use veterans' federal transportation stipends to pay for the cost of the route.

Budgetary uncertainty is the most visible problem confronting The Coast RTA, and some observers have stridently demanded a long-range plan. We share their concerns, but also praise the creativity behind the plan to expand its offerings without burdening local taxpayers.