In Celebration of Earth Day, The COMET Rolls Out New Zero-Emission Buses Funded by $2.9M Federal Grant
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 Transit Administration (FTA) in 2021, the project brings two battery-electric and two hydrogen fuel cell buses to The COMET’s fleet—marking a major milestone in clean transit for the Midlands.
The new vehicles are now in pilot service and will be fully integrated into daily routes starting in May 2025.
“This is a moment of celebration for our community and a major leap forward in sustainable transit,” said Allison Terracio, Chair of The COMET Board of Directors. “Our commitment to cleaner air, innovative transit solutions, and regional growth continues with the launch of these cutting-edge vehicles.”
A Clean, Forward-Thinking Investment
The COMET’s award under the FTA’s Low or No Emission Vehicle Program supports both vehicle acquisition and the necessary charging and fueling infrastructure. The investment reflects the agency’s long-term strategy to modernize public transportation while reducing emissions and improving service quality.
Technology on the Move
- Battery-Electric Buses (Xcelsior CHARGE NG™):
- Up to 254 miles per charge
- Features fast-charging capability and simplified maintenance
- Ideal for urban and high-frequency service routes
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses (Xcelsior CHARGE FC™):
- Up to 370 miles on a single refill
- Emission-free with only water vapor as a byproduct
- Quick refueling in under 20 minutes for maximum uptime
Combined, these vehicles are projected to eliminate up to 540 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually compared to traditional diesel buses.
Leadership Perspectives
“This is the result of four years of strategic planning and hard work by our team,” said Michelle Ransom, The COMET’s Grants and Regional Coordination Manager. “We’re thrilled to see our vision become reality and excited for passengers to experience these innovative new buses.”
“This deployment marks a significant achievement in our transition to a more sustainable fleet,” added Maurice Pearl, Executive Director/CEO of The COMET. “We thank the FTA for its continued partnership and look forward to expanding zero-emission mobility throughout the Midlands.”
The COMET’s Broader Impact
The COMET serves Richland and Lexington Counties with:
- 34 fixed routes, OnDemand/ReFlex service, UofSC Transit, and ADA transportation
- More than 1.8 million annual passenger trips
- Partnerships with Uber, Lyft, Enterprise, and Enterprise to support equitable access to transit
This rollout aligns with federal, state, and local climate goals, including emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and economic development through infrastructure investment.
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About The COMET: The COMET is a regional public transportation provider serving the Midlands of South Carolina with a commitment to innovation, equity, and sustainability. The COMET is a service of the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority and provides countywide public transit services on 47 fixed routes, ReFlex services, vanpool service for commuters, subsidy programs with Lyft and DART for transportation to grocery stores and at night, and ADA complementary paratransit service throughout Richland and portions of Lexington Counties. The COMET transports approximately 1.8 million passenger trips a year on a fleet of more than 90 buses, vans and trolleys. Transit services are provided under contract with RATP Dev USA, Inc., Enterprise Holdings, Lyft, and Uber. For additional The COMET information, please call (803) 255-7100, TDD/TTY: 711 through the relay service, email: [email protected] or visit www.catchthecometSC.GOV.
Catch The COMET…We Will Take You There!
