DOT shuttle direction

Question

This maybe a silly question, but what direction do the shuttles go around each of the loops? Trying to figure out the order of the various stops and the map I downloaded from their website doesn’t seem to say. Thanks.

Answer

The Savannah DOT (Downtown Transportation) shuttles can definitely be confusing at first glance because the official map shows the stops but does not clearly label the direction of travel. The good news: each loop consistently travels in one direction, so once you know the pattern, it’s easy to follow.

Below is a clear breakdown of how each DOT loop moves around downtown, along with simple guidance to help you understand the order of stops.

1. Forsyth Loop – Direction & Overview

The Forsyth Loop runs in a counterclockwise direction around its full route. This means the shuttle travels from the north end of Forsyth Park toward the east side first and then loops around toward the south and west.

Starts near Whitaker Street (west side of the park)
Goes south and loops around the bottom of Forsyth Park
Continues up Drayton Street on the east side
Returns north toward downtown before working its way back toward Whitaker

2. Downtown Loop – Direction & Overview

The Downtown Loop generally moves in a clockwise direction, circling the Historic District from west to east, then south to north.

Begins on the west side near City Market and MLK Jr. Blvd
Heads east toward the historic squares
Continues south down Abercorn
Loops back toward Congress, Broughton, and the City Market area

3. River Street Loop – Direction & Overview

The River Street Loop is slightly more linear because of the way River Street is structured, but where it loops, it does so in a counterclockwise direction.

Runs mostly east–west along River Street
Loops at the far east end near the Marriott/Trustees Garden area
Loops again at the west end near the Power Plant/Plant Riverside area

4. How to Know the Direction When You’re Standing at a Stop

Because the maps are simplified, the easiest way to confirm direction at any specific stop is this:

Look for the route number and the arrow decal on the DOT stop sign
Watch the bus approach and confirm the signage (they display “Forsyth Loop,” “Downtown Loop,” etc.)
Inside the bus, screens show upcoming stops in order—you can follow the loop visually

5. Helpful Tips for Using DOT

Services are free, so you can hop on/off to confirm direction if you’re unsure
During busy times, buses run more often, so even if you catch one going the “long way,” the ride is usually quick
If you are traveling from Forsyth Park to River Street, the Downtown Loop is your easiest connector

DOT shuttle direction

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