FAQs

Yes. The Transportation Sales Tax extension must be approved by voters through a countywide referendum. Any renewal or extension can only occur through voter approval in an election.

Transportation Sales Tax funds can be used for a variety of transportation projects. Eligible uses include:

• Construction and improvement of roads, bridges, and intersections
• Public transit operations and infrastructure, such as buses, shelters, and service facilities
• Greenbelt and land-preservation efforts that protect natural areas
• Bicycle and pedestrian improvements such as sidewalks, shared-use paths, and bicycle facilities
• Supporting activities such as design, land acquisition, and utility relocation

All proposed projects must comply with state law and be vetted by the South Carolina Department of Revenue, which oversees how local sales tax proceeds are collected, distributed, and spent.

The Transportation Sales Tax Program includes proposed investments in roadway infrastructure, public transit and Greenbelt conservation. Proposed funding categories include featured roadway projects, pavement management, intersection safety improvements, signal coordination, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, public transit investments, Greenbelt conservation and Transportation Sales Tax carryover commitments.

The Transportation Sales Tax Program is projected to generate approximately $4.25 billion over a 25-year period. The allocation includes approximately $2.7 billion for infrastructure projects, $858 million for public transit and $690 million for Greenbelt conservation.

The Transportation Sales Tax Program is projected to generate approximately $4.25 billion over a 25-year period. The allocation includes approximately $2.7 billion for infrastructure projects, $858 million for public transit and $690 million for Greenbelt conservation.

Approximately $1.1 billion of the $1.3 billion authorized under the 2004 Transportation Sales Tax has been collected. The remaining revenue is expected to be collected by 2027, at which point the 2004 half-penny Transportation Sales Tax is expected to expire and the dedicated funding source for projects supported by that program will end.

Approximately $598 million of the $2.1 billion authorized under the 2016 Transportation Sales Tax has been collected.

Projects were evaluated using a 100-point scoring system based on public and municipal support, congestion relief, safety considerations and consistency with County Council’s adopted guiding principles. This evaluation process was used to help prioritize investments included in the program.

Signal coordination refers to the process of timing traffic signals and improving intersections so vehicles move more efficiently and safely through high-traffic corridors. Through the Transportation Sales Tax Program, Charleston County upgrades signal technology, redesigns intersections, and improves turning lanes to reduce congestion and travel delays, especially during peak hours.

Charleston County is investing in Lowcountry Rapid Transit (LCRT), a modern 21.3-mile corridor that will provide a faster, higher-capacity alternative to traditional bus service. Additionally, the Transportation Sales Tax Program funds support ongoing transit improvements, including the purchase of more than 125 new buses and paratransit vehicles, installation of 146 bus shelters and benches, and upgrades such as real-time tracking, onboard Wi-Fi, and electronic payment systems.

A portion of the Transportation Sales Tax is dedicated to greenspace preservation, helping to protect 26,170 acres of greenspace, contributing to the preservation of 284,000 acres overall, nearly half of Charleston County’s total land area. These investments safeguard natural resources, preserve scenic beauty, and enhance residents’ quality of life.

Transportation Sales Tax (TST) project updates are regularly presented to Charleston County Council. The County also maintains a public dashboard that makes it easy for residents to see how TST dollars are being invested across the community, with detailed, up-to-date information on nearly 500 road projects across Charleston County.

The TST program is also regularly audited by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The most recent audit confirmed that the program is in compliance with state law. Of the more than 13,500 individual transactions reviewed, only eight expenditures — totaling $615.43, or roughly 0.0000008% of funds reviewed — were identified as non-qualifying. Those funds were promptly reimbursed to the Transportation Sales Tax account during the audit process.

The existing 2004 half-cent Transportation Sales Tax is set to expire in 2027. Before then, Charleston County Council will decide whether to propose an extension for voter consideration in a future referendum. Without renewal, the County would lose one of its main sources of funding for resurfacing and improving roadways, bridges, transit, and Greenbelt Program. Over time, this could lead to fewer infrastructure upgrades and slower progress on congestion relief and safety projects.

Ballot questions here

The Transportation Sales Tax referendum will appear on the ballot as part of the November 3, 2026 General Election. General Election voting will take place as follows:

Early Voting Period: October 19 – October 31

• Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Monday – Saturday)
• Closed Sunday, October 25

Election Day: November 3, 2026

Voter Registration Deadlines:

• Deadline to register to vote in person for General Election: October 2, 5 p.m.
• Deadline to register to vote online or by fax or email for General Election: October 4, 11:59 p.m.
• Deadline to register to vote by mail for General Election (must be postmarked by this date): October 5

For general voting information — including registration, absentee/mail voting, early voting locations, and Election Day polling places — visit the South Carolina Election Commission at https://scvotes.gov/voters/how-to-vote/.

Presentations for large group events can be requested at https://charlestontransportation.com/#get-involved. County staff will coordinate and schedule as availability allows.