News Summary
Myrtle Beach and Coast RTA are collaborating on new construction projects aimed at enhancing public transportation and fire services. The joint facilities will be located on an 18.7-acre site on Robert Grissom Parkway. Construction for Coast RTA’s transit center and maintenance facility is expected to start in 2026, while plans for the revamped fire station are also underway. This initiative is projected to improve service delivery significantly for both public transit and emergency services in the area.
Coast RTA and Myrtle Beach Join Forces for New Facilities on Robert Grissom Parkway
In a groundbreaking move aimed at enhancing both public transportation and emergency services, the city of Myrtle Beach is set to collaborate with Coast RTA for the construction of new facilities on a shared parcel of land off Robert Grissom Parkway. The plans have been received with enthusiasm by city leaders, who anticipate a transformation in service delivery for both public transit and fire safety.
Shared Land and Construction Timeline
The proposed site, spanning 18.7 acres near the intersection of Robert Grissom Parkway and Executive Avenue, is expected to be bustling with construction activity as early as next year. The Coast RTA plans to erect a state-of-the-art operations and maintenance facility, which will include a 12-bay transit center. This initiative comes as Coast RTA currently spends $250,000 annually on leasing maintenance space, showcasing the urgent need for upgraded facilities to better serve the community.
Fire Station Renovations on the Horizon
In parallel, Myrtle Beach’s Fire Station 1 has been struggling under the pressures of overcapacity. Currently situated on Mr. Joe White Avenue, the fire station is crying out for new premises to effectively meet the demands for emergency services. City officials, including assistant city manager Brian Tucker, highlighted the strategic benefits of co-locating the fire station and Coast RTA facilities on the same plot. This cooperative arrangement is viewed as a win-win for both entities.
Key Dates and Financial Considerations
City manager Fox Simons has revealed that construction for the new fire station is projected to commence in 2026. At the same time, a representative from Coast RTA anticipates an August 2026 start for the transit center, followed closely by the maintenance facility in October 2026. The financing for these important projects will be managed separately, with Coast RTA and the city both responsible for their respective budgets.
Additional Funding Efforts
In a separate but equally critical initiative, the city is also in the process of applying for a grant exceeding $205,000 dedicated to its school resource officer program. This funding ensures that institutions like Myrtle Beach Primary School and Myrtle Beach Elementary School remain secure with dedicated police resource officers. Furthermore, the city is actively seeking $65 million from South Carolina lawmakers to bolster infrastructure efforts in the downtown Arts and Innovation District.
Roadwork and Potential Disruptions
The city’s pursuit of infrastructure improvement is not without its challenges. Last year, a request for $75 million yielded only $10 million, forcing a reassessment of priorities and funding strategies. As roadwork kicks off in January to facilitate these plans, motorists can expect closures and detours in the Arts and Innovation District.
The RIDE 4 Initiative
Coast RTA’s investment in new facilities is set to be significantly supported by the upcoming RIDE 4 transportation tax, expected to generate around $300 million over the next 25 years. With an initial funding injection of more than $7 million in its first year, the RIDE 4 tax aims to improve public transport services dramatically. The funds are anticipated to start pouring in by May 2025.
Enhancing Public Transit and Services
With these new developments, Coast RTA is ideally positioned to improve public transit options substantially. Plans include the expansion of service frequencies, an increase in ridership options, and potentially adding more buses to their existing fleet. This ambitious blueprint promises a revitalization of transportation services in the Horry County area, positioning both Coast RTA and the city of Myrtle Beach for a more efficient and connected future.
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Additional Resources
- My Horry News
- Wikipedia: Public Transport
- WMBF News
- Google Search: Ride 4 funds
- My Horry News
- Google Scholar: Coast RTA
- WPDE News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transportation
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
