Connected Mobility in Underserved Rural Communities

Don Strickland

Executive Director

Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority

Thursday, March 13, 2025


Register Here: https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZB6UzUXCS_OSmnA8FqPgng (Registration is free)

ABSTRACT

Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA) plays a critical role in ensuring access to essential services for individuals across the six counties it serves: Florence, Darlington, Dillon, Marion, Marlboro, and Chesterfield. By providing reliable transportation options, PDRTA connects individuals to vital workforce opportunities, healthcare appointments, and educational facilities. This connection is especially important in rural communities, where public transit is often the only means of transportation to these services. Local support and partnerships have been crucial to the success and growth of PDRTA’s operations. Collaborative efforts with local governments, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders have enabled PDRTA to continue to expand its reach and improve the quality of its services. These partnerships help ensure that PDRTA meets the specific needs of each community it serves, while also fostering community engagement and support for public transportation. However, for PDRTA to continue to grow, additional funding is essential. Rising operational costs and increased demand highlight the urgency of securing new funding sources. There are alternative funding models that could help PDRTA secure the necessary resources to keep pace with the growing demand for public transit services, especially in the rural communities. Having sustainable funding will enable PDRTA to further expand service routes, extend operating hours, and improve accessibility for underserved populations.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Don Strickland is the Executive Director of Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority. Don joined PDRTA in July of 2008 as a Transportation Manager before transitioning into his current role in 2019. Don has dedicated his career to ensuring that individuals in the Pee Dee region have access to reliable transportation. He has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between local governments, businesses, and community organizations to enhance public transit services. In addition to leading PDRTA, Don also serves as the President for the Transportation Association of South Carolina (TASC) where he works with many agencies across the state promoting public transportation.