A Milestone for Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority

As we move into the latter half of 2024, the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA), based in South Carolina, is commemorating a significant milestone – half a century of operation. The public transit organization, established in 1974, holds the distinction of being the pioneering transportation authority in the Palmetto State.

By 1976, it had launched its services across the six counties incorporated within the Pee Dee region, notably Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, and Marlboro. The journey, while rewarding, has not been entirely smooth-sailing and the organization has faced and overcome several challenges over the years.

Facing the Challenges and Emerging Stronger

In 2013, PDRTA was hit by a severe financial crisis which forced the organization to lay off more than 70 employees from various positions, including long-serving bus drivers, administrators, and maintenance staff. The organization had to take drastic measures, which included cutting down certain routes. This challenging period marked a pivotal turning point for PDRTA as they redirected their attention towards community outreach and expansion of their partnerships.

Building Partnerships, Driving Community Support

Since 2015, PDRTA has formed countless strategic collaborations with stakeholders, city municipalities, and communities, which have positively contributed to its growth trajectory. These partnerships have helped to facilitate commuting for countless individuals, whether it involves attending school, going to work, visiting medical facilities, shopping, or other activities.

The future appears promising for PDRTA as they continue to thrive across the entire Pee Dee region. They’re making strides in expanding their services, a testament to their determination to continually serve the community. PDRTA currently operates in almost every Pee Dee municipality, including Timmonsville and Bennettsville.

Expanding Services and Workforce

In sharp contrast to the tumultuous period less than a decade ago, PDRTA now employs nearly 100 dedicated personnel who work to ensure smooth operations. Despite the obstacles encountered over the past 50 years, PDRTA has managed to sustain, and even enhance, the important services offered to the communities they serve. These services comprise fixed routes, paratransit, deviated-fixed-routes, commuter transport, and demand responsive services.

Advocating for inclusivity, PDRTA is committed to ensuring no one is excluded from utilizing their transit system. As they mark their golden anniversary, PDRTA remains dedicated to their mission of providing reliable and accessible transportation services and is bound to keep on rolling for many more years to come.