MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WMBF) – The busy season for the Grand Strand beaches is already heating up, and Coast RTA has its entertainment trolleys ready to go to meet the needs of tourists and locals alike.
The best part? It’s free.
DJ Johnson rides the Coast RTA bus frequently, and he expressed that the entertainment shuttles feel safer and enjoyable while heading to Broadway at the Beach.
“Classic, classic,” said Johnson. “It is refreshing. When I first got down here, it was cool. Even though it is originally old school outside, the inside is pretty cool.”
The shuttle will run through Labor Day, and Coast RTA CEO Brian Piascik said the shuttles are to help reduce the traffic and parking demands throughout the busy tourist season.
“Certainly anybody visiting the city, the cities, you can go have a good time,” said Piascik. “You do not have to worry about driving or parking. There are plenty of trips going back and forth between resorts and entertainment venues. I think it is a safe, good way to get around and experience all the things our cities have to offer.”
Whether visitors are looking to go to a Myrtle Beach Pelicans game, Myrtle Waves waterpark, Broadway at the Beach, or other staple attractions, the shuttles will pick up and drop off starting at 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. from bus stops and hotels along Ocean Boulevard.
Christina Watts is the marketing director for Lazarus Entertainment Group, which owns Myrtle Waves, Grand Prix, and many others along the Grand Strand. She said not only does the shuttle help bring business, but it also helps her employees get to work.
“The biggest benefit for us is definitely the opportunity for our J1 Visa students that are employed through us,” said Watts. “They are able to take the bus, and they offer the bike system to be able to put on the front of the bus, which is a benefit for them. The biggest benefit for them is when they have their day off, they are able to go to other attractions in Myrtle Beach.”
In 2019, the shuttles had around 70,000 passengers during the summer, but due to COVID-19, the numbers dropped.
Coast RTA has added extra signage all around Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, along with billboards.
Jordan Lawrence moved to Myrtle Beach a few months ago and said he has seen the signs being put up and is excited to try it out.
“I heard that it is a free ride, so getting an opportunity to go on it and experience Myrtle Beach, and see what the views are like, go to the aquarium, and all around,” said Johnson. “It starts next Tuesday, so I am hoping I get to see what it is like when it starts.”
The fare-free entertainment shuttles will begin on Tuesday, May 27, starting at 11 a.m.
In North Myrtle Beach, the shuttle will run every 20 to 30 minutes, and in Myrtle Beach, it will run every 30 to 35 minutes.
Riders can track where the shuttle is in real time on the Coast RTA ride tracker app.
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