How Connections Transport Works in South Carolina

What Connections Transport offers

Connections Transport is a ride service run by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) that moves people with disabilities to medical appointments, work, shopping, and other essential trips. The service operates in most counties across the state, though coverage and schedules vary by region. You book rides through a local coordinator, and the service sends a vehicle to pick you up and drop you off at your destination.

The program is designed for people who cannot use regular public transit because of a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability. Unlike fixed-route buses, Connections Transport picks you up from your home or another location you choose and takes you directly where you need to go. Rides are shared with other passengers heading in the same direction, so your trip may include other stops.

Key Takeaways

• Connections Transport serves people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route public transit, and you must register with your local coordinator before booking any rides.
• The service operates in most South Carolina counties, but hours, coverage areas, and ride availability differ by region—contact your local office to learn what is available where you live.
• Rides cost between $2 and $5 per trip depending on your county, and some riders with low income may pay a reduced fare or nothing at all.
• You must book rides at least one business day in advance, and the service prioritizes medical appointments and work trips over other destinations.
• If you are denied service or have a complaint about a ride, you can file a formal grievance with SCDOT's Office of Specialized Transportation.

How to register and book a ride

Before you can use Connections Transport, you must register with the coordinator in your county. The coordinator verifies that you have a disability that prevents you from using regular transit and confirms your address and contact information. You can find your local coordinator's phone number on the SCDOT website or by calling the main Connections Transport line. Some coordinators accept registration by phone; others may ask you to visit an office or complete a form in person.

Once you are registered, you book rides by calling your local coordinator. You must request the ride at least one business day before you need it—same-day bookings are not possible. Tell the coordinator where you are starting from, where you need to go, and what time you want to arrive. The coordinator will confirm whether a ride is available and give you a pickup window, usually one to two hours long. On the day of your ride, a driver will pick you up during that window and take you to your destination.

If you miss a scheduled ride without calling to cancel, you may be charged a no-show fee or lose your right to book future rides. Cancellations should be made as soon as you know you cannot go, and most coordinators ask that you call at least two hours before your scheduled pickup.

Fares and payment methods

Ride fares range from $2 to $5 per trip, depending on which county you live in and how far you are traveling. Some counties charge a flat rate for any trip within the service area; others charge based on distance. You pay the driver when you board, and most drivers accept cash. Some counties also accept payment cards or vouchers, though this varies by location.

If your household income is at or below a certain level, you may be charged a reduced fare or no fare at all. Ask your local coordinator about reduced-fare programs when you register. You may need to provide proof of income, such as a recent tax return or benefit statement, to may have access to.

Service priorities and trip types

Connections Transport prioritizes certain types of trips when demand is high. Medical appointments—including doctor visits, dialysis, physical therapy, and mental health treatment—are the highest priority. Work trips come second. Shopping, social activities, and personal errands are lower priority and may not be available if medical and work trips fill the schedule.

Some counties operate Connections Transport only during business hours, while others offer early morning or evening service for people who work non-standard shifts. Weekend and holiday service varies by county. Call your local coordinator to learn what hours and days the service runs in your area.

Coverage areas and regional differences

Connections Transport operates in most South Carolina counties, but the service is not uniform statewide. Some counties have robust service with frequent pickups and extended hours; others operate limited schedules or cover only certain geographic zones within the county. Urban areas typically have more frequent service than rural areas, and some rural counties may have only a few rides available per day.

Before relying on Connections Transport for regular trips, contact your local coordinator to understand what service is actually available in your neighborhood. Ask about service hours, how many rides per day are typically available, how far in advance you need to book, and whether your destination is within the service area. Some coordinators can also tell you about alternative transportation options if Connections Transport cannot meet your needs.

What to bring and what to expect on your ride

Bring your ID and payment (cash or card, depending on what your county accepts) when you board. If you have a service animal, it can ride with you at no extra charge. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted on the vehicle.

Rides are shared, so you may wait for other passengers to board or be dropped off at other stops before reaching your destination. The driver will not wait for you at your appointment; you must arrange your own return trip by calling your coordinator to book a ride back. If your appointment runs longer than expected, call the coordinator as soon as you know you need a later pickup time—do not assume the driver will wait.

If you need a wheelchair lift or have mobility equipment, tell your coordinator when you book. Drivers are trained to assist passengers with boarding and can help secure wheelchairs or walkers. If you need a personal attendant to accompany you, that person can ride for free, but let the coordinator know when you book so they can plan the vehicle assignment.

Filing a complaint or grievance

If you have a problem with a ride—such as a driver being rude, arriving very late, refusing to take you somewhere, or charging you incorrectly—you can file a formal complaint with your local coordinator first. Most coordinators will investigate and respond within a few business days.

If you are not satisfied with the local response or if your complaint involves a denial of service, you can file a grievance with SCDOT's Office of Specialized Transportation. The office will review your complaint and work toward a resolution. Contact information for filing a grievance is available from your local coordinator or on the SCDOT website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to prove I have a disability to register?

Yes. You will need to provide documentation of your disability when you register. This can be a letter from your doctor, a copy of your disability information from Social Security, or another official document that describes your condition and why it prevents you from using fixed-route transit. Ask your coordinator what forms of documentation they accept.

What if I live in a rural area with very limited service?

Some rural counties have only a few Connections Transport rides available each day, and you may need to book weeks in advance for a medical appointment. Ask your coordinator about alternative transportation programs, such as volunteer driver services, community health center shuttles, or regional transit systems that may serve your area. Some nonprofits also operate their own transportation for specific populations.

Can I bring someone with me on my ride?

A personal attendant or caregiver can ride with you at no charge if you tell the coordinator when you book. Family members or friends who are not assisting you may be able to ride, but policies vary by county. Ask your coordinator whether companions are permitted and whether there is a charge.

What happens if the driver does not show up?

Call your local coordinator right away. If the driver is very late, the coordinator may be able to send another vehicle or help you arrange alternative transportation. If this happens repeatedly, file a complaint with the coordinator and, if needed, with SCDOT's Office of Specialized Transportation.

Can I use Connections Transport to go to work every day?

Yes, work trips are a priority for Connections Transport. However, you must book each ride at least one business day in advance, so you cannot book a week's worth of rides all at once in most cases. Talk to your coordinator about the best way to schedule regular work trips and whether your county offers any standing arrangements for recurring appointments.