Image by Dark CityImage by 20090403-beach.jpg Relax, you're nearly there.

Want to head to Folly Beach but don't want to get sand in your car and pay for parking? Well, starting this weekend (April 4) CARTA is testing out a new service that offers bus service all the way out to Folly Beach on Saturdays and Sundays.

Here's a map of the routes and times.

And here's details from a CARTA press release (with minor edits): 

CARTA's Folly Road (Route 31) will now go out to Folly Beach three times each day on Saturdays and Sundays throughout April and May.

Folly Beach service will leave from two locations in downtown Charleston and travel down Folly Road -- along Route 31-- through James Island to the corner of Center street and West Ashley on Folly Beach, near McKevlin's Surf Shop and Snapper Jacks, and just steps away from the sandy shore.

Buses will leave from:

• Meeting/Mary Super Stop (downtown): 8:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
• Spring Street/President Street (downtown): 8:08 a.m., 11:38 a.m., 4:38 p.m.
• Center Street/West Ashley (Folly Beach): 8:55 a.m., 12:25 p.m., 5:25 p.m.

 

The special weekend route will also include stops to key destinations on James Island.

And, remember, you can take your bike, but not your pet.

Fare is $1.50 each way, but College of Charleston and MUSC students, faculty, and staff ride free with ID.