The Town of Bluffton started a free transportation service.
This service will make it easier for residents and visitors to reach Old Town Historic Bluffton District, especially since some parking spots will be limited due to ongoing infrastructure projects. The free service, working with Hidden Treasures Tours, a highly rated, locally guided golf cart tour of Old Town. The service started on June 18 and runs for 12 weeks. The goal is to aid businesses, restaurants, parks and attractions in Old Town affected by the improvements. The service makes things convenient for locals and visitors, while work continues.
The shuttle runs on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m. and is free for everyone to use. Town officials say this is part of their effort to help people and businesses deal with less parking and street availability as construction happens in Old Town. Stephen Steese, the Town Manager, said, “Bluffton is making important investments in infrastructure to improve safety, drainage, walkability, and the experience in Old Town.
While these improvements will bring long–term benefits, construction causes temporary issues.
This free transportation service is one way the Town is supporting the community.” The service is being introduced before major parking changes happen so people can get used to it before construction really starts.”
After the 12-week trial, the Town will look at how many people used the service and what people think to decide whether to keep it going. The shuttle will run on a continuous loop between four stops:
- Wright Family Park at 111 Calhoun Street
- Corner of Mellichamp Drive and Bluffton Road
- M.C.Riley Sports Complex at 185 Goethe Road
- Oyster Factory Park at 63 Wharf Street
The shuttle will travel between all these stops in a set route.
Riders can get on or off anywhere along the route, but the shuttle won’t stop anywhere else.
Each stop will have a two-sided sign to help riders find the right place. The transportation service is meant to help people get around Old Town without having to look for parking during construction.
Town leaders say this pilot program shows Bluffton is committed to improving infrastructure while keeping things positive for residents, visitors, and businesses. For more information about the service, contact Lyndee Simoneaux, director of events and venues, at lsimoneaux@townofbluffton.com. Or go to www.townofbluffton.sc.gov or facebook.com/TownBlufftonSC for updates.
