ROCK HILL, S.C. (WBTV) – WBTV broke down the latest on a bus route that goes into the Rock Hill-Fort Mill area, service availability at Piedmont Medical Center, and a new cultural and arts experience kicking off in Rock Hill.
CATS runs the 82X bus route through York County, which starts in Rock Hill and goes up into Charlotte. The City of Rock Hill is choosing not to renew its current contract with CATS, which will expire on June 30. Now, passengers who've taken the route for years for work are concerned.
Longtime rider David Ward worries about what the change could mean for traffic in the area.
“Well, I mean you look at it like on our bus we have I would say 20, you know you can have anywhere between 15 and 20 people,†Ward said. “Okay, that 15 or 20 individuals that don't carpool, that's 15 or 20 more cars that are in an already crowded structure.â€
Another longtime passenger, Michael Plumley, also has safety concerns.
“About a year and a half ago I was mugged at the New Bern station and shot at and I have PTSD,†Plumley said. “So, the train is off the radar for me. So, I would have to drive into work. Telework is really not an option, I'm a federal worker, you know there was a good while we did. So, it would be a hardship.â€
On Friday, riders spoke at the Rock Hill-Fort Mill Area Transportation Study asking for an alternate solution.
“We have buses, and each of these towns have their own buses, but a way to commute into Charlotte without having to clog up Interstate 77, I think it's just fundamental,†Plumley said.
This week, Piedmont Medical Center shared that it is realigning services across its locations. Its Fort Mill location officially opened its obstetrics, labor and delivery and Level III neonatal services. Its Rock Hill location will still have its emergency department and ancillary teams and will be able to care for pregnant patients who need emergency services.
Piedmont Medical Center has also cut the ribbon on two specialized areas in Rock Hill. The new Surgical Trauma Unit will offer intermediate care for post-surgical and trauma patients. Piedmont Medical Center's new complementary Critical Care Step-Down Unit will care for higher-acuity patients who are transitioning from the Intensive Care Unit and need additional monitoring.
For the first time, the Rock Hill Economic Development Placemaking Committee is introducing the Southside Music and Cultural Trail on Sunday, May 17. From 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., people can come out to the Emmett Scott Recreation Center on Crawford Road.
People will be able to enjoy events featuring Black composers, musicians, poets and more. The city is working to promote the Southside's history and talent in a long-lasting way. They're starting with this event, featuring demonstrations, performances, food and activities and will eventually develop a walking trail where people can learn more about the community.
“We hope that people learn more about this, and that they become more engaged with the arts and culture that are happening today, learn more about the past, and then you know, take the time to walk down the trail,†Rock Hill Economic Development Placemaking Committee Chair Melanie Cooper said.
The Southside Music and Cultural Trail is expected to bring hundreds to the City of Rock Hill. More information about the event can be found on the City of Rock Hill's social media pages.
Copyright 2026 WBTV. All rights reserved.
