News

Low- or No-Emission Program Funding Advances Sustainable Transit Solutions COLUMBIA, S.C. (December 9, 2025) – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) has been awarded $15,750,000 through the Federal Transit Administration's FY25-26 Low- or No-Emission Program, thanks to the efforts of Representative Jim Clyburn and Senator Lindsey Graham. The ...

Starting September 21, 2025, COMET is implementing system-wide schedule changes to improve service efficiency across all fixed routes. Updated timetables are available [HERE], and new maps and schedules will be posted on our website by September 19. Physical route booklets will be available at COMET Central and other locations shortly ...

Hydrogen and battery-electric buses enter service, advancing clean transit and regional sustainability Columbia, SC (April 22, 2025) – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) is proud to announce the official deployment of its new zero-emission buses into passenger service. Funded by a $2.9 million grant awarded by the Federal ...

(November 6, 2024) Columbia, SC – With the future of public transportation on the ballot in Richland County yesterday, the voice of the voters was heard. The COMET issues the following statement of gratitude to the residents of Richland County. “On behalf of The COMET staff, drivers, and the countless ...

A public hearing of the Penny Tax will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Richland County Administration Building at 2020 Hampton Street. The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. The public is invited to attend. The COMET is expected to receive 22% of the Penny ...

Honor commends organization’s excellence in handling and reporting all funding, including the Richland County Penny (November 1, 2023) Columbia, SC – Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The ...

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 ...

High honor commends excellence in handling and reporting all funding, including the Richland Penny (January 15, 2021) Columbia, SC – Government Finance Officers Association recently announced that Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority, South Carolina (The COMET), has received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The COMET accounting team, ...

Document details financial stewardship and fulfillment of commitment to the community. (November 25, 2020) Columbia, SC – The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) is pleased to present the release of their Vision:2020/COMPASS progress report, which provides the Board of Directors, the Central Midlands community and other key stakeholders ...

In August 2020, The COMET and Central Midlands Council of Governments launched Reimagine The COMET, a Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) and Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP). SRTP's and COAs are in-depth studies that analyze transit agency services. Reimagine The COMET will pinpoint the strengths and challenges in the current system ...

Recognition affirms The COMET’s responsible handling of Penny Tax and other funding (November 9, 2020) Columbia, SC – The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) for ...

(May 11, 2020) Columbia, SC – For two consecutive years, The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) has received commendation on its financial audits. The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Central Midlands ...