Click here to view CARTS 5 Year Service Plan 2020-2025 . Join the conversation – let us know if you have any questions or comments.
What is CARTS?
Central Area Rural Transit System, Inc. is the public transportation provider for the Central Kenai Peninsula. CARTS provides safe, convenient public transportation services within the cities of Soldotna and Kenai, the communities of Funny River, Kasilof, Nikiski and Sterling, and all areas in between. We’re going your way!
Door-To-Door Service
CARTS provides door-to-door service – this means you must meet the driver at the main door, main level or first floor of a building for an escort to the vehicle.
Service Hours
CARTS provides rides Monday through Saturday, except for observed holidays.
How Do I Make a Reservation?
Make your reservation by calling 262-8900. CARTS office hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, except for observed holidays. A list of observed holidays can be found here. Rides need to be scheduled by close of business the day before. Remember, if you need a ride on Monday, your reservation needs to be made by 5 pm on Saturday. Have your trip information ready including addresses and travel times.
If you are riding for the first time, you will need to complete a registration form so you can be entered into our scheduling system. Registrations can be done over the phone, on our website or in person. Once you are in our system, you can schedule your rides.
Ride Cost
Passengers are charged one punch for each zone traveled through. Quick stopovers (post office, bank etc.) can be made, and will be charged equal to one zone.
Methods of Payment
All fare payments can be made using the following methods:
Punchcards are available in three denominations:
- Five punches…………………………….. $12.50
- Ten punches ……………………………. $25.00
- Twenty punches……………………….. $50.00
You can stop by the CARTS office on K-Beach to pick up punchcards, or cards can be purchased on our website and through the mail.
Drivers DO NOT sell punchcards on the vehicles.
Ticketless Fare Account
For passenger convenience, CARTS offers a “Ticketless Fare Account”. This allows pre-payment of the fare and avoids the need to carry a punchcard or token. Customers can purchase punches in person at the office, through the mail, through our website, or by phone. When a trip is booked, the appropriate fare will be encumbered. When a trip is performed, the fare will be deducted from the “Ticketless Fare Account”. If the trip is cancelled or not delivered, the fare is returned to your account. When scheduling rides CARTS Customer Service can tell you if you have enough punches in your bank for travel or if you need to reload it.
CARTS provides public transportation for everyone. In order for us to serve as many passengers as possible, it is important we all work together to make each trip safe, enjoyable and quick.
CARTS offices are located at 35139 K B Drive – take Poppy Lane off KBeach towards the College, left on K B Drive we are in the 4th building on the left.
CARTS mailing address is P.O. Box 993, Soldotna, AK 99669
CARTS employs dependable individuals committed to providing safe and reliable transportation as well as outstanding customer service for residents and visitors of the Kenai peninsula. If you would like to submit an application click here.
CARTS is seeking volunteer leaders to join its board of directors. If you are interested in board service you can complete an application here.