New Shally Shuttle bus pilot program unveiled in Shallotte

SHALLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday for the new Shally Shuttle.

Named after the town of Shallotte’s mascot, the new Shally Shuttle bus service will start running as part of a pilot program in January.

Two buses will make 9 stops along an hour-long route around the town.

“We’ve kept it concise so everything runs within an hour, we would love to be able to expand that into more of Shallotte or all over Shallotte,” Brunswick Transit System executive director Yvonne Hatcher said.

Some of the stops along the route include Walmart, the town’s riverwalk, and the senior center.

Shallotte Mayor Walter Eccard said this shuttle will help the town continue to grow while attracting more visitors.

“We think it’s definitely going to help with the growth going forward and for instance our traffic on Main Street, which is our main shopping streat, is always very full,” Eccard said. “And we’re hoping that this will make it easier for citizens to come into Shallotte and do their business and not worry about parking or traffic.”

Hatcher said more buses and stops could be added if it’s shown that the shuttles are used a lot.

She also said she hopes the program can be expanded and implemented in other towns and cities in Brunswick County.

“And then also be able to take at least this initial pilot and replicate that in at least our major kind of townships or cities in the 4, 5 areas of the county and then move on from there.”

There is no charge to ride the shuttle buses.

Each one can accommodate up to 8 passengers and are wheelchair accessible.