Hilton Head Hotel Workers Face Potential Transit Cuts, Says Palmetto Breeze Executive

Palmetto Breeze Transit Faces Funding Crisis

Palmetto Breeze Transit, the regional public transportation provider serving the Lowcountry, is seeking support from local counties and municipalities to address a $350,000 funding shortfall. The agency operates several commuter routes that primarily serve hotel workers traveling to Hilton Head from Allendale, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties. In addition, it provides a free public trolley service on Hilton Head during peak tourist season.

Without additional funding, Palmetto Breeze Transit may be forced to cut weekend services during the busy tourist season. This could significantly impact workers in an industry already facing staffing shortages. If weekend services are reduced, some hotels and resorts might have to cut back on housekeeping or grounds maintenance, potentially affecting the overall guest experience.

At a recent Town of Hilton Head Finance and Administrative Committee meeting, Palmetto Breeze Transit Executive Director Brian Sullivan requested $157,051 to help bridge the funding gap. If this support isn't secured, the proposed service cuts would take effect from February 28, 2026, through June 30, 2026.

Committee members expressed empathy for Palmetto Breeze Transit’s situation and were open to contributing funds, but no specific amount was decided. They asked Sullivan to provide more detailed ridership data and expressed hope that county government could contribute more to public transportation.

Impact on Resorts and Businesses

According to Sullivan, the majority of riders on the commuter routes are hospitality workers and landscapers. Major employers of these riders include the Sonesta, Westin, Omni, and Disney resorts, as well as Marriott hotels. Some Walmart and Kroger employees also use the service. One of the largest rider groups consists of workers from the south-end McDonald's.

If weekend services are cut, hotels and resorts might reduce housekeeping and landscaping services on weekends, which could leave a negative impression on tourists. The trolley service costs over $6,300 per day to operate, while the commuter service costs nearly $5,600 per day, according to documents submitted by Palmetto Breeze Transit to the town.

Sullivan did not provide detailed ridership numbers for the commuter shuttles at the meeting, but he mentioned that the buses transport "200 plus" passengers during high season.

Beaufort County's Hesitation

Earlier this year, Palmetto Breeze Transit requested local counties and municipalities to increase their funding to cover rising costs. However, some agencies have been hesitant to do so. Beaufort County contributes $717,639 to Palmetto Breeze Transit—more than double the amount provided by the Town of Hilton Head.

While the Town of Hilton Head increased its funding from $253,595 to $350,000, and the Town of Bluffton raised its contribution from $149,869 to $194,829, the county declined to increase its funding. Ward 6 council member Melinda Tunner criticized the county for not contributing more, expressing hope that county leadership will step in to help avoid service cuts.

Potential Fare Increases

The Breeze trolley has been fare-free since 2020, but riders may have to pay $1 or more starting in 2026. Riders would need to pay with cash or through the CatchTheBreeze app. The fare increase would not apply to commuter routes, as Sullivan and committee members agreed that it could hurt critical ridership and burden those who cannot afford the cost.

The committee recommended that Sullivan return with more information, such as how many people use the commuter shuttles, to help the town make decisions about how much to contribute towards the deficit and how to solve the problem in the long run.

"We want to make sure we're just paying our fair share and understanding how our funds are being used," Tunner said.