Executive Summary

The Upper Savannah Council of Governments (USCOG) region in western South Carolina includes six counties: Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick, and Saluda. This report focuses on Abbeville, Laurens, and Saluda Counties, where transportation gaps have persisted for more than 15 years. Despite strong economic ties to manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors, these rural counties have no public transit system and limited mobility options. More than 75 percent of residents commute outside their home county for work daily, and over 2,300 households lack access to a personal vehicle. These conditions create barriers to employment, healthcare, education, and essential services, particularly for people with low incomes, older adults, young people, and people with disabilities. Previous studies, including the 2010 Burton Center Transit Feasibility Study, identified critical transportation gaps in Saluda and Abbeville Counties. While some recommendations have been implemented in Greenwood County, the three study counties remain underserved. Stakeholder engagement conducted in 2025 reinforced that transportation is not simply a social service but a key driver of economic development and community resilience. Participants consistently cited transportation as a top barrier to accessing jobs, medical care, education, and civic life. They also highlighted the need for flexible, convenient service models and the importance of trusted local partners in building support for new mobility solutions. Addressing these challenges requires practical, phased solutions that reflect rural realities and funding constraints. Near-term strategies should focus on low-cost, high-impact options such as volunteer driver programs for medical appointments and employer-supported carpool and vanpool initiatives. These approaches can deliver visible benefits while building trust and momentum for future investments. An emphasis on regional coordination would be part of the near-term strategies as well. Over the medium term, mobility management, and exploration of microtransit services will be essential to expand coverage and improve convenience. By starting with trusted partners and pilot programs, the region can demonstrate value, overcome skepticism, and lay the foundation for a sustainable, integrated mobility network that strengthens workforce access, health outcomes, and quality of life across all three counties.