Lower Savannah COG Best Friend Express Transit Improvement Study

Improving Transit Service for Aiken and North Augusta: Best Friend Express Study

In 2023, the Lower Savannah Council of Governments partnered with SRF to conduct a Transit Improvement Study for the Best Friend Express, a local bus service serving Aiken and North Augusta, South Carolina. The study aimed to evaluate service performance, identify gaps, and develop strategies for a more efficient and accessible transit network.

Project Scope & Key Contributions

• Comprehensive analysis of existing transit operations, assessing ridership trends, facility conditions, and service efficiency.
• Development of service alternatives, identifying solutions to improve reliability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.
• Strategic investment recommendations, prioritizing service enhancements based on funding availability and timeline.
• Extensive public engagement, gathering input from riders, civic organizations, and local leaders to align improvements with community needs.
• Final report and executive summary, providing a five-year action plan focused on increasing ridership, reducing operating costs, enabling better data collection, and monitoring route-level and systemwide performance.

Planning for the Future of Public Transit

The Best Friend Express Transit Study established a clear, actionable plan for improving public transit in Aiken and North Augusta. By focusing on rider experience, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability, the study ensures that transit services remain reliable, cost-effective, and aligned with community needs.

Resource links:
Lower Savannah Council of Governments
Best Friend Express Transit