Camden City Councilman William Wilkes has been elected Chairman of the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority Board of Directors, positioning Kershaw County at the forefront of regional transportation and mobility efforts.
According to SWRTA officials, Wilkes becomes the first chairman from Kershaw County since the authority was established in 1978.
Wilkes, who was elected to Camden City Council in November 2024, said his priorities as chairman include expanding access, improving the customer experience, and ensuring the organization’s long-term financial stability.
“Transportation is one of the clearest ways we expand opportunity,” Wilkes said. “It connects people to jobs, healthcare, and the services they rely on every day. I’m fortunate to have great colleagues on Camden City Council who allow me to go to Sumter each month and advocate for our residents. That same commitment now extends to every community served by SWRTA.”
His election comes as Camden continues its partnership with SWRTA to operate the King Haigler Express, the city’s free fixed-route bus service. Funded primarily through federal grants with local support from the City of Camden, the pilot route launched in August 2025 and now runs weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., connecting residents to essential services and key destinations throughout the city.
SWRTA also operates a demand-response service in the urbanized area of Kershaw County—a curb-to-curb, reservation-based service that provides transportation for essential trips. Wilkes said preserving this service is one of the county’s greatest needs, as it connects residents to dialysis, medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores.
The service is currently free, but Wilkes said its funding is expected to run out in June. As a result, SWRTA is working to strengthen local partnerships to help sustain and expand the service.
Wilkes added that sustaining the service requires more than ridership—it requires local investment. While federal and state grant opportunities exist, they require a local match. He said support from counties, municipalities, and community stakeholders will determine whether the service continues.
“We’re always looking to grow our partnerships across the community,” Wilkes said.
Wilkes said local support is critical to sustaining demand-response services and added that this is especially important in rural areas, where transportation often determines whether residents can see a doctor or meet basic needs.
“It’s important for municipalities and counties to recognize the need for reliable transportation, especially in our rural areas,” Wilkes said.
SWRTA is also expanding voting access in Kershaw County ahead of the June primaries. The King Haigler Express will temporarily add the Camden City Arena, 420 Broad St., as an early voting stop from May 26 through June 5, excluding weekends. In addition, SWRTA will offer door-to-door transportation for early voting at the arena and on Election Day, June 9. Rides must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.
