Regional Transit Hub at GSP Feasible, Upstate Mobility Alliance Study Finds
The question of whether it is feasible to locate a public transit hub at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport has been answered in the affirmative, according to a study released by the Upstate Mobility Alliance on May 9. The study, conducted by Sam Schwartz, a New York-based transportation consulting firm, was funded in part by a $100,000 grant from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to determine the feasibility of locating a transit hub at GSP.
Regional Connectivity
With the airport’s central location and key role as an economic driver in the 10 counties of the Upstate, the study identified potential for up to 1,000 daily riders for bus service that could connect Clemson, Greenville, and Spartanburg. GP McLeer, UMA’s director and the mayor of Fountain Inn, expressed pride in the report, stating, “This study helps incentivize investment.”
Implementation Challenges
Now that the feasibility of a transit hub at GSP has been confirmed, the challenge arises in how to implement the study’s recommendations, according to Dean Hybl, executive director for Ten at the Top. Hybl emphasized that finding funding to implement these recommendations will be the next critical step. The study found widespread support for boosting cooperation and connectivity between regional transit systems, with the potential to enhance economic opportunities for residents and boost tourism.
Phased Approach
The study outlined a phased approach to establishing GSP as a transit hub. The initial step would involve connecting the airport to Greenville via Greer through a new route by Greenlink, the city of Greenville’s public transit system. This “Greer Connector” was already identified for future service through Greenlink’s 2021 Transit Development Plan and could be quickly implemented with funding availability, according to James Keel, Greenville’s director of public transit.
The second phase would include connecting Clemson to the airport via Easley through a collaboration between Clemson University, CATbus, and Greenlink. The final phase would entail connecting Spartanburg to GSP via SPARTA. McLeer emphasized that a GSP transit hub would significantly improve regional connectivity, and the next step will involve mobilizing local and state political support for the effort.
Recommended Phases to a GSP Transit Hub:
- Phase I — Greenville to GSP via Greer; $1.1 million estimated annual operating cost
- Phase II — Clemson to Greenville to GSP via Easley; $2.2 million estimated annual operating cost
- Phase III — Clemson to Greenville to GSP to Spartanburg network; $3.3 million estimated annual operating cost
As work has already begun on a new parking garage and consolidated rental car facility at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, the vision of establishing GSP as a regional transit hub is gaining traction. The study’s findings provide a strategic roadmap for enhancing public transportation in the Upstate and fostering greater regional connectivity.