The Impact of the Charleston County Transportation Sales Tax

Since 2004, Charleston County voters have twice approved a half-cent sales tax for transportation. This small investment has generated $4.56 billion for roads, bridges, transit, and green spaces — improving everyday life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

$3.4 Billion

in funding since 2004

$1.17 Billion

in matching funds and grants leveraged

$4.56 Billion

in total funding

Matching Funds

  • 30% of Sales Tax Fundsare generated by non-Charleston County residents
  • 48% of the total funds generated $2.19 billion, comes from visitors and state and federal funding sources.

A Half-Penny at Work

Every half-penny collected is reinvested into the community. 62% is dedicated to infrastructure, 25% supporting public transit, and 13% preserving green space.

Large highway near lush greenery

Building Roads, Bridges, and Connections

The half-penny has funded:
895 miles
of resurfacing and local road paving
69 intersection
improvements
49 miles
of bike, pedestrian, and multi-use paths
On ramp to a highway
Large multi-lane intersection
Pedestrian crosswalk

Protecting What Makes Charleston Special

Beyond roads, the program has preserved 284,000 acres of greenspace — nearly half of Charleston County’s total acreage. These projects safeguard natural resources and enhance quality of life.
Large tree surrounded by tourists and visitors.
Bee Street at Courtenay Drive Intersection

Moving People Forward

About a quarter of all half-penny funds support CARTA, Charleston’s public transit system.
125+ new buses and paratransit vehicles
146 shelters and benches installed
Real-time tracking, WiFi, and electronic payment
Since 2005, CARTA has provided 66.7 million trips — traveling nearly 319 million passenger miles

Your Penny at Work

Every dollar of Charleston County’s half-cent Transportation Sales Tax is invested with accountability and transparency. Over the last 20 years, these projects have improved safety, expanded opportunity, and enhanced the quality of life for residents across the region.
Explore The Report