Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) OnDemand’s new pilot program launches today. This all-new pilot is in partnership with Uber + UZURV that will serve senior citizens and Tel-A-Ride paratransit customers who need assistance + access to doctor appointments, grocery stores, and pharmacies.

The service will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and will connect riders going to or from the Medical District for seniors 55+ and for Tel-A-Ride customers.

Those interested in the service can schedule rides with as little notice as one hour or 30 days in advance + rides are a $4 flat rate each way.

Here are a few rules + regulations for using the OnDemand service:

🚕 Cash is not accepted; a debit/credit card is a requirement.

🚕 Those requiring wheelchair accessibility must use UZURV.

🚕 Seniors 55+ are allowed 20 trips per month to the Medical District and 10 trips to Publix. Tel-A-Ride customers receive unlimited CARTA OnDemand access.

🚕 All questions + inquires about this new program can be made by emailing CARTA, CARTA customer service at (843) 724-7420, or to the CARTA OnDemand call center powered by UZURV at (843) 592-3505. Before you call or email, you can check out the FAQ page here.

You can get started using CARTA OnDemand by following these steps:

Seniors 55+ can complete this application to register for the program. Registrants will receive a confirmation email containing voucher information + a how to guide for scheduling a trip. Choose Uber or UZURV and follow the instructions according to the provider you chose.

For those who have mobility impairment issues, you can fill out the Tel-A-Ride application.

If you choose Uber, follow these steps:

🚙 Sign into your existing Uber account or create an account here.

🚙 In the sign up + confirmation process from above, CARTA will email you an Uber Voucher. Click “accept voucher.”

🚙 Once you’ve accepted, you will be able to enter a destination + if the trip is covered by your voucher, the discount will appear right above the “confirm” button.

If you choose UZURV, follow these steps:

🚗 Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email.

🚗 If you don’t have a smartphone, you can contact the CARTA OnDemand call center powered by UZURV at (843) 592-3505.

🚗 Have your pickup + drop-off addresses and times on hand to schedule and pay for your trip when you call.

🚗 Have your ID ready to show the driver.

Read more news + announcements from CARTA here.