The Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA) is giving everyone a chance to ride a Reindeer again this holiday shopping season - Reindeer Shuttles to be more specific. The shopping shuttles were implemented for the first time in 2008. Their popularity, as well as the parking and traffic problems around the malls during the holidays, prompted the Authority to bring the service back for the 2009 holiday season.
According to PDRTA Executive Director Janice Baroody, “The traffic around the malls is consistently terrible during the holidays and the Reindeer Shuttles are our contribution to easing traffic and helping make shopping easier and fun for everyone.” The Shopping Shuttles will also make it easier for out-of-town shoppers to visit Florence. Parking at pick-up and drop-off points is free! Shuttles begin operating Nov. 21 and will be in service every Saturday until Dec. 26, 2009.
Rudy the Reindeer will be riding the bus from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Nov. 21 to pose for photographs with children of all ages and to hand out holiday treats to everyone riding the Reindeer Shuttle.
The public is also invited to meet Rudy at Magnolia Mall on Saturday, Dec. 5, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. where they will receive holiday goodies and can enter the PDRTA ornament design contest.
Riding the Reindeer Shuttles will make you eligible to enter to win great prizes. Anyone wearing a “Ride the Reindeer” button can enter and drawings will be held at the Reindeer Shuttle display table inside Magnolia Mall at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5.
The 2009 schedule includes a new route:
Reindeer Shuttles – two shuttles will run between the Florence and Magnolia Malls every 30 minutes between 10 a.m and 5 p.m. The fare is only 50 cents for a one-way ride and 25 cents for Medicare card holders, senior citizens (65 and older) and persons with disabilities. Children ages 2-10 also ride for $.25 and children younger than 2 ride for free.
Snowman Shuttle – Operating from North Florence to both Malls.
Candy Cane Shuttle – Operating from East and South Florence to the Malls.
Sleigh Shuttle – Operating along the South Florence Connector.
The Snowman, and Candy Cane shuttles depart at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; returning at 11:20 a.m., 2:20 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. The new Sleigh Shuttle also departs at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. but returns at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Fares on these three shuttles are $1.50 for a one-way ride. Medicare card holders, senior citizens and persons with disabilities qualify for the half-fare of 75 cents.
So park your car at any of the shuttle stops, hop on, relax and enjoy your holiday shopping this year!
To learn more about the Reindeer Shopping Shuttles and other PDRTA services please call (843) 664-5719 or visit our website at http://www.pdrta.org/.
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