News

In the News
Posted on Nov 12 2021

CATCH THE COMET FOR FREE TO VOTE ON TUESDAY NOV. 16!

Runoff Elections include Columbia Mayoral Race, City Council At-Large   (November 12, 2021) 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 ...

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Posted on Nov 01 2021

DERRICK HUGGINS NAMED INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT THE COMET

(November 1, 2021) Columbia, SC –The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announced today that it has named Derrick Huggins as the Interim Executive Director after a unanimous vote from The COMET’s Board of Directors at their recent meeting. Huggins, who has served on the Board of Directors of ...

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Posted on Oct 22 2021

LIFELINE 31-DAY TRANSIT PASS NOW AVAILABLE TO LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS IN RICHLAND COUNTY

(October 22, 2021) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announced a new Richland County Lifeline Program which will provide transit passes for low-income residents. For those who need social services, health care, employment and quality of life opportunities, The COMET will offer 31-day bus passes ...

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Posted on Jul 20 2021

THE COMET AWARDED $2.9M GRANT FROM FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

(July 20, 2021) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) has been selected to receive $2,935,190 under Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Low or No Emission Vehicle Program for Fiscal Year 2021. The grant allows The COMET, which provides service in Richland and Lexington Counties, to purchase ...

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Posted on Jul 13 2021

PAMELA BYNOE-REED SELECTED FOR 2021 SC WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARD

(July 13, 2021) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) is proud to announce that Pamela Bynoe-Reed, the organization’s Director of Marketing & Community Affairs/PIO has been selected by Integrated Media Publishing as one of the 2021 SC Women in Business: Women to Watch. The prestigious ...

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Posted on May 17 2021

THE COMET PARTNERS WITH UBER, LYFT AND UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS TO HELP INCREASE TRANSPORTATION ACCESS TO COVID-19 VACCINES

(May 17, 2021) Columbia, SC –The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) is partnering with rideshare programs, Uber and Lyft, and the United Way of the Midlands to provide access to rides to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments in Richland and Lexington Counties as part of its Don’t Miss ...

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Posted on May 11 2021

COMET STAFF EARNS TOP CERTIFICATION IN TRANSIT MANAGEMENT

(May 11, 2021) Columbia, SC –The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announces that five staff members have successfully completed the Westgate Center for Leadership and Management Development Transit Paratransit Management Certificate Program. LeRoy DesChamps, Interim Executive Director; Rosalyn Andrews, Director of Finance/CFO; Dr. Arlene Prince, Director of Regulatory ...

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Posted on Apr 29 2021

THE COMET TO OFFER FREE COVID-19 VACCINES

(April 29, 2021) Columbia, SC –The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET), in partnership with Health Force, LLC, will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations beginning Monday, May 3. Vaccines are free to the public on a first come, first served basis at the COMET Central transit hub located at the ...

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Posted on Apr 23 2021

COMET BOARD CHAIR WON’T MISS HIS SHOT, ENCOURAGES THE COMMUNITY TO GET VACCINATED

(April 23, 2021) Columbia, SC – The Chairman of the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) Board of Directors was determined not to miss his shot! Derrick Huggins was anxiously awaiting his turn to receive his COVID-19 vaccination. Earlier today, Huggins rode one of The COMET’s fixed route buses ...

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Posted on Apr 09 2021

OVERTURE WALKER APPOINTED TO THE COMET BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(April 1, 2021) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announces the appointment, by Richland County, of Overture Walker to its Board of Directors. Overture Walker represents District 8, which runs from the northern portion of Forest Acres through Arcadia Lakes and Northeast Richland as far ...

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Posted on Mar 30 2021

THE COMET TO RESUME FARES APRIL 12, SODA CAP $1.00 TO RIDE

(March 30, 2021) Columbia, SC - Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announced today that beginning Monday, April 12, fares will resume for the fixed route buses and the DART paratransit services. The downtown connector, Soda Cap, will no longer be free to ride, but will be $1.00 for ...

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Posted on Mar 08 2021

THE COMET NAMES PAMELA BYNOE-REED, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, PIO

(March 8, 2021) Columbia, SC - Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) is pleased to announce the promotion of Pamela Bynoe-Reed to Director of Marketing & Community Affairs/Public Information Officer. She will report to John C. Andoh, Executive Director/CEO. Bynoe-Reed will be responsible for the strategic direction and execution ...

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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