Santee-Lynches Seeks Public Input for Regional Public Transportation Assessment

Santee Lynches Regional Council of Governments
2525 Corporate Way, Suite 200
Sumter SC 29154

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Kyle Kelly, (803-774-1377)

2/12/2019
Sumter, SC – For Immediate Release

The Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments (Santee-Lynches) is conducting a public transportation needs assessment study for the region (including Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee, and Sumter Counties) and needs the public’s input.

This project will inventory existing public transportation resources in the region and identify both infrastructure and policy gaps in the region’s public transportation system.

To make this assessment successful, Santee-Lynches needs the public to provide their input and opinions on the public transportation resources desired for the future in their community. Santee-Lynches looks to obtain input from residents of all ages and backgrounds across the four-county region using a variety of outreach efforts including: surveys, focus groups, various public engagement opportunities, and interviews. Throughout February, March, and April, presentations and public engagement sessions will be held throughout the region. Meeting times for these presentations and focus groups will be announced on the Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments website (www.SanteeLynchesCOG.org) and via Santee-Lynches social media accounts. There is also a short survey available at the municipal government buildings and online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/SWRTA available until April 30th, 2019.

This assessment is sponsored by the Santee-Wateree Regional Transportation Authority, which provides nearly all public transportation services within the region. If you would like more information, please contact Santee-Lynches Regional Planner Jake Whitmire via email at jwhitmire@slcog.org or at 803-774-1381. The needs assessment will continue through mid-2019.

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About Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments

Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments is a premier organization committed to optimizing each member’s unique strengths by leading regional unity to create global impacts and cultivating a highly desired region to live, work, and play. We serve the counties of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter and the cities of Bishopville, Camden, Manning and Sumter. Our mission is to deliberately enhance the quality of life and provide opportunities for the advancement of our region. Santee-Lynches serves the counties and cities of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter. We are a member of the SC COG network (SCCOGS.org). Collectively, the SC COGS are also solution providers, conveners, and consultants to the 10 regions of South Carolina. We provide a standard of excellence in the delivery of federal, state and regional services for our member communities to benefit all of South Carolina.

About Santee-Wateree Regional Transportation Authority

The Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority (SWRTA) is the public transportation provider in Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee and Sumter counties; providing fixed route bus and ADA services in the City of Sumter with Shuttle services to the Cherryvale and Shaw Air Force Base Communities. SWRTA provides SmartRide services to Columbia from Camden and Sumter. SWRTA provides demand response (paratransit service), which operates in the urban and rural areas of the county. Paratransit service offers county residents accessible transportation options to ride any of these county routes based upon space availability as cash clients