News

In the News
Posted on Aug 29 2023

COMET TO OFFER INCREASED SERVICE TO LOWER RICHLAND

(August 29, 2023) Columbia, SC – More transit service will soon be available to residents in the Lower Richland community. The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announced that Route 47 will change from a Reflex route to offering Fixed route service beginning Monday, September 25. Per policy, The ...

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Posted on Aug 17 2023

COMET + RATP DEV HELP RIDERS BEAT THE HEAT WITH POPULAR “HY-DRATE ME” CAMPAIGN

(August 17, 2023) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) and its prime contractor RATP Dev are helping the riding public cope with the Midlands’ famously hot summer by providing bottled water at its COMET Central hub every Friday in August. “In the spirit of serving ...

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Posted on Aug 08 2023

COMET BUS OPERATORS SHINE AT REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION COMPETITION

(August 8, 2023) Columbia, SC – Bus Operators of The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) scored big at the Lowcountry Regional Operator Roadeo recently held in North Charleston, SC.Philip Patterson, an accomplished veteran COMET bus operator of 45 years, won First Place in the Fixed Route 35-foot Bus ...

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Posted on Jul 05 2023

COMET PARTNERS WITH WLTX-19 TO LAUNCH HOW-TO-RIDE VIGNETTES WITH “PAWSITIVE” LOOK

(July 5, 2023) Columbia, SC – Stay tuned for a fun and family-friendly way to learn about transit and transportation in the Midlands. The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) has partnered with the local CBS affiliate to air vignettes during WLTX News 19 every Thursday during the 6 ...

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Posted on May 03 2023

COMET SWEEPS AWARDS AT STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION COMPETITION, ADVANCES TO NATIONALS

(May 3, 2023) Columbia, SC – Bus Operators and Maintenance staff of The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) scored in every category at the recent Transportation Association of South Carolina (TASC) Roadeo recently held in Columbia as part of the TASC annual meeting. First-place winners were Philip Patterson, ...

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Posted on Apr 04 2023

COMET ANNOUNCES EXPRESS ROUTE SERVICE CHANGES, EFFECTIVE MAY 7

(April 4, 2023) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announced that as of May 7, 2023, it would make service changes to Routes 93x and 44x. Route 93x, an express route from Newberry, will be discontinued in its present form due to low ridership. Some ...

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Posted on Feb 22 2023

APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE SPRING 2023 COMET ACADEMY

(February 22, 2023) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announced today that applications are now being accepted for The COMET Academy, a leadership development program for those interested in understanding how public transit works. The COMET hosts the program at no charge to attendees. Because ...

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Posted on Feb 15 2023

THE COMET FINANCIAL TEAM RECEIVES ANOTHER PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Honor commends 4th consecutive year of excellence in handling and reporting all funding, including the Richland Penny (February 15, 2023) Columbia, SC – Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has again awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Central Midlands Regional ...

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Posted on Jan 05 2023

COMET EXECS EARN TOP CERTIFICATION IN TRANSIT MANAGEMENT

(January 4, 2023) Columbia, SC –The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announces that two of its directors have successfully completed the Westgate Center for Leadership and Management Development Transit Paratransit Management Certificate Program. Jackie Bowers, Director of Operations and Pamela Bynoe-Reed, Director of Marketing & Community Affairs were ...

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Posted on Dec 07 2022

FREE COVID-19 VACCINES, GIFT CARDS ON DECEMBER 12 AT COMET HUB

(December 7, 2022) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) and its partners want to ensure that residents of the Midlands don’t miss their shot before the winter holidays. On Monday, December 12 from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., The COMET is hosting a special vaccine ...

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Posted on Nov 02 2022

CATCH THE COMET FOR FREE TO VOTE ON TUESDAY NOV. 8!

(November 2, 2022) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) wants to help riders exercise their right to vote. The COMET fixed route buses and DART services will be free for those going to vote in the Tuesday, November 8 elections. “We realize how important it ...

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Posted on Oct 21 2022

FREE COVID-19 VACCINES, GIFT CARDS ON OCTOBER 24 AT COMET HUB

(October 20, 2022) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) and its partners want to ensure that residents of the Midlands don’t miss their shot. On Monday, October 24 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., The COMET is hosting a special vaccine event through a partnership ...

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The COMET in the Community

Did you know The COMET hosts events at COMET Central throughout the year and attends various events in the community? We love to bring people together through the support of local community events. During these events, you can learn more about riding the COMET and even hop on a bus during one of our lounge experiences. Plus, we usually bring freebies, promo items and more. Check out our upcoming calendar!
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Read The COMET Newsletters

Stay up to date on everything happening at The COMET by subscribing to our online newsletter. You can also find printed newsletters on the buses or at COMET Central.
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The COMET Dont Miss Your Shot tri-fold brochure