CAT expands to Port Wentworth in March
A solution for the Port Wentworth traffic congestion is nearing.
Beginning Monday, March 11, Chatham Area Transit is expanding to add Route 5 to serve Port Wentworth. The expansion was approved by the city and CAT late last year.
"This is a very big moment for the city," City Manager Steve Davis said at the time of approval. "In the traffic congestion that the city has been facing for years, there's very limited that the staff can do at a local level, when you have state highways running through the city, but one of the things we can do is offer good alternatives for our commuters and residents that can pass through here."
Growth is expected to come to the area, with the Hyundai plant starting production in late 2024. Economic Development Director James Touchton said adopting a transit system is critical to preparing for that future growth.
The expansion includes two fixedroute buses and will operate seven days a week, every hour. The service will connect to Old Port Wentworth on South Coastal Highway, International Trade Parkway, I-95/Augusta Road, Wood Meadow Apartments and Rice Hope.
How many stops are there?
There are 21 stops along Route 5, with only the stops at Port Wentworth City Hall, South Coastal and Barnsley, Crossgate Transfer Points, Coldbrook Station and Rice Hope Publix having shelters at the moment.
Where are the stops?
Port Wentworth City Hall h South Coastal Highway and Barnsley h
Crossgate and Dixie Eastbound/ Westbound h Crossgate Transfer Point 1 and 2 h Sewage Treatment Plant h International Trade Parkway h 4 stops at Little Hearts Parkway h Augusta and O'Leary Outbound and Inbound h Scott Rd. h Coldbrook Station h Old Richmond Road h Lakeside and Magnolia h Lakeside and Mulberry h Rice Hope Publix
How much does it cost to use CAT?
Local fare one-way is $1.50, while a day pass is $3.00. A weekly pass is $14, while a monthly pass is $50.00. More information about the fare is available on CAT's website.
When will the buses run?
The bus will operate seven days a week, every hour. The full schedule can be found here.
What are the other route modifications?
CAT is also making modifications to routes 3, 3b, 4, 7 and 25. Information about the other route modifications can be found here.
Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com